Personal Details
Born: 5 September 1892 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.
Family: Youngest of eight children born to Joseph & Ellen Eccleston. Rupert married Elizabeth H Lucas in 1921 at Whitchurch. The couple had two sons; Rupert Joseph Lucas Eccleston who was born in 1929 and Antony Guy Eccleston Eccleston who was born in 1930.
Residence: In 1901 the family were living at Belton Road, Whitchurch. Ten years later Rupert was the only son still living with his parents at 3 Belton Road. By 1939 Rupert, Elizabeth and presumably their son were residing at Armadale in Station Road, Whitchurch. At the time of his death in 1965 Rupert’s address was Blacon, Linden Avenue, Whitchurch.
Employment: In 1911 his employment was given as an apprentice printer, his father being in the same trade. By 1939 he was described as company director printing & publishing, becoming the Managing Director of the Whitchurch Herald.
Died: 2 June 1965, aged 72, and buried at Whitchurch cemetery three days later.
Military Details
Regiment: Royal Army Ordnance Corps
Rank: Corporal
Service Number: 017493
Date of Enlistment: Not known
Date of Discharge: Not known
Reason for Discharge: Not known
Other Information: Brother of Richard Arthur Eccleston who served in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and then the Labour Corps.
Rupert was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)
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.
I am his granddaughter. The other boy referred to as ‘son’ of Rupert and Ellen was Anthony Eccleston, who emigrated to Palm Springs in America in late 50’s early 60’s. He married Marion Williams a Whitchurch girl.
Hi Janet; many thanks for this information which we have updated in the post for Rupert James Eccleston
Terry Fry
Volunteer, Whitchurch Museum & Archives
This may be the second one you receive. I will get this one more accurate! Rupert was my grandfather. Joseph and Ellen were my great grandchildren. My father was Rupert too and the son referred to might be a reference to Anthony Eccleston who married a local girl Marion Williams. “Tony” emigrated to America and died there mid 90’s.
Hi Janet; many thanks for this additional information. We have updated the post for Rupert James Eccleston.
Terry Fry
Volunteer, Whitchurch Museum & Archives