Robert was the eldest child of James and Sarah Mary Joanna Jessie Maria Cooper (nee Preston). He was born 27 February 1890 in Forncett End, Norfolk. His father was a labourer who later became a Traction Engine Driver. Robert had six brothers and sisters.
Florence Jessie born 1892
William George born 1897
Gladys Florence born 1899
James Arthur born 1902
Gertrude May born 1905 died 1905
John Frederick born 1907.
In 1901 the family were living in Back Street, Newton Flotman¸Norfolk and James was working as a Threshing Engine Driver. By 1911 they had moved to live in Saxlingham Thorpe which is the adjacent village to Newton Flotman.
Robert was single, still living at home and working as a farm labourer.
In December 1912 he married Edith Louisa Ringer in St. Mary’s Church, Saxlingham Nethergate. She was born 3 December 1888. Robert was working as a railway labourer. Edith’s father was a blacksmith in Norwich. They had a daughter Joyce who was born 28 November 1914.
He joined the Royal Tank Regiment, Service number 315536. It is not known when he joined but he did not serve abroad in 1914-1915.
He returned to live in Saxlingham Thorpe after the war and was living there in 1924.
In 1939 he was living with his wife Edith and their daughter Joyce at 204 Stafford Road, Great Yarmouth. He was working as part of the Railway Engineering Maintenance Staff as a ganger and plate layer. This would have been with the London and North Eastern Railway.
His daughter was employed as an upholsteress and machinist.
Edith Cooper died 28 October 1976 in Great Yarmouth.
Robert died on 4 April 1979. At the time of his death his address was 18 Links Close, Hellesdon, Norwich. He left £2436.
Acknowledgements
England & Wales, Birth, marriage, death index 1837-2005
UK Census Collection
British Army Medal Roll Index cards, 1914-1920
1939 Register- www.findmypast.co.uk
Norfolk Electoral Rolls-Southern Division Saxlingham Nethergate and Thorpe, (Absent Voters Lists 1918-1920) (1921- 1930)
England & Wales, National Probate Calendar 1858-1995
St Mary’s Church Saxlingham Marriage records (transcribed by Mary Muir)
Family trees on Ancestry of Langley, Davey and Thompson Families.
If anyone has any photographs or information about this person please contact me. Email jan@janmfox.co.uk