John Howard Wescott
Surname: Wescott
Other names: John Howard
Locations in this story: Shaftesbury, DorsetOswestry, ShropshireBridport, Dorset
Story: John Howard Wescott (Rev) was born in Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 24th June 1899, the son of Alfred John Wescott, a Coal Merchant, and Bessie Wescott (née Scammell). He lived with his family in Park Walk, Shaftesbury, and attended Shaftesbury Grammar School from 1909 to 1916. He did well academically, particularly in English, and passed the Cambridge Preliminary, Junior and Senior Local Examinations with Honours. He was also a member of the school cadet force and was promoted to Lance Corporal in 1915.
In 1917 John enlisted with the Gloucestershire Regiment as a Private (Service No. 44692) but was soon transferred to the Prince of Wales's Own (Civil Service Rifles) (part of the London Regiment) Service No. 536887. It is not known in which theatre of war he served in but on his discharge was awarded the Victory and British War medals. He married Dorothy Primrose Hobley in Oswestry, Shropshire, in 1923. By the time of the 1939 Register he was still living in Park Walk, Shaftesbury, Dorset, and was described as an HM Inspector of Taxes. It is recorded he joined the City Of London Regiment in the Second World War with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant but some time later was ordained as a Minister of Religion. He died in Bridport, Dorset, on 15th May 1972.
Printed Sources:
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, October 1915
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, June 1916
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, November 1917
In 1917 John enlisted with the Gloucestershire Regiment as a Private (Service No. 44692) but was soon transferred to the Prince of Wales's Own (Civil Service Rifles) (part of the London Regiment) Service No. 536887. It is not known in which theatre of war he served in but on his discharge was awarded the Victory and British War medals. He married Dorothy Primrose Hobley in Oswestry, Shropshire, in 1923. By the time of the 1939 Register he was still living in Park Walk, Shaftesbury, Dorset, and was described as an HM Inspector of Taxes. It is recorded he joined the City Of London Regiment in the Second World War with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant but some time later was ordained as a Minister of Religion. He died in Bridport, Dorset, on 15th May 1972.
Printed Sources:
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, October 1915
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, June 1916
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, November 1917
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