Frank M. Coombs

Rifleman, London Regiment (London Rifle Brigade)

Frank M. Coombs was a student at Alleyn's until 1909. After the outbreak of war in August 1914, he joined the war effort as part of the London Regiment (London Rifle Brigade) and served overseas in France. Frank was a part of the Lewis Machine Gun Section of his battalion and played a vital role in supporting the infantry and checking the enemy in battle. In 1916, Frank was involved in the Battle of the Somme and was killed on the first day of battle on July 1^st 1916. His brother, Leslie H. Coombs, also took part in the action and later died of the wounds he received on July 12^th 1916. Frank is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme.