William (known in his family as Willie) was born 9 September 1896 in Saxlingham Thorpe. His parents were James Cooper and Sarah Mary Joanna Jesse Maria Cooper (nee Preston). His father was a traction engine driver.
His brothers and sisters were
Robert James Elisha born 1890
Florence Jesse Maud (known as Jesse) born 1892
Gladys Florence born 1899
James Arthur born 1902
Gertrude born 1905 died 1905
John (known as Jack) born 1907
In 1901 the family lived in Newton Flotman but in 1911 lived on the main road in Saxlingham Thorpe. In 1911 William was working as a farm labourer.
Little is known about his life or his war service. His records have not survived.
In 1918 he is listed on the Absent Voters’ list for Saxlingham Thorpe as being in 25th R.D.B. Tr. Co. service number 81503.
In 1919 he was in the Army Service Corps, service number T/437885. The T in his service number indicates that he was in the horse transport section.
As he is on the war memorial he must have returned to Saxlingham Nethergate after the war but at this time I have been unable to find any more information about him.
Acknowledgements
England and Wales, Birth, Marriage, Death Index 1837-2005
UK Census Collection
Norfolk Electoral Rolls, Absent Voters List, Saxlingham Nethergate 1918 -1920
If anyone has any photographs or information about this person please contact me. Email jan@janmfox.co.uk