Born Hildershorpe, Yorkshire, 1887. Son of Richard and Ellen Cockerill, of 26 West Street, Bridlington (1911 Census). His father was a bricklayer.
He lived with his sister, Annie Elizabeth, at 108, Albert Avenue, Hull (War pension address). He was a baker by trade. Described as 5 foot, 5 inches tall, 120 lbs weight, 34-36 inch chest, good physical development and good character.
Enlisted on 29/5/1915. Served with the Royal Army Service Corps, in Aldershot.
Posted to Gallipoli, on 9/6/1915. Invalided to England on 28/9/1916.
Posted to East Africa, on 7/2/1916, where he contracted dysentery and Malaria and mental deficiency. Returned to England again on 31/1/1917.
His health declined rapidly. He became Dull and incontinent. (Contracted Syphilis in 1913 and given mercury internally), Became profoundly demented, with a sporadic and feebly gait. Took no interest in his surroundings. He was discharged with melancholia, and general paralysis, on 25/09/1917. Classed as unfit, he was sent to the Lord Derby War Hospital, Warrington. He had served in the military for 2 years and 120 days and was awarded the Silver war Badge (No: 132565)
He died in Hull in 12/09/1919, aged 32.
