John's Story.
St Mary’s Weaverham “Roll of Honour” has three lads named Bancroft, these lads are brothers;
G.R.B. (George Raymond Beeston) Bancroft, Cheshirebmd records a George Raymond B. Bancroft born 1890 in Northwich;
J.B.B. (John Bevis Beeston) Bancroft, Cheshirebmd records a John Bevis Beeston Bancroft born 1897 in Northwich.
G.W.B. (Geoffrey William Beeston) Bancroft, Cheshirebmd records a Geoffrey William Bancroft born 1895 in Northwich
Freebmd confirms the marriage of William Bancroft and Mary Ann H. Beeston in Nantwich 1888, mum and dad.The 1911 census finds the Bancroft’s at Mere Bank Weaverham; William, head of the family, aged 46, a Solicitor (Own Account.) born Gorstage; Mary Ann Harriot wife, aged 45, born Audlem; George Raymond Beeston, son, aged 21, Solicitor Article Clerk (U/Graduate Manch. Univ.), born Northwich. The 1901 census finds the Bancroft’s at Chester Road Northwich; William, head aged 36, Solicitor, born Gorstage, Mary A., wife, aged 34, born Audlem, George R.B., son, aged 11, born Northwich; Geoffrey W., son, aged 5, born Northwich; John B. B., son, aged 3, Northwich.
John B.B. Bancroft.
N.A.M.C. - have a medal card for John B. B. Bancroft, he was with the Royal Garrison Artillery, Gunner, Reg. No 114397, awarded British and Victory medals, Theatre of War and Date of Entry not addressed.
N/wich Guardian 9th Nov. 1917; GUNNER J.B.B. BANCROFT, WEAVERHAM
Mr. & Mrs W. Bancroft of Mere Bank, Weaverham, have been notified that one of their three sons, Gunner J.B.B. Bancroft of the Royal Garrison has been wounded. They have received a letter dated Nov. 2nd, from his commanding officer in which he writes: “As his C.O. I would like to tell you how splendid he behaves. The shell burst 2 yards away from us killing the Major, another gunner and injuring three others. I only hope that when he is fit again we shall be fortunate enough to get him back to this battery.” Gunner Bancroft is the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs Bancroft and is 19 years of age. When he joined the Colours he had just completed two years training at Manchester University and was about to proceed to Cambridge. Two of his brothers hold commissions in the Army.
Research Bob H.