Serjeant William Henry Hockley

On September the 16th 1944, the 'Kidderminster Shuttle' newspaper informed its readers of the passing of a young man who’d lived in the town for some time, at one stage working as a butcher.

William Hockley was born in Madeley, Shropshire and he later lived in the Black Country with his wife Dorothy who he’d married in Droitwich in 1938.

At the time of his death in service, William's mother, Mrs. Kate Hockley, still lived in Kidderminster.

Serjeant Hockley’s death notice read:

“KILLED IN ACTION – Mrs. Dorothy Hockley, 321 Cannock Road Wolverhampton, has received the sad news that her husband Serjeant William Henry (“Harry”) Hockley was killed in action on the North West European battlefront on August 27.”

“His mother Mrs. Kate Hockley, lives at 30 Stourport Rd. Kidderminster. Before he went to live in Wolverhampton some years ago Sgt. Hockley, who had many friends in Kidderminster, was employed at the B. and A. butchers, Bull Ring.”

“He joined the Forces in 1940 and remained in this country until he went to France a fortnight after D-Day. A younger brother Stanley Hockley is serving with the RAF in England.”

Remembrance

Today, Serjeant 5258278 William Henry Hockley of the 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment, lies in peace under a Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) headstone in the Vernonnet Communal Cemetery in France – a short walk from the bridge over the River Seine.

The personal epitaph selected for William’s headstone by his family, reads:

“AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN, AND IN THE MORNING, WE WILL REMEMBER HIM”

Thirteen of the eighteen CWGC headstones in this cemetery, belong to 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment men (including Serjeant Hockley).

All thirteen of the Worcesters interred here, died on the same day – the 27th of August 1944. These casualties all fell in fighting as the 1st Battalion was advancing on Tilly, having just become the first British infantry battalion to cross France’s greatest obstacle, the River Seine.

As they advanced east from Vernonnet, they were counterattacked by two companies of German troops and at least two Tiger tanks. In this action the battalion sustained 65 casualties, twelve of whom today lie beside William in Vernonnet Communal Cemetery. 

The German counterattack was worn down and beaten off, enabling the Worcester’s to continue their advance…

Rest In Peace William Henry Hockley ~ your bravery will never be forgotten ~ and your sacrifice will be remembered For Evermore

Acknowledgements: This story could not have been told were it not for the wonderful team at the Kidderminster Museum of Carpet; most especially Geoff, Jill and Jean. Very many thanks to you all. www.museumofcarpet.org.uk