Geoffrey W. B. 's Story.
St Mary’s Weaverham “Roll of Honour” has three lads named Bancroft, these lads are brothers;
G.R.B. (George Raymond Beeston) Bancroft,
J.B.B. (John Bevis Beeston) Bancroft,
G.W.B. (Geoffrey William Beeston) Bancroft, Cheshirebmd records a Geoffrey William Bancroft born 1895 in Northwich.
Freebmd confirms the marriage of William Bancroft and Mary Ann H. Beeston in Nantwich 1888, mum and dad. The 1911 census finds the Bancroft’s at Mere Bank Weaverham; William, head of the family, aged 46, a Solicitor (Own Account.) born Gorstage; Mary Ann Harriot wife, aged 45, born Audlem; George RaymonBeeston, son, aged 21, Solicitor Article Clerk (U/Graduate Manch. Univ.), born Northwich
The 1901 census finds the Bancroft’s at Chester Road Northwich; William, head aged 36, Solicitor, born Gorstage, Mary A., wife, aged 34, born Audlem, George R.B., son, aged 11, born Northwich; Geoffrey W., son, aged 5, born Northwich; John B. B., son, aged 3, Northwich.
N.A.M.C. - have a medal card for a Geoffrey William Beeston Bancroft made full use of his name when signing up, as his card is making best use of all his Christian names, well done that man. Geoffrey was with the Army Service Corps with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and Captain. Joined the British Exp. Force 4/11/14, (France) Awarded the 14 Star, British and Victory medals. There s reference to the issue of a Silver War Badge in June 1918. The address on the card ?? Old Hall, Eccleshall, Staff, with a a post 1/2/21 address of Hawling Lodge, Andoversford.
N/wich Guardian 6th Nov. 1914 COMMISSION FOR NORTHWICH GENTLEMAN.
Mr. G.W.B. Bancroft, son of Mr and Mrs Bancroft, of Mere Bank, Weaverham, was yesterday gazetted as temporary second lieutenant in the A.S.C. (Regular Army). We understand Lieut. Bancroft is now at the front.
N/wich Guardian 7th & 10th March 1915; OFFICERS PROMOTION, LIEUTENANT G.W.B. BANCROFT, GAZETTED CAPTAIN.
Lieutenant G.W.B. Bancroft, son of Mr. W. Bancroft solicitor, Northwich, who for sometime had been acting as Adjutant for the Lahore Divisional Train of the A.S.C. was on Saturday Gazetted to the Rank of Captain. The young officer has seen fifteen months in France and is at present in England awaiting orders.
8994 SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 4 NOVEMBER, 1914. THE ARMY SERVICE CORPS
The undermentioned to be temporary Second Lieutenants: — Dated 23rd October, 1914. Geoffrey William. Beeston Bancroft.
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 20 MAY, 1915. 4879
The undermentioned temporary Second Lieutenants to be temporary Lieutenants: — Dated 20th March, 1915. - G. W. B. Bancroft.
THE LONDON GAZETTE, 3 MARCH, 1916. 2351
The undermentioned temporary Lieutenants to be temporary Captains: —Dated 1st February, 1916. G. W. B. Bancroft.
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 21 MAY, 1918. 5957 THE ARMY SERVICE CORPS.
Capt. G. W. B. Bancroft relinquishes his command. on account of ill-health, and is granted the Hon. Rank of Capt. 22nd May 1918.
The 1921 census records Geoffrey William B. Bancroft, living at Hawling Lodge, Andoversford, he was aged 25 and he was farming.
Research Bob H.