Unique WW1 Memorial Plaque to William James Shillcock, Warrant Officer Class 2, 10th (Service) Battalion, The Lancashire Fusiliers - DOW. Resident of Liverpool

This plaque is named to William James Shillcock. This is, as far as I can determine, a unique award as only one man with these initials is listed on the CWGC.org website and he was :
9491 Company Serjeant Major W.J. Shillcock, 10th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers and who died on 9th April 1918. He is buried in Le Cateau Military Cemetery in Northern France. Black and white copy of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission certificate available. A copy of his gravestone can be found at http://twgpp.org by searching just under his surname Shillcock. A reasonable sized copy can be acquired for a small fee.

Apparently there is a plaque in one of the churches in Bury town centre that commemorates the fallen of the 10th (Service) Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers.


The 10th (Service) Battalion. Lancashire Fusiliers were
formed at Bury in September 1914 as part of Kitchener Army 2 and came under orders of 52nd Brigade, 17th (Northern) Division. They landed at Boulogne on 15 July 1915.

Only six men with the surname Shillcock were killed in the First World War. Only two had a first initial W and only one with the initials W.J.

National Archives online MIC cards reveal only 16 men with the surname Shillock served in the army and that this man's Christian name was William J. and his rank is given as Warrant Officer Class 2. He was entitled to a 1914-15 Star trio and entered theatre 1 (France) on 15th July 1915. His rank on the star is given as being Corporal. It also confirmed he Died of Wounds. A copy of his Medal Information Card will be provided.

The following genealogical website confirms his middle initial of J as standing for James. It also provides the details of his birth, christening and marriage (sadly in June 1915, only days before his arrival in France). Cut and paste the following URL:

http://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Shillcock-22


This large bronze plaque (5 inches / 12cm in diameter) was given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the Frist World War, both during and for a short time after, and was nicknamed the Dead Man’s Penny. This plaque is the version with the wide H in "He Died for Freedom and Honour" as typically found awarded to Army personnel. It also has the number 50 between the rearmost paw and the end of the lion's tail. This is the number of the workman who applied the name to the plaque. According to Williamson, the highest number observed is 94. On the back of this plaque is the WA monogram signifying it was made at Woolwich Arsenal in London.

This is heavy and is expensive to post overseas. May I suggest overseas buyers contact me first for a specific shipping quote.

The plaque is in GVF+ condition.

Code: 52134