Fred was the son of Fred and Elizabeth Ann Saltmarsh of Church View, Staindrop. He had a younger brother called Thomas, who was as also killed in the War (see separate entry on the database) and a sister called Annie. He and his father and brother were miners. He was the husband of Gertrude Sams (formerly Hartley) of Vane Terrace, Cockfield. She was a munitions worker. They were married in June 1917 in Staindrop Church while Fred was on leave. Fred and Thomas were the great uncles of Edward and Geoff Rawlinson, Shirley McGonagle (nee Kellett), Peter Kellett and Brian Kellett , who were all grandchildren of their sister, Annie. Fred and Thomas were the great uncles of Edward and Geoff Rawlinson, Shirley McGonagle (nee Kellett), Peter Kellett and Brian Kellett, who were all grandchildren of Annie, sister of Fred and Thomas.

He served in the 13^th Battalion Durham Light Infantry and was awarded the Military Medal in October 1917. Fred died of wounds received in action on 18^th October, 1917 aged 26 and is buried at Doingt in France. The Teesdale Mercury of 7^th November, 1917 reported: ‘Sergt. F. Saltmarsh, D.L.l. of Staindrop has been awarded the Military Medal. He was wounded by shell fire in the neck during a counter-attack, inspired his platoon with confidence, and brought them out safely.’  

Teesdale Mercury 7 November 1917: Local And Other Notes

Date of death on the Roll of Honour entry has been changed to 1918 to agree with CWGC and Ancestry information.