2nd LIEUTENANT H GAUKROGER KILLED
Second-Lieut. Hubert Gaukroger, of the Manchester Regiment, who prior to the war was gardening in Evesham district, was reported missing on April 2, but has since been reported killed on that date. Lieut. Gaukroger was the son of Mr Young Gaukroger, of the Manchester Stock Exchange, and he came into the Evesham district in 1906 to take up gardening. He some time afterwards took land at Bower’s Hill, which he was cultivating at the time war broke out. In 1911 he married Miss Eva Mary Byrd, youngest daughter of the late Mr Henry Byrd, of The Firs, Badsey, and on his marriage went to reside at Bretforton. He enlisted with the Worcestershire Regiment in the first month of the war and went with his regiment to France in April, 1915. On the death of his father he returned to England and was then offered and accepted a commission in the Manchester Regiment. With them he went out East and was wounded in the arm in Mesopotamia. He returned to England and had not fully recovered when he again went to France about a month ago. On going out East Lieut. Gaukroger bought a house for his wife and two sons at Teignmouth, in Devonshire and there they are now residing. Lieut. Gaukroger, who was 31 years of age, was a capital cricketer and was at one time a regular member of Evesham team. He was a very useful bowler and at times a clashing bat. He also played for neighbouring villages at times.
