Category: Military
Rank: Private
Regiment or Ship: Bedford Regiment; (Notts & Derby Regiment) Sherwood Foresters
Service Number(s): 202629; 235202
Date of Birth: 1898
Place of Birth: Ely, Cambs.
Date of Death: 26.09.1917
Place of Death: Belgium
Place of Burial / Memorials:
New Irish Farm Cemetery. II.G.14. Ypres.
Address: 11 Havelock Road, Bexhill on Sea
Photos and newspaper articles
Click on any image to see a larger version
Family Information
Parents: Robert and Sarah Lock. Robert was a coachman and, in 1911, the family were living in West Raw, Suffolk.
Siblings: Gertrude, born in 1897.
First World War Experience
The following article appeared in one of the local newspapers in October 1917.
Private John Lock
2/7th Sherwood Foresters
The sad news was received yesterday of the death from wounds received in action of Private John Lock, whose parents live at No. 11 Havelock Road. Previous to his enlisting he was in service, first as footman and then as butler with Lady E. Malet. He was only 19 years old. He first joined the Bedford Regiment, and was subsequently transferred to the Sherwood Foresters.
His company officer, in notifying the news of his death, says – “During the time he had been with us he proved himself a very able soldier. He commanded the respect of all with whom he came in contact, and I can assure you his loss is keenly felt by all who were privileged to know him. He died very gallantly, and I venture to express the hope that the thought that he gave his life for his country (and there is no finer end) will in some measure soften the blow you have sustained.”
Mr Robert Lock, his father, is an old soldier, having served in the Suffolk Regiment, both at home and in India. He is a member of the Bexhill Company of the 4th Sussex Volunteer Regiment, and one of the smartest men in the battalion, constant in his attendance at drills and smart on parade.
The sympathy of all who know them will be felt for the parents of this young soldier who has given his life for his country at so early an age.”
John’s In Memoriam in September 1919 reads:
“Lock. – In honoured and dearest memory of our beloved only son and brother, John (Private 2/7th Battalion Sherwood Foresters), who was killed in action September 26th 1917, aged 19. – Ever missed, ever mourned.”
John is buried in the New Irish Farm Cemetery and the inscription on his headstone reads: “Rest in Peace. Sadly missed by Dad, Mum and Gertrude.”
John was awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.