He served as a W/Op/ Gunner in the RAF during WW II, but was killed when his Plane crashed on a Mission. I was privileged to be able to read letters between him and his Mother, which provided certain insights, but unfortunately due to time, it is difficult to fill in other details, which is why Sites like this one are so important and valuable to Researchers like myself.
The Family would have been well known, as his father Percy F. Pocock (son of Henry Pocock) was either co- owner, or associated with Pocock Barge Builders (also known at one time as Pocock & Stoneham Boat and Barge Builders). The address would have been 24 Rotherhithe Street. I believe the location was bombed during the Blitz. One of his Fathers ancestors another Henry Pocock, did indeed operate The Jolly Waterman Pub, during the 1800s, and was listed as the Publican of the establishment. So it seems the name of Henry Pocock was handed down through several generations.
I did note an earlier Photograph on the Bermondseyboy Site, of the Barge Building Warehouse and mention of Percy Pocock, who I believe would have been one of Henry. Arthur Douglas Pocock’s Brothers. Yes, it gets confusing! There were also several Sisters and all were younger, but were very close to their older Brother. I have the nickname of his steady girlfriend (Plum) who lived with his family for a while and was a close friend to one of the girls. I believe she worked as a Canteen Girl during the Blitz. I would like to find out more about them all.
Hopefully, this may jog a few memories, or perhaps a few more details about the family and the Barge Builders who worked at Pococks.
- H.A.D. Pocock a.k.a “Bill”