Frederick John Shemmings was born in Woodbridge on 5th December 1887, the eldest surviving son of David and Mary. Before the war started, Frederick was working as a carter, delivering coal to the surrounding area.

He enlisted with the 4th Suffolks in 1915 and was posted to France on 27th October that year. Frederick remained with them throughout the war, serving in many actions including Neuve Chappelle, Aubers, Festubert and Loos in 1915, the Battle of the Somme throughout 1916, The Arras Offensive and the Third Battle of Ypres in 1917. On 2nd November 1917, it was reported that Frederick had been wounded, probably while the 4th Suffolks were providing men for work parties near Ypres in the preceding month.During 1918, Frederick was at the Battle of the Lys and the Battles of the Hindenburg Line.

On 10th March 1919, Frederick was discharged from the services and, around the same time, married Bertha Harvey. They had four children, two sons and two daughters. In 1939, the family were living in the School House, Melton, and Frederick’s occupation was a coal and corn carter. He died on 19th February 1944 aged fifty-six.   Frederick is buried atMelton Old Church along with his wife and other family members.

For his war service, Frederick received the 1914-15 Star and the British War and Victory Medals.