Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Sergeant John Thomas Minocks

John was one of nine children born at Harrow in Victoria to John and Charlotte Minnocks. A pioneering early settler, John’s father, John Minocks Snr, left County Clare in Ireland with his twin sister and a brother while all were still youths. He met and married Charlotte Home who lived in Victoria, in 1870. Working initially as a carrier, John then became a sheep farmer. Sadly, Charlotte died in August 1891 leaving John Snr to care for their nine children. He later moved to live at Narracoorte and Pinnaroo.  

With the outbreak of WWI, younger brother, Joseph enlisted on August 14th 1915 and John in October 1915, recording his age as being 32 years old. William, the oldest brother enlisted the following month in November of 1915. All three brothers were labourers who frequently worked as a team around Pinarroo, Murray Bridge and in the South East as well as the Brown’s Wells area where they worked to grub and clear roads by hand. They were tall and powerfully built, with the Advertiser of February 1917 reporting that ‘The Minocks Brothers were three of the finest men who have left these shores, all being over 6 ft, and very powerfully built.' (The perception of locals regarding the brothers’ heights was at variance with the actual height measured when they enlisted.)  However, John’s build may account for him later being attached to the 1st Canadian Tunnelling Company soon after arriving in France in October of 1916.

John and his brother, William were, tendered a public farewell in the well-attended Pinaroo institute on December 30th 1915. By July of 1916 he had arrive in Plymouth, England and by October was attached to the 1st Canadian tunnelling Company, then in February 1917 joined the 2nd Australian Tunnelling. He rose through the ranks to become Lance /Sgt in October 1917. In what appears to be an horrific accident in France May 15th 1918 John sustained severe, multiple bomb wounds to his legs, abdomen and left hand while in the field. As a result of the severity of his wounds, John died at the casualty clearing station on the 17th May 1918, 16 months after the death of his brother, Joseph. John was buried at Vignacourt British Cemetery near Armiens, Plot 2 Row D Grave 9. He was aged 46.

The news for his father, John Snr must have been devastating having lost Joseph just over 12 months previously and knowing that a third son, William was also serving in France. The Daily Herald of June 1918 soberly reported the tragedy ‘Mr. John Mincocks of Pinnaroo has received news that his eldest son, Sergeant John T. Minocks made the supreme sacrifice in France, on May 17, having died from wounds received in action. A second son Joseph, also gave his life for his King and country about a year ago. There is still another son left in France.’

Again, a photo of this grave was sent to his father in Pinaroo. John’s small collection of personal effects, a leather purse, pipe, tobacco pouch, rosary, button, note book and YMCA wallet were also sent to his father in 1918. Precious keepsakes of a vibrant, strong and healthy young man, whose life was also cut short. Later, the same set of medals his brother, Joseph had earned, the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and the Victory medal were also sent to John Snr.

In 1919 the Page and Minocks families paid tribute in the Chronicle to four young men from both families. Joseph’s older brother John, who had risen to the rank of Sergeant was killed a little over a year after Joseph: MINOCKS. PAGE. — A tribute to the memory of our four brothers. Sergeant Page, killed October 8, 1917. aged 23 years; Trooper Page, South Africa. November 29, 1900, aged 19 years; Sergeant Minocks, killed May 17,1918, aged 46 years; and Private Joseph Minocks, January 27, 1917 aged 29 years. Ever remembered by their sister, and brother. Will (late 3rd Pioneers), and Florrie Minocks, Berri (nee Page).

Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion