DRIVER ENOCH HANCOX
REGIMENTAL NUMBER 32929
1895 − 30 JUNE 1918

Researched and written by Janice HUNT

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Enoch HANCOX was born in Chasetown in June 1895 he was the youngest son of James and Lucy HANCOX who had sixteen children. Lucie born in 1872 followed by Martha, Thomas, Clara, Samuel, William, Rachel, Annie, James, Dora, Lucy, Albert, Amy, Enoch and Ethel. They had another son, also called Enoch, who was born in 1875 but died aged 4 months.

Enoch’s mother died in 1903 when he was 8 years old. He continued to live with his father and brothers and sisters and attended Chasetown Primary School in Church Street.

Enoch’s father James, was a miner who was born in Sedgley in 1852 and came to Chasetown in 1872 to work in the mines. James was known locally as “the Professor” he was a Liberal councillor who was a skilled orator and musician and was still working in the mines when he died in 1925 at the age of 73.

In 1901, Enoch was living with his parents James and Lucy, who were both born in Sedgley, and nine of his brothers and sisters in New Street, Chasetown. His father was a coal hewer, as were his older brothers Samuel and James.

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James used to wear a frock coat and top hat and he delighted to heckle speakers at election time and proved himself invincible in debate. Probably the most recounted is where he clashed with George Bernard Shaw at a meeting in Walsall, and rendered the great man speechless.

James Hancox, the "Professor"

Book extract about the "Professor"

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Enoch followed his father and brothers into the pits, he worked on the fly

Cannock Chase Colliery Pit No. 2 - The Fly

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In his spare time he enjoyed participating in gymnastics and used to do displays with Chasetown gymnastic club, which was based at Chasetown Institute High Street.

**Enoch Hancox is in the front row and on the far left**

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Enoch left No. 2 pit and enlisted at Walsall, first in the South Staffordshire Regiment, then he was transferred to the Royal Horse Artillery and the Royal Field Artillery. He served with the 72nd Brigade, Ammunition Column as a driver.

Enoch was killed in action in Flanders on the 30th June 1918. His service records have not been found. There are no records of his death, but a family member believes his vehicle received a direct hit.

Enoch is buried at the Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery, Souchez.

Cabare-Rouge British Cemetery, Souchez

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**Plan of Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery, Souchez**

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Photograph of Enoch HANCOX original grave marker

Photograph of Enoch HANCOX headstone

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A memorial service was held on Sunday August 11th 1918 for Enoch and 240365 Private John Rochelle who died in India on 15 July 1918. The service was held at the Primitive Methodist Church where Miss Tinsley played the organ. There was a parade in the streets headed by the Cannock Chase Colliery band.