Private Frederick George Huxley (1886-1943) was born at Wickhamford, the seventh of eight children of Edmund and Mary Huxley; his family had moved to Wickhamford in about 1884. By the time his youngest sister, Rose Ellen, was baptized at Wickhamford in October 1890, his parents had separated as the baptismal register said, “married woman living apart from her husband”. At the time of the 1891 census, Frederick was living with four of his siblings, his mother and her new partner, 22-year-old Richard Hardiman, in a cottage near the Manor House. Two half-brothers, Richard Hardiman Huxley and Albert Huxley, both of whom served in the Great War (the latter losing his life and who is listed on the Badsey war memorial), were born in 1892 and 1896 respectively.
In 1901, Frederick was living in Pershore and in 1911 he was living with his family at 1 Bowers Hill Cottages, Badsey, working as a market gardener’s labourer. Frederick’s last pre-enlistment employment was as a labourer in Wickhamford, working for Steven Styles. He was living at that time in Fleece Yard, Evesham. Frederick enlisted in the 13th Gloucestershire Regiment (No 19398) on 8th March 1915. On enlistment he stated that his next of kin was his father, ‘Edward’ Huxley, but that his whereabouts were unknown. He went to France on 3rd March 1916 and was wounded in the left knee on 30th June that year. Sent home for treatment, he returned to France on 26th October 1916. In November 1917 we was wounded again, this time in the leg and hand and was sent back to England on the 16th November. He was discharged from the Army on 17th August 1918. In addition to his two half-brothers who enlisted, his brother, James Huxley, also joined up.
After discharge from the Army Frederick was living in Drakes Broughton and received the British War and Victory medals.