Frederick Ellingham
Early Life
Frederick George Ellingham was born on February 3, 1897, in Rye, New York, the son of Frederick Holney Ellingham and Grace Bouton. He was a lifelong resident of Rye, growing up in a family with deep local roots and long-standing ties to the community.
At the turn of the twentieth century, Rye included both long-established families and working residents connected to local institutions and nearby New York City. Ellingham’s early life was shaped by this environment, and he remained closely tied to the town throughout his life.
World War I Service
Ellingham enlisted in the United States Navy on May 26, 1917, at the New York Recruiting Station.
He trained at the Naval Training Station, Newport, Rhode Island, one of the Navy’s principal training facilities during World War I, where recruits were prepared for technical and shipboard service.
Ellingham served as a fireman, a critical engineering role responsible for operating and maintaining boilers and propulsion systems that powered naval vessels. During the war, he was assigned to several ships, including the USS Nevada (BB-36), USS Rhode Island (BB-17), USS Alabama (BB-8), and later the destroyer USS Bailey (DD-269).
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These vessels operated primarily in the North Atlantic as part of the Navy’s wartime mission to secure sea lanes and protect Allied shipping from German submarine attack. Battleships such as the Nevada, Rhode Island, and Alabama formed part of the Atlantic Fleet’s deterrent and escort presence, while destroyers like the Bailey were actively engaged in convoy escort and anti-submarine patrol operations, which were vital to sustaining the transatlantic flow of troops and supplies.
Through this service, Ellingham contributed to the broader naval effort supporting the American Expeditionary Forces, ensuring that American forces could be transported and supplied in Europe. He advanced to the rating of Fireman First Class and served throughout the duration of the war.
He was honorably discharged on December 4, 1919.
Life After Service
Following his military service, Ellingham returned to Rye, where he became a member of the Rye Police Department, serving his community in a law enforcement capacity.
After his police service, he worked for fifteen years at the Rye National Bank and was later employed at the Shenorock Shore Club, maintaining steady ties to local institutions and businesses.
Ellingham was a lifelong member of Christ’s Church in Rye and was active in the Rye Police Benevolent Association as well as Harrison Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons.
Frederick George Ellingham died on October 25, 1970, at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, New York, at the age of 73.
At the time of his death, he was survived by his daughters, Mrs. Newton Africa and Mrs. Eugene Serocki; his sons, Donald B. Ellingham and Specialist Fifth Class Livingston P. Ellingham, serving in Vietnam; and several grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Marie Louise Engelke Ellingham, who died in 1950, and by his son, Frederick George Ellingham Jr., who died during World War II.
Funeral services were held at Christ’s Church in Rye, and he was buried at Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, New York.
Record Commentary: Excellent naval record with strong multi-ship service narrative and clear explanation of fireman duties. Atlantic convoy and anti-submarine operations are well contextualized, providing strong operational depth despite absence of named campaigns.
Tier Rating: A+