Frank James Hawkins MC born April 1, 1883, Wiveliscombe, Somerset – Position: Flanker

Frank Hawkins played for Canton for 2 seasons, from 1903-05 whereupon he moved to Pontypridd RFC for season 1905-06.

Somerset RFU selected Frank for their match against the Springboks who were on their inaugural tour of the UK & France (1906-07). The match was played at Taunton on October 20 1906; South Africa won the match 14 pts to nil.

Frank was a police officer serving in the Glamorgan Constabulary up until 1908, when he married and became landlord of his father-in-law’s public house.

In 1912, Frank won his 2 international caps for Wales, the first against Ireland in Belfast on March 9, 1912 (lost 12 pts to 5 pts). The second was against France at Rodney Parade, Newport on March 23, 1912 (won 14 pts to 8 pts).

Frank skippered and continued to play for Pontypridd until the outbreak of war in 1914, whereupon all fixtures were suspended and then enlisted in the British Army - 14th Battalion of the Welsh Regiment.

Mametz Wood

On July 10, 1916, Second-Lieutenant Hawkins was involved in an action in which he sustained critical injuries whilst capturing a German machine gun position. (Download newspaper report 'Mametz Wood' below).

For this selfless action, Second-Lieutenant Hawkins was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry and was decorated by King George V at Buckingham Palace in 1917.

Further information is available on the Pontypridd RFC website:-

http://www.ponty.net/hall-of-fame/hawkins-frank/

http://archive-ponty-net.fonio.cz/hawkins-frank