Private Nathaniel LOCK

Northamptonshire Regiment (7th Service Battalion) 17085 – WO 329

Nathaniel Lock was born on December 26th, 1887, the eldest son of William and Eliza Lock (née Simmons). His parents married in 1885, with William hailing from Nassington and Eliza from Woodnewton. Nathaniel was baptized on February 5, 1888, at St Mary’s Church, Woodnewton. His education began on July 17th, 1891, making him the very first entry in the village school’s logbook.

In 1910, Nathaniel married Emily Long from Fotheringhay. By the time of the 1911 Census, he was working as a farm laborer and horsekeeper for a local farmer, residing in Woodnewton.

With the outbreak of World War I in 1914, Nathaniel was among the first to volunteer for military service. He enlisted in the 7th (Service) Battalion on September 1st, 1914. His training took him to Southwick (from November 1914 to April 1915), the South Downs, and eventually Woking. On September 2, 1915, he landed in Boulogne, France. During his service, he was captured and held as a prisoner of war for three years. After multiple escape attempts, he finally succeeded in reaching Holland—just three days before the Armistice was signed in November 1918.

For his service, Nathaniel was awarded the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal, which were officially issued to him on March 10, 1919.

The 1918 Absent Voter’s List recorded Nathaniel as a resident of Fotheringhay, suggesting he lived there at the time of his enlistment and possibly returned after the war. However, by 1921, records show that he and his family had relocated to Barrowden, Rutland, where he was employed as a farm laborer by C.N.H. Lane.

Little is known about his life over the following years until the 1939 Register, which places him and his family at Lady Lodge Farm in Orton Waterville, Peterborough.

During the 1940s, Nathaniel returned to his home village of Woodnewton, settling on St Mary’s Hill. His name appeared in the Peterborough Standard on February 9, following an accident involving horses while working for Mr. Whittaker of Conegar Farm.

After Emily’s passing in 1952, Nathaniel moved to Gretton to live with his daughter, Ruby Lock. There, he found employment with Corby Urban Council and continued working until he retired at the age of 73. While in Gretton, he remained an active member of the Royal British Legion.

Nathaniel Lock passed away in January 1987, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, service, and dedication to his country and community.

updated 2025.