HEATHCOTE, G.(Heathcock George)

The name of G. HEATHCOTE is recorded on both Memorials but there is no local reference to this name in the usual sources. The name probably refers to George Heathcock who was born in Brierley Hill and enlisted in the Staffords. He served in the 4th (Special Reserve) Battalion which went to the Western Front in October 1917 and was posted to the Bapaume sector. In March 1918 they were sent to Flanders to strengthen the defences on the Lys where the second German Spring offensive was launched on the 9th April. The Staffords were forced into retreat and gallant defence was undertaken in the next few days at Neuve Eglise and on the Kemmelberg. The German forces, however, attacked again on the 23rd. Three days of defence were followed by a counter-attack on the 26th across the Kemmel Beck. The German advance was finally halted on this critical day but among those killed in action was Sergeant George Heathcock. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot, Brierley Hill and Brierley Hill church Memorials.