John William Woodcock
Date of birth: 27.12.1894
Date of death: 18.9.1918
Area: Crofton
Regiment: King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
Family information: Husband of Emma Woodcock nee Cooper
Rank: Private
Service number: 53430
War Service
John William Woodcock appears in the KOYLI casualty lists as 53430 Private J W Woodcock, 9th Battalion, KOYLI, born Crofton, Yorkshire, enlisted at Wakefield and died of wounds in France/Flanders 18th September 1918.
The Wakefield Express of 20th September 1919 in the “Roll of Honour” has two entries. The first says:
“In loving memory of our dear son and brother Private J W Woodcock who died in Germany 18th September 1918.
“Sleep on dear son and brother in a foreign grave,
Your life for your country you nobly gave.
No one stood near you to say good-bye
But safe in God’s keeping now you lie.
When last we saw your smiling face
He looked so strong and brave,
We little thought how soon he’d
Be laid in a soldier’s grave”
From Father, Mother, brothers and sisters
The second entry reads:
“In loving memory of our dear brother Private J W Woodcock KOYLI who died a prisoner of war in Germany on 18th September 1918
“Duty called and he was there
To do his best and take his share.
His heart was good, his spirit brave.
He’s resting now in a soldier’s grave.”
From his sister and brother-in-law Sarah Ann and Arthur Copley.”
He is remembered on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial.
Family Life
John William was born on 27th December 1894 and baptised at Crofton on 20th January 1895. His parents are given as Herbert (a miner) and Annie. John was married on Christmas Day 1915 to Emma Cooper. He was 20 and she was 18. He is described as a miner and their address is given as 19, Fifth Street, New Crofton. They were married by Rev’d Henry Brownrigg and their witnesses were Walter and Sarah Ann Woodcock. Mr Len Woodcock of 7, Meadowfields Road was the youngest brother of John William. He said that John had a son. Mr Woodcock has since died.
Vis-en-Artois Memorial
