James SHORROCK

25 August 1916

HELLIFIELD ‘AUSTRALIAN’ WOUNDED

Mr. and Mrs. Shorrock of Lancashire and Yorkshire Terrace, Hellifield, have received news that their son, Sergt. James Shorrock, of D Company, 28th Battalion, 7th Brigade, Australian Infantry Force, has been wounded, but the extent of his injuries is not yet known. Sergt. Shorrock went to Australia some five years ago. He joined the Colours in February 1915. Whilst in Hellifield he took a keen interest in athletics and sport. It is hoped that his injuries are not serious and that he will have a speedy recovery.

16 November 1917

HELLIFIELD – Promotion

Sergeant-Major James Shorrock, of the Australian Army, and eldest son of Mr and Mrs. W. Shorrock of L. & Y. Terrace, has been on a visit to his parents, preparatory to training for a commission. Sergeant-Major Shorrock came over with the Australian Division as a private and was promoted to sergeant at the Dardanelles. He was wounded in France in August 1916, and on his convalescence he acted as Quarter-Master-Sergeant at Wareham Camp until his return to France in June last, when he was made Sergeant-Major. He reported at Hartford College, Oxford on Saturday last.

01 November 1918

D.S.O. FOR HELLIFIELD AUSTRALIAN

Second-Lieutenant James Shorrock, of the Australians, who has been on a visit to his parents during the past fortnight, was notified last week by his Lieutenant Colonel that he had been awarded the D.S.O. Congratulations were also received from the officers and men of his regiment. Lieutenant Shorrock is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Shorrock, of Lancashire and Yorkshire Terrace, Hellifield. Prior to joining the Colours in February, 1915, he had been in Australia about five years and was in the Fremantle Police Force. He had seen active service at the Dardanelles and in France, and was gazetted about eight months ago.

29 November 1918

HELLIFIELD – LIEUTENANT JAMES SHORROCK, D.S.O.

The D.S.O. was recently awarded to Second-Lieutenant James Shorrock, 28th Batt. A.I.F. .for the following:– “During the attack East of Villers Bretonneux, near Amiens, on the morning of the 8th August, 1918, this officer led his platoon with great dash. On one occasion, well in advance of his men, he jumped into an enemy trench, and single-handed captured 20 of the garrison and two machine guns. On the objective being reached, he quickly re-organised his men and consolidated his position. During the attack East of Framerville, near Amiens, on the morning of the 10th August, 1918, the advance was held up by an enemy strong point.

Lieut. Shorrock working round to a flank single handed reached the post, and captured 10 of the garrison and two machine guns. This gallant act saved the situation, and allowed the advance to continue.”

Lieut. Shorrock is the eldest son or Mr. and Mrs. Shorrock, Lancashire and Yorkshire Terrace, Hellifield, and was reported in these columns on November 1st as having awarded the D.S.O. He has since been promoted to full lieutenant.

25 April 1919

HELLIFIELD – Local Heroes Honoured

On Monday evening a public presentation was made to Lieut. J. Shorrock, D.S.O. (Australians), and the parents of the late Corporal P. Barton, M.M. (Duke of Wellington’s), natives of Hellifield, in recognition of the honours won by them in the war. The proceedings took place in the Co-operative Hall and were presided over by Mr. W. Bowman. Lieut. Shorrock was the recipient of a gold watch which bore the following inscription :– “Presented to Lieut. J. Shorrock, D.S.O. by the residents of Hellifield, England, in appreciation of his gallantry in the Great European War, 1914-1918.” An onyx clock, also inscribed, was presented to the parents of the late Corporal Barton. The presentations were made by Mr. W. King-Wilkinson (Slaidburn) who paid a glowing tribute to the heroes. The recipients suitably responded. During the evening a musical programme was provided by local artistes. A dance followed.

12 December 1919

HELLIFIELD – DEATH OF LIEUT. JAMES SHORROCK, D.S.O.

It is with deep regret that we record the sudden death, at the early age of 31 years, of Mr. James Shorrock, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Shorrock, of L. and Y. Terrace, Hellifield. The deceased had only just returned to Australia where he was a member of the Perth Police Force, and had nicely settled down after his four and a half years’ service with the Australian Imperial Forces.

Prior to emigrating to Australia in June, 1911, Mr. Shorrock worked in the Railway Gearing House, and was well-known as an athlete. He enlisted in the Australian Forces in January 1915, and saw active service at the Dardanelles, in Egypt, and finally in France.

In August, 1916, he was seriously wounded, but returned to France the following May. He then obtained a commission, and in August, 1918, he had the honour of winning the D.S.O., which medal was presented to him later at Buckingham Palace.

On demobilisation he undertook a three months course of training in agriculture, and returned to Australia last June. The news of his death came as a shock to his many friends at Hellifield. No particulars are known, only a cablegram having been received. Much sympathy is felt for all the members of the family.

20 February 1920

HELLIFIELD – THE LATE LIEUT. JAMES SHORROCK, D.S.O.

Further particulars are now to hand regarding the late Lieut. James Shorrock, D.S.O., who died, after a brief illness, in Australia, about two months ago. The deceased who was 31 years of age, was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Shorrock, of Hellifield. During the war he served with distinction in Egypt, Gallipoli and France. In July, 1916, he was severely wounded and was in hospital for some months. Eventually he returned to France, and his gallantry was so conspicuous that he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, a decoration rarely given to anyone under the rank of field officer. On demobilisation he returned to Australia where he was a member of the Perth Police Force, and had only been back a few months.

The funeral, which took place in the Anglican portion of the Karrakatta Cemetery, Perth, was largely attended. The cortege was met at the gates by the A.A. Reserve Band (under the command of Warrant Officer Mahon), 60 members of the police force, and a number of comrades of deceased’s platoon. The Rev. J.P. Davoren conducted the funeral ceremony. The chief mourners were: Mrs. M. Shorrock (widow), Mr. and Mrs. Hedley, Mr. Marsden, Capt. Dunkley, Mrs. Wright, and Mr. and Mrs. Carslaw. The pall bearers were Capt. Blair, Lieut. Davies and four police constables. Among those present were Colonel Collett, Captains A.S. Brown, Isaacs, McIntyre and Roydhouse, and Lieutenants Flannagan, Pascoe, Pickett, McDonald and Foster. Floral tributes were sent by Colonel Collett, N.C.O.’s and Men of the 28th Battalion A.I.F., the Perth and Fremantle Police Forces, and the Perth branch of the Returned Soldiers Association.

26 November 1920

SHORROCK – In loving memory of two brothers, James and Richard Shorrock, who passed away Nov. 26th, 1919, and Mar. 3rd, 1917.

“Not my will but Thine be done.”

“Loved by all.”

6 L. & Y. Cottages, Hellifield.