You are in [Themes] [War Memorials] [War Memorial - 1st World War] [Edgar William Vockins]
Private PO/335/S Edgar William Vockins
Portsmouth Battalion, Royal Naval Division, Royal Marine Light Infantry.
Local Information:
Private Vockins was the son of Ephraim and Mary Vockins, of High Street, Hungerford, Berkshire. We believe that prior to the war he may have been in the Red Cross. He joined the Royal Marine Light Infantry and went with the Portsmouth Battalion of the Royal Naval Division to Gallipoli in 1915.
He was killed in action on 6th May 1915, age 21. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Turkey. He was one of four brothers killed in the same family.
Photo Gallery:
The cap badge of the Royal Marine Light Infantry
Private Edgar William Vockins
- Private Edgar William Vockins
- The cap badge of the Royal Marine Light Infantry
Regimental Information:
The Brigade dairy reads:
28th April 1915 – Arrived at Kaba Tepe – Chatham and Portsmouth Battalions RMLI were ordered to land and relieve the Australians in the centre. These battalions landed during the afternoon and evening and relieved the trenches on the South East. Side of the main gully during the night. Chatham Battalion being on the left.
2nd May 1915 – At dawn Chatham and Portsmouth battalions were ordered to move to the support of these trenches. At 5.30 am The head of the gully rose perceptibly and much difficultly was experienced in learning the position of affairs in front. It was decided that Portsmouth would advance over the East Ridge and Chatham over he west ridge. The advance was carried out in the face of very heavy cross fire from shrapnel and machine guns and many casualties occurred. They held on for two hours but had to evacuate as hey were closely enfiladed from the left flank.
4th May 1915 – Chatham Battalion went into bivouac in the main gully and assisted in holding the main position till the 6th. From the 4th to the 8th the Turks maintained a continents pressure against the positions and continually swept the trenches and valley with artillery fore and rifle fire.
6th May 1915 – A definite scheme of defence was organized under which the Chatham and Portsmouth Battalions and the 4th Brigade AIF under the command of Brigadier General C. Trotman , Royal Marines were allotted a sector of the defensive line comprising 3 main posts from right to left Courtenys, Quinns and Popes posts.
Casualties 28th April to 13th May 1915:
Portsmouth Battalion:
Officers killed 10, wounded 7
Other Ranks Killed 98, Wounded 305, missing 23.
See also:
- Pte Frederick Charles Vockins
- Vockins familyVockins Family
The Canal Wharf, 2011