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	Private 71 Fredrick Charles Vockins Royal Canadian Dragoons

Local Information:

Private Vockins was the son of Ephraim and Mary Vockins, of High Street, Hungerford, Berkshire. He was born on the 2nd March 1880 and at some point prior to the war spent three years with the Berkshire Yeomanry.

He was in America when war was declared and crossed to British Columbia, Canada, and came to England at his own expense. He did this to join his friends from Canada who were training on Salisbury Plain prior to deployment to France. He there joined the Royal Canadian Dragoons and after training he went to France embarking on the 4th may 1915.

He enlisted at Pond Farm, Salisbury Plain on the 3rd November 1914 and his trade was shown as an outfitter, he was 26 years old, and 5 ft 6 inches tall, weighted 158 pound, and was graded as 'Good' in terms of physical development. After arriving in France he took part in some of the early fighting.

He came out of the trenches on the 19th July and had an attack of pain on the 20th. He was sent to the Rawal Pindi British General Hospital at Wimereux and later was invalided back to the Royal Victoria Hospital at Netley, Hampshire. He died on the 3rd august 1915 while undergoing an operation for appendicitis. He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, Hampshire.

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Regimental Information:




		Private Fredrick Charles Vockins



	The cap badge of the Royal Canadian Dragoons

It is clear his previous service with the Berkshire Yeomanry stood him in good stead as he was processed quite quickly and joined the front line unit. The Canadian Dragoons came to England in October 1914 where intensive training was carried out at Maresfield. The Regiment became part of the Canadian Calvary Brigade commanded by Brigadier General Seely. After the first battle of Ypres the Canadians lost 6000 men. The Brigadier was asked to provide support but as infantry. He called a full parade, presented the proposal and every man volunteered.

Private Vockins medical report stated: 'Sent over from France to have appendix removed, had an attack of appendicitis which began in the trenches at Neuve Eglise. He was admitted to hospital on July 20th and treated by rest in bed and Fomentations.' It went on to say that on admission he was free from pain, but on examination there was slight tenderness.

The report continues: 'Patient was taken to the theatre this morning, and C.H.C.L.3 administered, but before the operation was commenced he ceased to breath. Artificial respiration was performed for 40 minutes, and other methods employed, but without result'.

Point of Interest:

His medals were later sent to his father in 1923 and a Canadian memorial Cross to his mother. He was eligible for the 1914-15 Star Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

For further family information see Private Albert Edward Vockins.

Updated: 15.3.2010