The son of Thomas Edward and Elizabeth Mockridge of Shortlands, Gunner Robert Edward Mockridge married Grace Kezia Mockridge of Waldo Road, Bromley and was listed as a milkman on the 1911 census. They had a son called Robert in c. 1908.
He was killed in action on 2nd September 1918 and was buried at Gomiecourt South Cemetery, Gomiecourt, Department du Pas-de-Calais.
The following report was published in the local newspapers after his death.
Much sympathy is felt with Mrs Mockridge, of Bromley Gardens, who has received new that her husband, Gunner Robert Edward Mockridge, was killed in action in France on September 2nd. The news was conveyed in a letter from the Major of his battery, in which that officer says:-
He was struck on the head by a piece of shell and killed instantaneously. The whole battery greatly regret his loss, and sympathise with you in your trouble. Personally, although I had not been many months with the battery, I had a very high opinion of your husband, and the cheerful, conscientious way in which he performed all his duties. It will be a consolation to you, perhaps , to know that he died painlessly, and gave his life for his country.
Gunner Mockridge, who was 38 years of age, joined the R.F.A. (Royal Field Artillery) in December, 1914, and after training, went to France in July, 1915. He has taken part in fierce fighting during his three years’ service in France and Flanders, having been at Ypres, Amiens, and Cambrai. He came home on leave in May, 1916, and again in October, 1917, and was expected home shortly. Before joining the Forces Gunner Mockridge was with Messrs. Welford’s, High Street, Bromley, as roundsman for eleven years, previous to which he worked for Messrs. Shillcock and Sons, chemists , High Street. He came to Bromley when a boy, his parents having lived for some years at Recreation Road, Shortlands. His widow is left with three children.
Source:
Bromley & District Times, 13th September, 1918 pg 5
www.findagrave.com
1911 census
www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/569473/mockridge,-/
