Frank Buckle (or Buckell) was born on 24th July 1895 to James and Sarah Ann (née Green), in Aldworth, Wantage. In 1901 the family was living at Starveall near Aldworth. Frank had five older brothers and a younger sister.

By 1911 the family had moved to Forest Road, and Frank was working as a cowman on a farm. In October the following year Frank enlisted at Southampton in the Royal Marine Light Infantry. He was 5'6" with a fresh complexion, grey eyes and brown hair. His surname was given as Buckell, and his military records and medals are under this name, although his bronze memorial plaque has Buckle. Frank was initially stationed in the Chatham Division, and went on to serve on HMS Lowestoft from 2nd April 1914 until 22nd July 1915, with a brief three week spell on HMS Pembroke from 4th August 1914.

Frank rejoined the Chatham Battalion on 23rd July 1915. He was serving in the Dardenelles (Gallipoli) when he was invalided back to the UK on 18th September 1915. Four days after arriving in the UK he died of enteric and diptheria on 30th September 1915 at the Royal Navy Haslar Hospital. He rests at the Haslar Royal Naval Cemetery. His younger sister, Florence, was named as his next of kin.