Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Joseph Hancock, an insurance agent, born 1860 in Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire and his wife Mary Ann Hancock (nee Kirk, married in the 2nd quarter of 1889 in the Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire district), born 17th September 1863 in Measham, Leicestershire. John was born in the 4th quarter of 1891 in Measham, his siblings were, Lilian Mary, born 1890 in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, Joseph, born 1894 and Hilda, born 1897, the latter two siblings were both born in Measham, in March 1901 the family home was at 10, Brook Side, Ashby de la Zouch. In April 1911 John was employed as a coal miner, hewer and was residing in the family home at Swannington Road, Ravenstone, Leicestershire, together with his father, a house property agent, his mother and siblings, Joseph, a brickyard labourer, Hilda, a schoolgirl, Frederick, a schoolboy, born 23rd July 1902 and Reginald, born 1906 the latter two siblings were both born in Leicestershire. In the 1st quarter of 1915 in the Blaby, Leicestershire district, John married Mary Elizabeth Weston, Mary was born in 1890 in Wigston, Leicestershire. In 1939 John’s mother resided at 49, Church Lane, Coalville, Leicestershire.
John first entered the theatre of war in France on the 13th August 1914. He died in the 4th CCS on the 24th September 1917. John was awarded the 1914 Star, British War and Victory medals.
The War Diary records: 24 Sep-17 – IN THE FIELD. CAMBRIDGE CAMP. (Fatigues) (Captain W. E. C. BAYNES, MC wounded – Other Ranks, 11 killed, 11 wounded of which 3 remained at duty). (Lieutenant G. C. FIRBANK, wounded – remained at duty).