Private Frederick Oram
Frederick Oram was born in Eastbourne, Sussex in 1882.
When a young man he enlisted in the Royal West Sussex Regiment. He left the regiment after his twelve years of service expired.
On 6 April 1909 he enlisted in the North Irish Horse (No.352). At the expiration of his four years' service, 5 April 1913, he did not renew his service. His conduct record was marked as 'very good'.
Oram returned to the UK. By 1911 he was living at 42 Vernon Terrace, Northampton, and working as a musician. At some point after this married Annie Ward of Edinburgh. Their child Mary Ann was born at Leith on 16 November 1917.
Oram enlisted in the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, at Romford on 18 October 1915 (No.4189). He gave his address as 64 Plum Lane, Plumstead, and his profession as musician.
On 16 March 1917 he was transferred to the Royal West Kent Regiment (No. G/26853) and the same day embarked for India, where he was posted to the 1/5th Battalion. On 5 December 1917 he embarked with his battalion for Mesopotamia, where he served until he returned to the UK in June 1918.
Oram was transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve, on 13 February 1919.