Major G H Willcocks

Major G H Willcocks, MVO, MBE (1899-1962) had a short but spectacular career in brass bands, his first involvement being in 1952 when he became a vice-president of, and examiner for, the Bandsman’s College of Music . Harry Mortimer knew him through broadcasting and when Harry found he was unable to conduct at the 1952 Nationals he invited Willcocks to conduct Fairey’s – he led them to 1st Prize.

Willcocks eventually became professional conductor at Black Dyke for a period of 5 years until his untimely death in January 1962. He left a legacy of compositions and arrangements, some of which are published.