9096 Private Frank Joseph Keown attested at 20 years of age with the 3rd Bn CEF, on 22 September 1914 at Valcartier.

He resided in Coburg, Ontario and listed his next of kin as his father, Frederick Keown of 177 Niagara St, Buffalo, USA. He was born in Coburg, Canada, on 2 September 1892, and listed his occupation as “bell boy” (or hallman).

Keown was not married. He stood 5′ 8 1/2″, 150lbs with a dark complexion, brown eyes and dark hair. Dr. Haywood signed off his forms as the battalion medical officer, and Captain Leonard Septimus Morrison witnessed his signing. He did not have any previous military service and was recruited through the Queen’s Own Rifles. He was assigned to Number 1 Company under Captain William Donald Allan.

He endured the hardships of training on Salisbury Plain in the UK between October 1914 and early February 1915. On 14 November 1914, he was “deprived” of one day’s pay for being “absent” at Camp Bustard.

He went to France with the 1st Canadian Division, spending time training with the “Imperials” near the border between France and Belgium in February and March 1915. Pte Keown also managed to survive the gas attacks and the enemy onslaught of April 1915 around Ypres and St Julien.

On 25 October 1915, he was granted 7 days’ leave. The notation in the battalion War Diary says “QM and 17 OR went on leave.”

Soon after his return, he was identified as a “grenadier” and was sent to “Bombing School,” otherwise known as “Grenade School.” He rejoined the 3rd on 29 November 1915.

The next notation in Pte Keown’s service file is on 25 December 1915, “killed by a bullet in the head.” He was 23 years of age.

COOKERS FARM (N34 b 9.4.)
December 24, 1915
Location: (ditto) In Trenches
Moved to relieve 2nd Battalion.
6:30pm Relief complete, H.Q. at COOKERS FARM (N34 b 9.4.) B Coy on left, connecting with the 6th Brigade 2nd Canadian division. A Coy in the centre, C Coy on right connecting with 4th Battalion. D Coy in battalion reserve at R.E. FARM (N35 d 8.5).

December 25, 1915 –Christmas
Location: In Trenches
Germans attempted to makes friends but gave up after several of them were shot. CPL. NASH, B Coy. and PTE. KEOWN, A Coy both shot through head and killed. Quiet day. H.Q. moved to R.E. Farm (N35 d 8.5) at night. Weather fair.

Private Keown is buried in Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery, grave reference: I. E. 14.