FREDERICK GEORGE WILLCOCKS
1887 – 1947
Frederick was born at Blackaton Farm, Widecombe in 1887 to Peter Willcocks and Louisa Irish. Frederick had three older brothers John, Richard and William. He attended Widecombe School from 1893 until 1901.
His father, Peter, died in 1915 and the four brothers took over running the family farm.
Frederick, as the youngest son, failed when he applied for exemption from Armed Service in 1916 and he was “called to the Colours” and posted to 3rd/4th Battalion Devonshire Regiment. The need for casualty replacements meant that Frederick was transferred to Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry and posted to join the 1st/4th Battalion in Palestine.
Frederick saw action in 1917 when the Battalion took part in the 3rd battle and capture of Gaza. The Battalion remained in this Theatre of War until the Armistice was signed with Turkish forces in October 1918.
Frederick returned to Blackaton Farm, Widecombe, after demobilisation in 1919.
In 1922 he married Mary Elizabeth French and they had two children, Frederick Peter and Elfreda. By the late 1920’s, Frederick was living at Poundsgate.
Frederick George Willcocks died in 1947 aged 59.
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