Hartley F L 2nd Lt 1st East Surrey Regiment
SECOND LIEUTENANT FREDERICK LYNN HARTLEY, East Surrey Regiment, was the son of Mrs. Hartley of Hampstead and a godson of the late Mrs. Lynn Linton. Born in 1885, he was educated at Merchant Taylors’ School, where he distinguished himself in mathematics and won his football colours. He went on the Stock Exchange in 1903 and became a member in 1909.
He enlisted in September 1914, in the 19th (St. Pancras) Battalion, London Regiment, and declined a commission when it was offered him, on the plea that he had no experience and preferred to serve with the men. He was promoted Sergeant before his battalion left England, first for France, early in 1916, and later for the Balkans.
In 1917 he came home to take a commission, and after a period with an O.T.C. at Berkhamsted, was gazetted in December to the 1st Battalion, Queen’s (Royal West Surrey) Regiment. He served in France with that regiment and was then transferred to the 3rd East Surreys.
It was at the end of the three days’ battle for Bapaume, on 23 August 1918, that he was killed, leading his men on their final objective. “He had established a magnificent reputation,” wrote his Colonel, “as a first-rate leader of men, and always showed the greatest cheerfulness under the most trying conditions.” A brother- officer in the Queen’s wrote: “No man could have wished for a more loyal and cheerful comrade. His courage and devotion to duty were proverbial, and he was loved by both officers and men, and none were more sorry to hear the news than the latter.”
Lieutenant Hartley married in June 1916, the younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Daffam of Valewood, Haslemere.
Source : The Stock Exchange War Memorial 1914-1918