Henry Cooper was born at St Helens, Lancashire, in 1898 to parents James Cooper, born c.1859 at Eccleston, Lancashire, and Mary Cooper (née Matthews), born c.1862. James and Mary were married at St Thomas Parish Church, Eccleston, on 10 June 1882. They would have the following children, all born at St Helens: May Cooper, born c.1882; James Cooper, born c.1883; William Cooper, born c.1887; Jane Cooper, born c.1888; Margaret Cooper, born c.1891; George Cooper, born c.1896; and Henry Cooper, born c.1898.

James Cooper died in 1898, leaving Mary a widow.

In the 1901 Census, the Cooper family were all living at 36 Hope Street, St Helens. Mary is shown as a widow.

In the 1911 Census, the family, now reduced in size, were living at 27 Sidney Street, St Helens. Mary is shown to be a widow. William, aged 24, was a pawnbroker/salesman; Margaret was a laundry machinist; George was an apprentice glass cutter at Pilkington’s; and Henry was at school.

Henry enlisted at Warrington on 17 May 1915, initially with the 3rd Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment. His apparent age was given as 19 years 1 month, his height 5 feet 5½ inches, chest measurement 34½ inches, and his next of kin was his mother, Mary Cooper. He was later transferred to the 2nd Battalion. At the time of enlistment, he was living at 90 Chapel Street, St Helens, and employed as a clerk.

He entered France on 18 December 1915. He was admitted to hospital with gunshot wounds to his back, chest and arms on 5 September 1916 and discharged back to duty on 18 October 1916. He was wounded again on 29 May 1918 and died of his wounds on 6 June 1918. His address on enlistment was 90 Chapel Street, St Helens, but later records show his mother and next of kin living at 15 Peter Street, St Helens. By this time she had remarried Robert Walker.

The battalion war diary gives clues as to how Henry was wounded and later died. The battalion was moving positions in the area of Ventelay, France, when they were subjected to enemy shelling using explosives and gas, causing several killed and wounded. Henry must have been one of those wounded and was evacuated to a Canadian war hospital near Paris.

Returned to his mother were Henry’s watch, strap, protector, cigarette case, 9ct gold ring, wallet, newspaper cuttings, pocket book, French and English postcards and letters.

Henry is now buried in the Perreuse Chateau Franco‑British National Cemetery, plot number 1.A.46.

In memoriam messages appear in the St Helens newspapers dated 21 June 1918, 9 August 1918 and 6 June 1919.

COOPER – In sad but loving memory of Private Henry Cooper, who died of wounds in France, June 6th, 1918, and was buried at Troyes, June 8th.  Forever with the Lord. Father, in Thy gracious keeping, leave me now my loved one sleeping. From his still sorrowing Mother, 15 Peter Street.

COOPER – In loving memory of Private Henry Cooper, South Lancashire Regiment, died of wounds June 6th, 1918. What peaceful hours I once enjoyed, how sweet their memory still, But they have left an aching void this world can never fill. From his sorrowing chum, Gunner W. Martindale, 87 Liverpool Road.

IN MEMORIAM

COOPER – In loving 21st birthday remembrance (August 6th) of my dear son, Private Henry Cooper, 2nd South Lancashires, who died of wounds received in France June 6th, 1918, and buried at Troyes. A day of remembrance sad to recall. ’Twas hard to part with one we loved, So tender and so young, On whose dear life so many hopes and fond affections clung. But God is wiser far than we, and doeth all things best, And He has taken our darling boy to dwell among the blest.  From his sorrowing Mother, 15 Peter Street. 

For his service he earned the 1914–15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.

He is remembered on the Lambeth WW1 Royal Doulton Memorial and the St Helens Victoria Square War Memorial.

Sources:

Ancestry WW1 Medal Index Cards

Ancestry WW1 Medal Rolls

Ancestry Register of Soldiers’ Effects

Fold3 WW1 Pension Cards

Ancestry WW1 Service Papers

Ancestry 1891 Census

Ancestry 1901 Census

Ancestry 1911 Census

Ancestry Soldiers Died in the Great War