Description
Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, EDVII Company Sergeant Major Harry Crocker, Devon Royal Garrison Artillery, who rose to be Inspector of Shipwrights in Plymouth.
Just as he had risen through hard work from being a Gunner to Company Sergeant Major in the Volunteer Forces, he had similarly risen from a young Shipwright in H.M. Dockyard to become Inspector of Shipwrights.
Officially impressed: “452 C.S. Mjr H. Crocker. Devon: R.G.A.”
Medal awarded, Army Orders of April 1910.
With copy service records.
Harry Crocker officially joined the newly “Territorial Force” on 28th April 1908.
Born in Stoke Damerel, Devonport, Devon during late 1879.
His father William H. Crocker, had been a local Joiner, born in Salcombe.
His other Elizabeth was from Malborough.
Whilst not serving with the Devon RGA he was a Ships Draughtsman employed by H.M. Government at the Plymouth Dockyard.
His attestation sheet notes he had already been serving with the 2nd Devon Royal Garrison Artillery (Volunteers), when the new T.F. was formed in 1908.
He had originally signed up with the Volunteers on 23rd November 1897, and transferred to the Territorial Force from 24th April 1908.
His papers not the had passed his PF Courses at Shoeburyness 3 times, in Sept 1903, Aug 1904 and June 1908.
Promoted to Corporal, 25th July 1902
Promoted to Sergeant, 31st July 1903.
Promoted to Company Sergeant Major on 23rd March 1907.
He married his wife Jessie at Devonport on 14th September 1905.
Shown on 1921 Census as living in Trelawney Road, Peverell, Plymouth, with his Wife and children.
Occupation shown as “Inspector of Shipwrights” at “HM Dockyard”
In 1939, he is listed as “Inspector of Shipwrights Retired”.
He died in Plymouth, during 1953.
Western Morning News, 23rd Dec 1929 note:
“DOCKYARD PRESENTATIONS
At a smoking concert at Devonport on Saturday, a gold watch was presented by Mr Crocker, Inspector of Shipwrights, HM Dockyard, to Mr James Hooper, chargeman of Iron Caulkers, on his retirement on super-annuation.”
It is not clear if they are related but a fellow local man also a Crocker, named George Crocker, held one of the highest postings at the Dockyard until his retirement in 1906, having similarly risen from being a shipwright and “Devonport Boy”, he became George Crocker Esq, C.B. Technical Assistant to the Admiral Superintendent of the HM Dockyard.
