Error
  • JUser: :_load: Unable to load user with ID: 191

Local ww1 soldier's diary discovered

on 06 February 2015.

warmemorialvockins

Attention all Vockins - Are you related to WW1 soldier Pte F. C. Vockins?

Townsite has been contacted by a reader who is in possession of a transcript from the May-July 1915 diary kept by WW1 soldier Pte V. C. Vockins of the Royal Canadian Dragoons. Pte Vockins name appears on the Hungerford War Memorial and it is thought that families with that name are still resident in the area. Below is a brief excerpt from these fascinating documents which record the events of May and June 1915 from the front line British trenches in France.

24th May:  Arrived Fortubert, occupy reserve trench at 2am.

25th May:  Saw Coldstream Guards splendid charge up a hill. Great sight. We move up to the front line of trenches.R.C.D. A squad charge and take port trench. Germans holding out on flank for a few minutes.Then I swept off the ‘boys’, cleared them all out. Built parapet of dead German bodies, an awful sight.

26th May:  Very hot, 28 snipers taken, 1 fort and machine gun taken. ‘Stand to’ leave trench 12 o’clock midnight, arrive Locon 4am.

27th May:  Colonel’s congratulations. Trench we left blown up by mines an hour after we left.

Having survived battles, sniper fire, bombing and trench warfare, Pte Vockins sadly lost his life to a burst appendix after being sent home for treatment. If you think you might be related to Pte Vockins and would like these documents for your family archives, please contact us.

You can read the journal extracts here, opens in a new window

vockins war memorial

FC Vockins listen on the memorial with three other Vockins

The Crofton Beam Engines
These are two magnificent pieces of industrial archaeology that will appeal to both families and steam enthusiasts.

Highclere Castle visitor information
World famous from its starring role in the smash hit drama series Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle’s future is secure thanks to the scores of visitors who have flocked to witness its imposing façade first hand.

The ultimate lifetime trip: Canada
Canada is a country of immense beauty and diversity. A destination that is best enjoyed over a few weeks, you can experience spectacular wildlife and stunning scenery whilst taking in historic towns natural parks and deluxe resorts

No excuse not to keep fit this winter
Do you find that the winter shroud of darkness just makes you retreat to the warmth and comfort of your home

What I learnt from travelling the world
Stepping out on your own after a lifetime in education is both a daunting and exciting step for many students taking a break from academia to explore the big wide world.

No ordinary school run… in the MINI Cooper 5 Door Hatch
Raising children is a constant merry-go-round of getting people to the right places at the right time with all the required paraphernalia: school bag, check, lunch box, check, homework, check.

MINI Cooper S weekender: Escape to iconic Bath
Stepping inside the new MINI Cooper S Convertible from Dick Lovett MINI in Hungerford is like opening the door to a new dimension of driving, past the mundanity of necessity and firmly into the realms of pure, unadulterated fun.

The Fairy Godmother of travel
As Fare Wise Travel celebrate 25 years in business, we meet with MD Veronica Bailey to find out the secret behind their success.

A brand new local jobs board
Hungerford TOWNSITE™ is well established as a conduit for local people featuring news, events, attractions and special offers and NOW we've added a LOCAL JOBS BOARD to our already successful mix. This comprehensive section aims to connect with local job hunters in a friendly and more engaging way

Getting to know you… Cobbs, much more than a farm shop
As you walk into Cobbs newly refurbished and extended café, it’s easy to see why this business is thriving.

18 idyllic championship holes
Once considered the preserve of retired bank managers, the game of golf has been re-branded for a new generation and not only now has mass appeal, but in certain quarters is even considered quite groovy

Avebury
Avebury is a henge monument (which is an ancient place surrounded by a bank and ditch) and is the world’s largest prehistoric stone circle, originally comprising of some 100 standing stones, with two inner stone circles.

Why live in Hungerford?

Those of us who live here don't have to think twice, we love it and, you've had a job to persuade us to go elsewhere.

‘Hungerford is fantastic’ says local MP

Compared to many towns, Hungerford High Street is in good shape. It is better now than it has been for years...

Walks in around Hungerford

Walking in the beautiful areas of outstanding natural beauty in and around Hungerford is a very special experience.

Ghosts at Littlecote House

Next time you visit Littlecote House keep a wary eye out for ghosts. That black dog you see on the stairs may not be all it seems!

Local Information

Enjoy your visit and don't foget to let us know how it went