The son of Ernest and Gertrude he married Mona Langford in 1941.
He was the brother-in-law of Cyril Gunning who married his sister Edna Loder in 1939.
He farmed after the war at the 200 acre Church Farm. He was a keen grass track and trials motorcyclist. After the war he was Vice Chairman of the Yeo Vale Motor-Cycle Club.
| Unit or location | Role | Posted from | until |
|---|---|---|---|
| Podimore Patrol | Group Commander | 23 Jul 1940 | 03 Dec 1944 |
| Somerset Group 4 - Yeovil | Group Commander | 20 Apr 1944 | 03 Dec 1944 |
Tractor driver public works
He joined the Local Defence Volunteers, later the Home Guard, on 23 Jul 1940. Later that year he was asked to become the Patrol leader of Podimore Patrol, responsible for recruiting its members. He became a Sergeant as Patrol Leader.
He was sent on a Patrol Leaders course at Coleshill House. He was taught unarmed combat, sabotage, weapons handling and the use of grenades and explosives.
Eric was promoted to Second Lieutenant 20 Apr 1944 on becoming Group Leader and to Lieutenant 19 Aug 1944.
He kept his involvement secret for 28 years, even from his family. This resulted in sneers from others who thought he wasn't pulling his weight during the war.
TNA ref WO199/3390 & WO199/3391
Hancock data held at B.R.A
1939 Register
Somerset Heritage Centre Ref DD\SLI 18/3/76