Edgar's Story.
EARLY LIFE
Edgar Woodcock was born in Macclesfield and baptised on 25 August 1895 at St Peter's Church, Windmill Street, Macclesfield, the son of Charlotte and Frederick James Woodcock, a blacksmith of 78 Mill Lane, Macclesfield.
In 1901, five-year-old Edgar was living at 53 Park Green, Macclesfield, with his parents and siblings Frank (19), Mary (17), Nellie (15) and William (13). By 1911 the family was still living at the same address, Edgar's mother had died and Edgar was working as a cycle repairer. Edgar later emigrated to New Zealand.
WW1 SERVICE
The death of Driver Woodcock was reported in the Macclesfield Times on 29 September 1916:
BURIED UNDER SHELL FIRE – “A GOOD AND FAITHFUL SOLDIER”
A promising career has been cut short by the death in action of Driver Edgar Woodcock, New Zealand contingent (Army Service Corps), youngest son of Mr F J Woodcock, blacksmith, 33 [sic] Park Green, Macclesfield… Driver Woodcock was in his 22nd year. He was born in Macclesfield and received his education at the Lord Street School. Upon leaving he entered the employ of the Hovis Co., and later took up farming with Mr Arthur Wardle at Gawsworth, his intention being to emigrate and pursue an agricultural career in the Colonies. At the age of 17 he went out to Parmiston, New Zealand, where he was engaged in farming when the war broke out. The deceased immediately enlisted, and was sent to Egypt, where he remained for twelve months… Last May he was drafted to France without having the opportunity of paying his parents a visit… He was killed on the 20th inst.
Before emigrating the deceased attended the Park Street Chapel and Sunday School, and he played football with the Lord Street School team. His father is a member of the Macclesfield detachment of the Cheshire Volunteer Regiment… Mr Woodcock has received the following letter from Lieut.-Colonel J Atkinson, commanding the New Zealand Army Service Corps – “I much regret to have to announce to you the death of your son, Driver E Woodcock, N.Z. Divisional Train, on the 20th inst… he was killed instantaneously by a shell and… did not suffer any pain…”
COMMEMORATION
Driver Edgar Woodcock has no known grave and he is commemorated on the Caterpillar Valley (New Zealand) Memorial, Somme, France.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission holds casualty details for Driver Edgar Woodcock.
In Macclesfield, Edgar Woodcock is commemorated on the Park Green, Town Hall, St Michael’s Church and Park Street Methodist Church war memorials, and on St John's Church roll of honour.
SOURCES
GRO (England & Wales) Index: Births
Census (England & Wales): 1901, 1911
Cheshire Parish Baptism Registers (Find My Past)
Commonwealth War Graves Commission website
Lives of the First World War website
Macclesfield Times: 29 September 1916, 23 September 1921 (photo supplement)
Research by Rosie Rowley, Macclesfield.