Name
William Thomas Pocock (DCM)
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
06/10/1917
23
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
9929
Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry (11)
1st Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 (Mons) Star, British War and Victory Medals
Distinguished Conduct Medal
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
GODEWAERSVELDE BRITISH CEMETERY
Plot I, Row L, Grave 43.
France
UK & Other Memorials
St Mary's Parish Church Memorial, Watford
Pre War
Son of Mary Martha (nee POCOCK) POCOCK of Watford, and the late Charles Thomas POCOCK.
His parents married 1893 in the Watford district. Charles possibly died 1930 in the East Preston, Sussex, district aged 56; Mary died 1963 in the St Alban’s, Herts, district aged 93.
William was born 5 June 1894 in Watford, and baptised 24 October 1894 at St Mary’s, Watford. He attended first Victoria Infants’ School, Watford; then Beechen Grove Board School, Watford, from 7 January 1901 to 16 April 1902, and again from 9 April 1906 to 2 June 1908. He resided in Watford.
On the 1901 Census, aged 6 he lived in Watford, with his parents and two siblings. On the 1911 Census, aged 16 he still lived in Watford, with his parents and six siblings.
Wartime Service
He enlisted in London; was entitled to the Victory, British War and 1914 Star medals, his qualifying date being 21 August 1914, and died of wounds received in action.
Additional Information
Unfortunately, William’s Service Record appears to be one that did not survive the World War Two bombing.
There is an article about William in the West Herts and Watford Observer dated 1 April 1916.
Acknowledgments
Sue Carter (Research) and Watford Museum (ROH on line via www.ourwatfordhistory.org.uk)
