Vincent Mossop was born in Eccleshall about 1887 and thought to have been named after his elder cousin (also born in Eccleshall (abt 1877)), the son of Thomas and Mary Mossop. He married Lily Hands in 1909 and they had the following children:

• Agnes Ellen (19/11/1909)
• Vincent (10/11/1911)
• Maime (21/3/1913)
• George Edward (14/3/1815 )
• Olive (17/9/1917)

All births were registered in Kings Norton, and throughout
this time his address was 48 Beechfield Road, Smethwick.

In 1915 he enlisted as a Private (096717) in the ASC (later the RASC). He was a fitter by trade. The plan was to train him as a motor transfer driver. His pay was 1s 2d per day but if he qualified as a driver, this would rise to 2s 4d.

He went to France on 16th April 1916. He returned to England on 29th December 1917. His record described him as sobriety good, reliable and fairly intelligent, good lorry driver. He must have remained as a Reservist as there is a record in 1921 where he was compulsorily re-enlisted for a 90 day period. It would appear he was working as a motor mechanic.

He was awarded the British Service, and Victory Medals.