Cyril Rowe Willcocks - 19th Manchesters
Apr 20, 2013 13:30:01 GMT
Post by shred on Apr 20, 2013 13:30:01 GMT
I have found a short article written about Private Cyril Rowe Willcocks,12243, 19th Manchesters. Cyril Rowe Willcocks was born in Cardiff in about 1889. Reported missing 23/07/1916, accepted as killed in action on statement from Sergeant Brooks of the 19th batallion. The 1911 census shows him living with his family in Moss Side and his service record suggests that his family are still in Moss Side after his death. But there are indications that he had a close connection with Salford as he was a member of Salford Harriers and, I believe, had worked in Salford. Are there any records showing that Cyril lived in Salford?
The article:
Private Cyril Rowe Willcocks of the Manchester "Pals," killed in action in France; was a cross-country running and also a walking member of the Salford Harriers (Lancashire), who in 1910-11, took part in all the Winter fixtures and gained the attendance prize. The following verses composed by him and enclosed in a letter to his father, Mr. W. F. Willcocks, and dated July 19-a few days before he fell-have now a pathetic interest:
IF I SHOULD FALL.
Dear folks at home to us who go
With glory to the great advance.
'Tis good to think that from such woe
In England-as has stricken France-
'Tis ours to save our land and kin;
That is the joy we hear within.
The only thought at which I quail,
While smoke of battle dims the blue,
The thought that makes my cheek turn pale
Is that long agony for you
Suspense and fear, and visions red,
"Drear days and haunted nights of dread.
I know, who plays the soldier's part,
Dear folks of mine across the foam,
The straining gaze, the troubled heart,
The ache of those who wait at home.
The fighter's is a happier fate
Than theirs at home who watch and wait.
If I should fall do not be sad,
But think that I was proud to make
My offerings--very proud and glad
An offering made for England's sake.
I shall go happy, recollect,
With colours flying, head erect.
The article:
Private Cyril Rowe Willcocks of the Manchester "Pals," killed in action in France; was a cross-country running and also a walking member of the Salford Harriers (Lancashire), who in 1910-11, took part in all the Winter fixtures and gained the attendance prize. The following verses composed by him and enclosed in a letter to his father, Mr. W. F. Willcocks, and dated July 19-a few days before he fell-have now a pathetic interest:
IF I SHOULD FALL.
Dear folks at home to us who go
With glory to the great advance.
'Tis good to think that from such woe
In England-as has stricken France-
'Tis ours to save our land and kin;
That is the joy we hear within.
The only thought at which I quail,
While smoke of battle dims the blue,
The thought that makes my cheek turn pale
Is that long agony for you
Suspense and fear, and visions red,
"Drear days and haunted nights of dread.
I know, who plays the soldier's part,
Dear folks of mine across the foam,
The straining gaze, the troubled heart,
The ache of those who wait at home.
The fighter's is a happier fate
Than theirs at home who watch and wait.
If I should fall do not be sad,
But think that I was proud to make
My offerings--very proud and glad
An offering made for England's sake.
I shall go happy, recollect,
With colours flying, head erect.
