Corps of Military Police

Cap Badge of the Corps of Military Police (King George V)
Soldier Details:
Surname: Hedgcock
Initials:   W.H.
Rank:   Lance Corporal
Army No.:  P/88
Notes:   MMP. Awarded the 1915 Star, Victory and War Medals. First served abroad (2a) Balkans, 15/6/1915 to 21/8/16 to 27/4/16. He was born In Aylesford, enlisted and resided in Ramsgate. Died of Wounds. He has 2 x medal cards 1 x Hedgcock and 2 x Hedgecock. Correct spelling Hedgcock. William Henry Hedgcock. Extract from the Thanet Advertiser 4 September 1915. DEATH IN THE DARDANELLES - Another Ramsgate man killed. The latest among Ramsgate men to give his life for the Empire is William Henry Edgecock, of 36 Belle Vue Road, who died from wounds received while on service at the Dardanelles. Corpl. Hedgcock was an old Army man and though forty eight years of age, rejoined the Service early in September of last year. He was attached to the military Mounted Police and went to the Mediterranean front in June. No details as to the nature of his wounds have yet been received and the intimation of her husband's death reached Mrs. Hedgcock this week in the form of a letter from a fellow non-commissioned officer, who, writing under date August 21st, said that his friend Corporal Hedgcock died the previous day, following wounds received in action. The deceased soldier was known to a wide circle of friends in Ramsgate. Prior to re-joining the Forces he was in the service of the Isle of Thanet Electric Tramway and Lighting Company. Extract from the East Kent Times and Mail 15 September 1915. A CAPTAIN'S TRIBUTE TO FALLEN RAMSGATE SOLDIER. Mrs. Hedgcock, of 36 Belle Vue Road, Ramsgate, has received particulars as to how her husband Corporal W. Hedgcock, died at the Dardanelles. Mr Hedgcock who was in the Military Mounted Police, was formerly a driver in the employ of the Thanet Tramway Co., and was 48 years of age. The details of his death are conveyed in a very sympathetic letter that Mrs. Hedgcock has received from Captain Goodwin Austen, of the Headquarters, 40th Infantry Brigade. The Captain writes: "It is with the deepest sympathy that I write to inform you of the death of your husband, Corporal Hedgcock, who was serving with this Headquarters as a Military Policeman. "He was struck by a stray bullet on August 20th and died on the 4th Instant. he bore the pain so bravely and like the true, good soldier that he was." "His death has been a very great blow to me, for a man, who was more anxious and willing to help, more loyal and hard-working, it would be hard to find. My sincere condolences in your sad loss. Mrs. Hedgcock has also received the official intimation from the War Office of her husband's death. When reporting Corporals Hedgcock's death in a recent issue it was stated that the soldier when badly wounded, requested Sergeant Rump, of the M.P. to write to his mother. This, we regret, was a mistake. It was his wife to whom Corporal Hedgcock wished the sergeant to write..

Casualty Details:
Date Killed: 21st August 1915
Company: MMP
Cemetery: BASRA MEMORIAL   IRAQ
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