Inquest: John Fancourt, 84, died from 'industrial disease'

John Fancourt, of Highfield Road, Dereham, was aged 84 when he died at home with mesothelioma – an aggressive form of cancer caused by asbestos. 

At an inquest into his death, the court heard how Mr Fancourt was “beyond shocked” when he was diagnosed in January 2022. 

A statement from his brother, Laurence, who attended Norfolk Coroner’s Court, Norwich, said: “This was a massive shock as he had been a banker for almost all of his working life.” 

National Service taking place in Great Yarmouth (Image: Newsquest Library)

Mr Fancourt was born in Romford, Essex, on May 6, 1938. 

He began his working life at a milliner in London, where he stayed “for just one morning”, before turning his hand to a successful career in banking.  

In January 1957, he enlisted as a gunner in the Royal Artillery, an arm of the British Army, where he completed his National Service and achieved the rank of lance bombardier. 

He was demobbed in 1959 and became an emergency reserve before being discharged in July 1962. 

The court heard how during this time Mr Fancourt was given protective asbestos gloves to prevent the risk of burns but would release toxic fibers as they aged. 

Norfolk Coroner's Court (Image: Newsquest)

After speaking extensively to his brother about how he could have come by his cancer, Laurence added: “He was given asbestos gloves to wear to catch the hot artillery casting. 

“He would then be asked to stack the expelled cases. 

“My brother, and other service personnel, were tasked to look after these gloves. They would bang them together to get rid of the dust after each use.” 

The court heard how Mr Fancourt was diagnosed with mesothelioma in January 2022. He died at home on January 26, 2023. 

Assistant coroner Johanna Thompson recorded a conclusion of death as “industrial disease of mesothelioma”.