Home Explore History Local ww1 soldier's diary discovered

Wednesday, 19 December 2018

Error

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

Local ww1 soldier's diary discovered

on 06 February 2015.

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 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

Hungerford Extravaganza Sponsors

Extravaganza would not be possible without generous donations from local businesses

Hungerford Extravaganza 2018

The rumours have been flying but don’t worry folks, Hungerford’s beloved Extravaganza is still happening, the only change is in the name.

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

Make their Christmas magical with a Polar Bear Adventure

There isn’t much more special than watching polar bears in their natural environment.

The BIGGEST events this Christmas in Hungerford

Festivities start at 4pm with entertainment from Hungerford Town Band, Hungerford Primary School and Rock Choir

Our top picks for the best in European Christmas travel

This year you can really experience the delicacies and delights of Christmas custom from traditions across the continent with some of Fare Wise Travel’s hand-picked Christmas escapes!

May your days be Holly and Bright

Yes, there is no escaping it. Christmas is just around the corner and our attention will soon turn to decking our halls and garnishing our doors with beautiful seasonal delights.

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.

A frightful week of Half term fun at Cobbs

This half term Cobbs Farm Shop and Play Barn are offering a little bit extra with non-stop entertainment for all the family.

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

A glittering success

The crowds once again descended on Hungerford this evening to soak up the festive atmosphere of the Christmas Extravaganza. Established for over a quarter of a century the event marks the true start of Christmas for many local families to whom it has become a long standing Yuletide tradition

Your guide to eating out this festive season

A time to get together with loved ones and friends, Townsite have taken the stress out of festive catch ups and offer their recommendations for places to eat out this festive period…

Extravaganza useful information

For travel to Hungerford and parking please see our Local Information page

A unique home; expertly carved in stone

Humphries Stonemasons is a family business with a long heritage of serving the people of Hungerford and beyond.

Christmas gift ideas for the cycling enthusiast

Specialist bike shop Banjo Cycles in Newbury offer the ultimate in Christmas gift accessories for your loved ones!

100 years on – the story of Hungerford’s war heroes

It is incomprehensible to imagine a war that took the lives of over 16 million people but this Sunday, 100 years on, we are forced to face these startling statistics.

A relaxed Christmas at Blandy’s Bistro

This Christmas take the stress out of socialising with an array of deliciously tempting menus at Blandy’s Bistro.

Going the extra mile at Martin and the Magpie

Martin and the Magpie pride themselves on offering outstanding customer service but this month they are going the extra mile to provide the best possible experience for their customers.

Tis the season to be organised at The Three Swans

Tra la la la la… Whilst some may recoil at the mention of Christmas in the final quarter of the year, the early bird really does catch the worm at The Three Swans in Hungerford.

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.

A merry little Christmas at Donnington Grove Hotel

Set in a magical location in 500 acres of glorious countryside, there couldn’t be a better backdrop for your Christmas getaway than Donnington Grove Hotel.

High Life in a Hybrid

The last MINI I drove was straight out of The Italian Job, distinctive and stylish but you had to fold yourself in half to drive it and every time you hit a bump at speed your head met the roo

TOWNSITE™ Jobs - We're LIVE

Searching for a job? You are on the right place. Click here to see a list of exciting local opportunities.