Pte 23025 Henry Irving Hancock

• Age: 20
• From: Liverpool
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 20th Btn
• K.I.A Friday 29th December 1916
• Commemorated at: Berles Position Military Cemetery
  Panel Ref: C.1

Harry Irving Hancock was born on 11th December, 1896 the youngest son of John Robert Hancock and his wife Hannah (nee Irving). He was baptised on 18th March 1897 at St Peter's Church in Liverpool. His father was originally from Bebington whilst his mother was from Carlisle. He had two older siblings Douglas Gordon and Alice Maud Victoria.

The 1901 Census shows the family living at 9 Odsey Street, Edge Hill. By 1911 the family are still living at Odsey Street where Henry aged 14 is shown as a messenger. His Mother's status is shown as a Widow. 

His father died aged just 34 in the March quarter of 1906.

By 1911 the family are still living at Odsey Street where Henry (Harry Irving) is aged 14. 

Harry enlisted on the 10th November 1914 joining the 20th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 23025. He gave his age as 19, however at this time he was actually only 17 and didnt turn 18 until the following month. He is described as being 5'7, weighed 121lbs, had grey eyes and light brown hair. His occupation is shown as a Hotel Assistant. 

Formed in November 1914 the 20^th Battalion were originally billeted at Tournament Hall, Knotty Ash before on 29^th January 1915 they moved to the hutted accommodation purposely built at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 20th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. He arrived in France on 7^th November 1915.

He served in France from his arrival until he was killed in action on 29th December 1916 just weeks after his 20th birthday. He had received medical treatment for Jaundice between 25/03 - 14/05/1916 and had only just attended Lewis Gun school in the days prior to his death.It appears that his death was reported to his mother by the Chaplin prior to any official notification from the Army. A telegram was sent to Fulwood Barracks, Preston on 08/01/1917 asking for confirmation.

His medals were sent to his mother at 8 Cotswold Street, Kensington, Liverpool.

Harry now rests at Berles Position Military Cemetery

The village of Berles-au-Bois remained in British hands from the summer of 1915, when it was taken over from French troops, until the end of the War; but it suffered at times from severe shelling.

The village was later "adopted" by the County Borough of Wolverhampton.

Berles Position Military Cemetery was begun by the 46th (North Midland) Division in July, 1916, and used (largely by the same Division) until February, 1917. It lies in a long dip; and it was known also as The Ravine Cemetery and as Nobs Walk Cemetery.

There are now over 50, 1914-18 war casualties commemorated in this site. Of these, a small number are unidentified.

The cemetery covers an area of 379 square metres and is enclosed by a low rubble wall.

His death was reported in the Liverpool Echo on 15th January 1917

KILLED IN ACTION

HANCOCK - December 29, killed in action, Private Harry I. Hancock, K.L.R., the dearly loved son of Hannah Hancock and the late John R. Hancock.

Gone is the face we loved so dear,

Silent is the voice we were longing to hear.

Also in the Liverpool Echo on 16th January 1917

KILLED IN ACTION

Private Harry Hancock (20), King's Liverpool Regiment, was killed in action on December 29, 1916. He was employed for four years with Messrs. Hartley and Co Ltd, London Road. Previously to joining the Army he took an active part in The Boy Scouts. He was highly respected in the neighbourhood, and leaves a widowed mother who lives at 8 Cotswold Street, Holt Road, Liverpool.

Harry's family placed a thank you in the Liverpool Echo on 24th January 1917

CONdOLENCE

HANCOCK - Mrs Hancock and Family desire to thank their many friends and neighbours for their letters of loving sympathy in their sad bereavement. - 8 Cotswold Street, Holt Road.

His older brother Douglas Gordon has a pension record, he attested 03rd November 1915, aged 25, a bar tender, as Private D.G. Hancock #31570 22/KLR Res. Btn. He gave his address 8 Cotswold St, where his mother lived. It would appear that he did not serve overseas as no medals were issued.

Harry's family placed a notice in the Liverpool Echo on his birthday, 11th December 1917: 

 

“In loving remembrance of my dear son’s 21st birthday, Private H. I. Hancock, K.L.R., who fell in action December 29, 1916, aged 20 years.

     Gone is the face we loved so dear,

     Silent is the voice we longed to hear.

     From his sorrowing Mother, Douglas, and Maud. 

His family also placed an In Memoriam notice in the Liverpool Echo on 29th December 1917:

“In loving memory of Private H. I. Hancock, who fell in action, December 29, 1916, aged 20 years and was buried in France.

      The fairest flowers are first to fall, 

      A son and brother true and brave;

     The dearest, fondest, and best of all, 

     Has found a hero’s grave.

From his sorrowing Mother, Douglas, Tommy, and Maud.”

Soldiers Effects and Pension to mother Hannah

Harry is also commemorated on the Memorial at St Cyprian's C. of E. Church, Edge-Hill, Liverpool.

We currently have no further information on Henry Irving Hancock. If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.