Oliver Francis Rands
- Born: 1895, Dunston St James, Northants
- Died: 3 May 1917 aged 22
- Buried: 1917, Bay 3, Arras Memorial, France
Notes:
1901 Census (age 6) living with parents and siblings at 3 Holyrood Road, Dunston St James, Northants. Also 3 servants (Governess, Cook and Housekeeper).
1911 Census; Not pulled; is at Oundle, aged 16.
From Wendy; Northampton Gazette 23 June 1917. Picture of George and Oliver with caption 'Pte. O.F. Rands with his brother, Lieut. George St John Rands, who is with the Northamptons in Palestine'. Article reads; "Regret will be felt among a large circle of friends at the news that Pte. Oliver Francis Rands, of 'Field Head', Dallington Avenue, Northampton, has been missing since May 3rd. He is 22 years of age, and was educated at Oundle School and the Royal School of Mines. He was a member of the O.T.C. at Oundle, joined the Public Schools Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers in October 1914, and has served in France during the winters of 1915 and 1916. His father would be glad of any news which comrades of the missing soldier may be able to give him".
Wendy H founds his death record on War Graves website. Details are;
Private, 8th Btn Royal Fusiliers, age 22, No PS/3177. Son of George William and Margaret Rands, of "Field Head", Dallington Avenue, Northampton. Educated at Oundle School, and Royal School of Mines.
Old Oundelians; Oliver Francis Rands was the second son of Mr and Mrs GW Rands, Solicitor, of Northampton. He was born at Northampton on March 22, 1895. and was at school for a time at Stancliffe Hall, Matlock. Coming to Oundle in September 1909 he entered Laxton House. Leaving in 1913 he went to the Royal School of Mines (Imperial College), London and had completed two terms there when the war broke out. Joining the 21st (University and Public Schools) Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers in October 1914, he went to France with his Battalion in 1916. Later he was transferred to the 8th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers. He fought in the battle of Monchy-le-Preux on May 3, 1917 when he was reported missing. His death has since been presumed to have occurred on that date.
Oundle School Archives;
Laxton House 1910 Cricket Board, OF had average of 3.1, oh dear!
School Magazine 1911; Speech Day Prizes; Form Prizes'; Vb ; O.F.Rands
School Magazine 1912; O.F. Rands in the Junior 4's for rowing.
From Wendy H; The Times 4 May 1926; RANDS In loving memory of OLIVER FRANCIS RANDS, aged 22, son of George W and Margaret Rands of Dallington-Avenue, Northampton, reported missing after action at Monchy-le-Preux, 3rd May 1917.
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