Appeal to find family of WW1 soldier after medal is found in cupboard

Police are appealing to return a Military Medal to the family of a fallen soldier, on the day of the 100 year anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.

The medal, which was found in a cupboard at South Yorkshire Police HQ, was awarded posthumously to Sergeant Francis Bark from Calver, Derbyshire, who was the only son of John and Margaret Bark from Fareham in Hampshire.

Francis and his family moved to Curbar, Derbyshire at some point during 1911 - 1916. Francis had worked as a woodman before joining Sheffield Police, which possibly explains why police have the medal. He was later enlisted to fight in the First World War with the 8th Battalion (Notts and Derby Regiment, The Sherwood Foresters).

It is thought Francis was injured on 27 April in 1918 and lost his life just days later on 2 May aged 26. His body was buried in Pernes British Cemetery in Pas de Calais.

Francis received the Military Medal, for acts of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire, posthumously.

If anyone has any information or has any links to Francis email engagement@southyorks.pnn.police.uk.