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Alfred Jeffcock 1897 – 1918
Alfred was born in April 1897 in Northamptonshire, the youngest of 7 children born to William and Emma (Turner) he had 2 older brothers and 4 sisters. In 1901 the family still lived in Brackley, Northamptonshire but by 1911 they lived at 21 Wescott Road, Wokingham, although only the youngest 2 boys were living at home by this date. William was a Grocer (dealer), Alfred was at school and worked as an errand boy.
He joined the 11th Battalion of the Rifle Brigade who arrived in France in July 1915.
We do not know anything about his service other than he was a good soldier as by 1918 he was a company sergeant major and held the DCM (Distinguished Conduct Medal). He was killed on 3rd March 1918 and his name is recorded on the Pozieres memorial to the missing .
Local historian, Jim Bell provides the following newspaper extract: ‘Saturday 25th May 1918. CSM Alfred Jeffcock Rifle Brigade was killed in action on the 25th of March at the age of 21 years. He was the youngest son of Mrs Jeffcock of 21, Easthampstead Road. His rapid promotion was noted. His brother is wounded and his father died a few months ago’.
After his death a memorial plaque was placed in All Saint’s church in his honour. This was erected by Mrs Post of London road in whose service he was employed before the war.
(source; Reading standard 25-1 1919)
JEFFCOCK, ALFRED THOMAS
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Company Serjeant Major
Regiment/Service: Rifle Brigade
Unit Text: 11th Bn.
Date of Death: 23/03/1918
Service No: S/3014
Awards: D C M
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 81 to 84.
Memorial:
POZIERES MEMORIAL
21 Wescott Road, Wokingham, Berkshire
21 Easthampstead Road, Wokingham, Berkshire
Alfred Jeffcock DCM was my grandmothers brother. Alfred’s parents William & Emma are my great grandparents. The three sons John, Walter & Alfred all served in the Great War. Alfred was awarded the DCM in 1917. Walter, who’s photograph appears above was awarded the Military Medal. John & Walter survived the war but John was shipped home with severe injuries. John had a long career in the Police Force after the war.
The Jeffcock family lived in Aynho, Northamptonshire (not Brackley) up until they moved to Wokingham. Emma (nee Turner) and all seven children were born in Aynho.