The accident that resulted in Frederick's death occurred in his office when he went to inspect an acetylene lamp that wasn't working properly. It exploded in his face inflicting fatal injuries.
Teesdale Mercury-17/01/1917: In memoriam
Son of Frederick and Mary Wellman of 10 Hove Street, Brighton.
Frederick had been attached to the military for many years before the war, being listed as resident in the Brompton Barracks, Gillingham, on the 1901 Census. He was on the staff of the Barracks in Barnard Castle at the outbreak of war and was well known in the town. He left to serve abroad in mid-1915.
Teesdale Mercury-06/10/1915: Local and other notes: Left for active duty
Teesdale Mercury 19.01.1916 - Page 5: Column 1
Letter to the widow of Serg. Wellman, 3 Coronation Street, Barnard Castle, regarding his death