John Woollcombe

Educated at Cheltenham College.

From Sir Charles Louis Woollcombe

He served in the South African War 1900 -1902. Operations in Natal (March to June 1900). Operations in the Transvaal, East of Pretoria (July to 29th November 1900) including action at Belfast (26th and 27th August) and Lydenburg ((5th to 8th September). Operations in the Transvaal 30th Novermber 1900 to 31st May 1902. Queen's Medal with two clasps, King's Medal with two clasps.

From Lt. Colonel C P Tremlett, 1/4 Devonshire Regiment to H. L. Woollcombe Esq 9 February 1917

It is with the greatest regret that I have to tell you of the death of your nephew - Major John Woollcombe - which occurred in action on the 3rd inst., when my battalion with others were ordered to attack some Turkish trenches on the west bank of the Hai. He was I believe the first officer to get to the 3rd Turkish line, and it was there that his body was found, afterwards recovered and buried at Bassonia. How much the 1/4 Devons owe to our late Adjutant it is quite impossible for me to describe, as all we know about soldiering, both officers and men, and the efficiency of the battalion was due to the untiring efforts of this gallant officer during the five years he was with us. In the mess he was most popular and we all miss him tremendously and trust you will accept our sincere sympathy in the loss you have sustained.

He is buried at Asmarrah Cemetery, Iraq. NW