John Alcock's 1888 Diary ... and other things John Alcock related

This blog started as my great grandad John Alcock's diary, which he wrote in Cheadle, Staffs, England in 1888. John was born in Cheadle in 1853. In 1877, he travelled to New Zealand, marrying Alberta Eccles (Bert) there in 1880. They had 3 children in New Zealand (Mary, Ethel and Ursula). They returned all together to Cheadle sometime between 1885 and 1887. Their son Walter was born in Bank Street, Cheadle, in 1887. Since completing the diary, the blog continues with all things John Alcock.

First World War Twins

Stoke Sentinel article from December 1969

John and Alberta Alcock's twin sons Edwin and Harold both fought in the First World War. Edwin joined the war from the UK and fought in The Somme and Ypres. He was severely wounded by a bayonet and was blown up but survived.

Harold joined the was from Australia and fought in Gallipoli. Harold survived the war when a camel fell on him in a crossfire, thus shielding him.

Edwin (Roy)

The twins were also written about in the book Edwardian and Great War Cheadle. It says that Edwin went over the top in The Somme on July 1st 1917 and was shell-shocked in the German trenches on July 16th. He was reported missing by his friend Bateman from Cheddleton. Edwin was invalided home whilst Bateman was tragically killed taking Thiepval.

This is the account of Harold in the book: