Personal Details
Born in Gauntons Bank, Norbury, Cheshire in 1892 the fourth son of Thomas and Annie Maddocks.
Husband of Sarah (nee Roberts) Maddocks of Mount Farm Cottage, Chester Road, Whitchurch, father of Esme and Annie.
John was working as a farm waggoner before joining the army.
John’s brothers William, Joseph and Thomas also lost their lives in the Great War.
Military Details
Regiment : 2/5th (Territorial) Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment, formerly King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (203001)
Rank : Private
Service Number : 235082
Killed in Action; France 3rd December 1917 Aged 25
The British War Medal (also known as 'Squeak') was a silver or bronze medal awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive. This was later extended to services in Russia, Siberia and some other areas in 1919 and 1920. Approximately 6.5 million British War Medals were issued. Approximately 6.4 million of these were the silver versions of this medal. Around 110,000 of a bronze version were issued mainly to Chinese, Maltese and Indian Labour Corps. The front (obv or obverse) of the medal depicts the head of George V. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.
The Allied Victory Medal (also known as 'Wilfred') was issued by each of the allies. It was decided that each of the allies should each issue their own bronze victory medal with a similar design, similar equivalent wording and identical ribbon. The British medal was designed by W. McMillan. The front depicts a winged classical figure representing victory. Approximately 5.7 million victory medals were issued. Interestingly, eligibility for this medal was more restrictive and not everyone who received the British War Medal ('Squeak') also received the Victory Medal ('Wilfred'). However, in general, all recipients of 'Wilfred' also received 'Squeak' and all recipients of The 1914 Star or The 1914/1915 Star (also known as 'Pip') also received both 'Squeak' and 'Wilfred'. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.
Further Information
Article in the Wellington Journal & Shrewsbury News 26th January 1918 regarding the whereabouts of John Maddocks
"Any information respecting the whereabouts of Private John Maddocks (235082) Royal Warwickshire Regiment, who has been missing since December 3rd 1917, any news will be gratefully received by his wife, Mrs Sarah Maddocks of Mount Farm Cottage, Whitchurch"
Wellington Journal & Shrewsbury News 26th January 1918
If you can provide any further information on John Maddocks please get in touch by leaving a comment below, using our Contact Form or by calling in to Whitchurch Heritage Centre.
Information provided by Terry Evanson, Whitchurch, Shropshire and Whitchurch Museum and Archives