Additions will be checked before being published on the website and where possible will be forwarded to the person who submitted the original entries. Your contact details will not be forwarded, but they can send a reply via this messaging system.please scroll down to send a message
253137 L/Cpl. William Thomas Hancocks British Army 16th Battalion Machine Gun Corps from:85 Jodrell Street, Nuneaton (d.21st March 1918) In Memory of Lance Corporal William Thomas Hancocks,16th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps, previously Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Killed in action WW1 (1914-18) Battlefields of the Somme on 21st March 1918, Aged 20.
William Hancocks joined the Army at 16 years of age and fought bravely from the outset of WW1 in 1914 until he was killed in action a few months before WW1 ended.
A letter from the Battlefield in the Somme (France) dated 18th April 1918 written by Captain W.T. Hale to Joseph Hancocks (William's father) reads:
18th of April 1918
Dear Mr. Hancocks,
I am writing to tell you about your son Lance Corporal Hancocks. It is a story that has touched us all, and I feel proud to think I had the privilege of having your son in my Company.
During enemy attack, by skilfully handling his gun, Lance Corporal Hancocks inflicted very heavy casualties on the German troops and continued to fire his weapon to the last. By his magnificent behaviour he saved several of his comrade's lives, that is those who could rally together while the enemy was being repelled by your son.
I ask you to accept the deepest sympathy of all those who knew him.
His fine example has inspired us all to further efforts.
Believe me, Yours truly
Signed W.T. Hale Captain
|
|