Memorials & Monuments
on the Isle of Wight
- Biography -
- Frank Henry Draper and Charles Gilbert Draper -

ISLE OF WIGHT MERCURY

Friday, September 1, 1916 Page 1

A contemporary announces that Mr. Martin Draper, of Ventnor, has lost his youngest son at the front. Among those in the recently-published lists of wounded is the name of Private W.R. Dore, son of Mr. and Mrs. Dore, Upper Ventnor. Private Dore is in the Royal Surrey Regiment. We have received field service cards from Private W. Boynton and Sergeant R.G. Moses, both of Ventnor, stating they are safe and well.

Page 4

Ventnor Man Killed in Action.
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We regret to hear that Sapper Charles Gilbert Draper, of Ventnor, was killed in action on August 18th. He was 26 years of age and was the youngest son of Mr. Martin Draper, who is a member of the Ventnor Tribunal. Sapper Draper, before enlisting in the 24th Division Royal Engineers, was in the employ of Mr. T. Brading and was a well-known Ventnor man, he joined up on the out-break of war, and was first engaged in fighting on May 19th, 1915. Last Christmas he had leave and spent it at home. He was a former secretary of the Wesleyan Sunday School. At the Wesleyan Church on Sunday morning Mr. Meredith, who conducted the service, made touching allusion to his death and at the same day's meeting of the Brotherhood a vote of condolence was passed with the family. The news of his death was conveyed to his parents in a letter from Sapper Wainwright, deceased's chum, who wrote: "Dear Mr. Draper, - I expect that by the time you receive this you will have heard that your son Charlie has been killed. He was taking part in an attack on the 18th, and I sincerely hope it will comfort you to know that he died like a hero. Once before that day he had been buried by a big shell along with some more of the boys. He would not let anyone help him until the others had been dug out. Your son was respected and loved by all who knew him, and we take this opportunity of sending you our deepest sympathy in your sad loss." Lieut. Edward R. Foster, 61st Field Co., also wrote sympathetically: "Your son has been one of the brave Britons who have sacrificed everything for a principle. He was popular with everyone he came in contact with, and we all miss him - both as a fine soldier and as a fine man."

Isle of Wight Mercury

Friday, October 4, 1918

Mr. Martin Draper, of Ventnor has received news that his eldest son, Sapper Frank Draper, R.E., who was reported missing on March 22nd, has died and is buried in the enemy's country. Before enlisting he worked at Basingstoke. Mr. Draper will receive the greatest condolence in this further bereavement. His youngest son [Charles] was killed in action at Delville Wood two years ago. At the meeting of the P.S.A. Brotherhood on Sunday a sincerely expressed vote of condolence was passed to Mr. Draper.