AT POZIERES
Eric Floyd Hancock - 55th Battalion

Born in England , 20 year-old university student Eric Hancock enlisted in the 17th battalion on the 18th of September, 1915 . He listed is Father as next of kin.

Upon arriving in Egypt he transferred to the 55th battalion following which he was sick with the mumps.

In June 1916 he travelled to France onboard the Caledonian and was killed in action at Fromelles on July 20 at about 7am in the morning. Hancock was in an occupied German trench and was shot by a sniper during a German counter attack to retake the position he was helping to defend.

The below report was taken from the Dungog Chronicale, August 15, 1916 , interesting to note where it says they were killed.

Laurie, Yardy, Hancock, William 1916

Information has been communicated to us that Eric Hancock, whose parents live at Monkerai, but were formally of Dungog, was killed in action on July 20 th in France . A similar rumour was around a long time ago, but this time it seem to be substantiated by news coming at the same time of the death of Pte A Williams, son of WJ Williams, of Avon, Pte Yardy, and a son of Mr JE Laurie, of Gloucester, whose deaths are also reported as having also occurred on July 20 th . If the above news is correct, the districts around about are paying human tribute in this great time of sacrifice.

Eric was a fine young man who deserved the greatest admiration for what he has done. He was a successful student at school, and was at the outbreak of the war studying science at the University. He sacrificed his future and donned the uniform with the least reluctance. His parents and friends should be justly proud of his academic success, and the decision he made in regard to the war. We only hope and trust that he may be alive and well, and return to finish his successful University work. Later information is to the effect that the death of Alex Laurie is true. Alex was 22 years o age, and was the youngest of three brothers. A second brother is due to sail from Victoria for the front in a few days. He was a fine young man and very popular.

Pte Dick Yardy is well known in Dungog, but has been up Gloucester way for many years. He was 22 years of age, and the son of Mr Jack Yardy.

The four young men, Ptes E Hancock, A Laurie, R Yardy and A Williams are said to have been killed at Pozieres

Eric is commemorated on the memorial at VC Corner and his name is also featured on honour boards in Dungog and Monkerai.

Research Notes:

1) Eric's parents lived at Monkerai, Wards River , NSW but upon his enlistment Eric was living in Glebe, attending University.

2) Eric listed his occupation as a school teacher, perhaps what he was training to become.

3) Thankyou to Maureen Kingston for the newspaper clipping.

4) It appears Eric had a younger brother, Reginald Hancock, who also served with the 34th battalion.

5) Although officially listed as having been born in England, Eric was actually born in rural NSW. The error came about as Eric left his country of birth off his enlistment paper and given the town he was born near was named Durham the assumption must have been made by the clerk that he was born in England.

Photos:

1) Eric Floyd Hancock.

2) Eric Floyd Hancock, AWM photo P04280.020

3) Monkerai honour board in the School of Arts Hall.

4) Dungog honour board in the Dungog RSL.