Private Frank Harrison was born in Nottingham and enlisted into the 2nd Battalion, Derbyshire Regiment. Frank served with “A” Company in India, taking part in the campaign in the Tirah in 1897-98.   

In 1899 the 2nd Battalion was posted to Malta, and it was at this time that Frank was posted to the 1st Battalion, who were about to leave Malta for the Boer War in South Africa. This led Frank to also serve in the Boer War (1899- 1902).