Pontypool History: Driver John Hancock, Royal Field Artillery, of Cwmffrwdoer

Back last year I published a book called 'Tell Them of Us', detailing my ancestors involvement in the First World War. One of the chapters concerned my great grandfather John Hancock of 42 Plasycoed Rd, Cwmffrwdoer who had won a Military Medal for bravery in 1917. However his service records didn't give any information as to why he was awarded the Military Medal but recently further information has come to light, this was published in a local newspaper.

Driver J Hancock MM

The gratifying news was received by his wife on Saturday morning

that Driver J H Hancock, 29953, Div. Ammunition Column, RFA, was awarded the Military Medal

for 'gallant conduct and devotion to duty in the field on

October 7th 1917 near St Julien', a report of which from his

Regimental and Brigade Commanders was read 'with great pleasure', by

Major General R P Lee, commanding the division according

to the parchment certificate to hand. Going up the line the truck was blown up and

Driver Hancock, by means of a pontoon bridge got his horses

and mules safely over. Driver Hancock who is 32 years of age, has

a wife and four children residing at 42 Plasycoed Rd, Cwmffrwdoer, and so far as is known

he is the first one at Cwmffrwdoer to win the MM. He voluntarily joined

the army on September 2nd 1914 and

went out to France in July 1915. He was recommended

for distinction once before. He was formerly a timberman's helper

at Blaenserchen Colliery and his many friends will

offer him congratulations on the official

recognition of his bravery. He was home on leave about three months ago"

The closest battle I could find prior to his being awarded the MM is the Battle of Broodseinde, part of the Third Battle of Ypres. It commenced on 4th October 1917 when the 7th Division units attacked the Germans at 6 am. Over the next five days they suffered 1500 casualties.