20626 Private Francis Joseph Hettish
8th(Service)Battalion
Devonshire Regiment
1st July 1916
Born in Exeter Devon in 1884 as Francis Joseph Baker.
His parents were Gordon Hettish(27/03/1859-1954) and
Emma Baker(1856-13/06/1914).They married in 1885.
In the 1901 census the family were recorded as living at
2 Catherine Street, Exeter, Devon. Gordon was working as a watchmaker and Francis as a billard marker.
In the 1911 census, Francis had left home and was living at Musgrave House Alley, High Street Exeter, whilst still working as a billard marker.
He enlisted in Exeter and was killed in action on 01/07/1916.
He was awarded the 1914-1918 British War and
Allied Victory medals. These were returned at a later date.
Western Times - Monday 24 July 1916
"Hettish - July 1st, Killed in action. Private Francis Joseph,8th Devons, the beloved and only son of G.Hettish late of 3 Iron Bridge."
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Western Morning News – Tuesday 25 July 1916
Pte Joe Hettish, killed in action, was a well-known Exeter billiards player.
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Gordon Hettish re-married in 1919 to
Florence Annette Greed(29/11/1863-1940).
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