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Original poster

Does anyone have the surname PENNOCK? I have this book, you see ......

183 replies

Desiderata · 25/07/2007 15:43

I bought it in an Oxfam shop in Coventry seven, maybe eight years ago.

I believe it's quite valuable, but I would like it to be returned to the family of the man who originally bought it.

His name was J H Pennock, with PIP in brackets. He was a soldier in the Great War. He was in Poperinghe (near Ypres) in October 1917.

He was in the late Signals H/79 Bde, RFA

He was entered as a clark to TocH (Talbot House) in December 1922.

The Book is Tales of Talbot House (1st Edition) by P B Clayton.

Sorry for the monotone delivery of this OP, but I wanted to get all the facts in from the off

So ... anyone have the surname Pennock?

OP posts:
Original poster
Desiderata · 25/07/2007 19:55

Thanks, girls.

I haven't tried Friends Reunited yet. I'm still trying to pin down whether he was an infantryman or a sailor (dumb though that sounds).

I'll certainly keep you all posted!

OP posts:
Mercy · 26/07/2007 09:18

Des, following on from Coffepot's post I assume the PIP after his name refers to this WW1 medal.

AlienEars · 26/07/2007 09:43

There is a Pennock discussion group on here that you could leave a message on?

AlienEars · 26/07/2007 09:45

and there are a few Pennock message on Curious Fox too.

Original poster
Desiderata · 26/07/2007 11:57

Mercy, that was very interesting. I'd always assumed that Pip was his nickname

It says in that piece that the Pip was also awarded to naval personnel who served on the ground, which still ties in with my current theory.

Alien Ears: that's really good of you. I haven't look at the links yet (just about to)... I just wanted to acknowledge your help.

OP posts:
FunkyGlassSlipper · 26/07/2007 11:57

I can't help but I'm watching with interest

Original poster
Desiderata · 26/07/2007 12:10

I'm having trouble logging in to Genealogy.com. I'll try again later with that.

I've received an email from the RFA. Apparently it's a common mistake, but the RFA in my book refers to the Royal Field Artillery, so he was a foot soldier (bless him).

I just going to look at that other link now.

OP posts:
Original poster
Desiderata · 26/07/2007 12:37

I think I've found my man.

My instinct tell me that he was Joseph H Pennock, a private in the Royal Fusiliers.

H/79 Bde was initially stationed in India, but was reformed to fight at the Front. They were known as the Howitzer Brigade.

Now I have to find his family!

OP posts:
filchthemildmanneredjanitor · 26/07/2007 12:38

this is so interesting! do you have his date of birth?

Pruners · 26/07/2007 12:43

Message withdrawn

Original poster
Desiderata · 26/07/2007 12:47

No, Janitor. I don't have his date of birth, but he was probably only a scrap of a lad in 1917

Pruners ... if I had a book like yours, my roof repairs would be sorted too

It's just that the Great War is an incredibly emotive subject for me (and I guess for many others), and I would be uncomfortable in profiting from this particular book.

OP posts:
Pruners · 26/07/2007 12:48

Message withdrawn

StripeyKnickersSpottySocks · 26/07/2007 12:48

Pennocks here

www.roll-of-honour.com/Derbyshire/Grindleford.html

who fought in WW1

Trouvere · 26/07/2007 12:56

Joseph Hardy Pennock's birth was registered in the 3rd quarter of 1891 in Middlesbro' district. His parents were John, b. 1854/5 and Sarah Hardy, b. 1852/3. He had siblings James E, Robert H, John A, Thomas H, and Sarah E, all born in Middlesbro.
I am waiting to hear back from his great grandson.

Original poster
Desiderata · 26/07/2007 13:01

Well this is our man, Trouvere!

OP posts:
Mercy · 26/07/2007 13:11

I've got goosebumps too!

I have found another couple of links but that's more to do with where he may have fought (prob. Passchendaele) rather than confirming his identity.

stealthsquiggle · 26/07/2007 13:15

Have you found anyone? Only I know a Pennock but he is business aquaintance rather than friend...

Original poster
Desiderata · 26/07/2007 13:18

He would definitely have fought in the 3rd Battle of Ypres, Mercy. What a nightmare that must have been.

It looks like we've found our man, Stealth. Trouvere is currently trying to contact his great grandson

OP posts:
TnOgu · 26/07/2007 14:40

This is a great thread, Desi.

How wonderful that Trouvere managed to trace the great grandson.

You will have completed a little historical circle, Desi, when the book is given to Pennock's living relatives.

Original poster
Desiderata · 26/07/2007 14:43

Yeah, I will, won't I?

OP posts:
TnOgu · 26/07/2007 14:47

I feel a little emotional thinking about Pennock as a foot soldier.

Dh's grandfather lost a leg during First World War - he was just 17.

He was one of the lucky ones.

MNHQ
OliviaMumsnet · 26/07/2007 14:51

Wow. This is amazing. Let us know how you get on.

Original poster
Desiderata · 26/07/2007 14:52

Poor lad. I get very emotional about the Great War in particular.

And the poor mothers, sitting at home waiting for news. One Canadian woman was awarded the George Cross by George V because she lost all eight of her sons in the same battle.

OP posts:
Original poster
Desiderata · 26/07/2007 14:53

I'll certainly do that, Olivia

OP posts:
Pruners · 26/07/2007 14:54

Message withdrawn