COOPER Mark Sidney

Recorded as killed in action on Soldiers Died in the Great War, died of wounds on medal roll.

Appears in the Worcester/Worcestershire Roll of Honour Book for army casualties located in Worcester Cathedral.

1911 Census
James Cooper 53, Elizabeth 47, Mark Sydney 24 Labourer on Farm, Charles William 20, Allen Joseph 12, Albert Victor 10, Nellie Gladis 7, Margaret Mary 5 At Willow Lane, Martley

Berrow’s Worcester Journal, 16th June 1917:
Patriotic Martley Family.
“The family of Mr and Mrs J Cooper, Willow Lane, have splendidly answered their countries call, and exhibited a noble spirit of patriotism worthy of admiration. Mr Cooper for some years served in the Worcestershire Regiment (old 29th), and was stationed in India for several years.  n the outbreak of war his son Ernest was serving in India in the Worcestershire Regiment. He returned home with his battalion, and went through the landing in Gallipoli. After much severe fighting, he was badly wounded and finally discharged. The eldest son, Mark, joined the South Staffordshire’s soon after war commenced. He, too, went to Gallipoli, gallantly laying down his life on the battlefield. Corpl. Charles Cooper joined the A.S.C., and has been in France upwards of two years. He was home on leave a few months ago, and seemed very fit and well. Another son, Arthur, joined the Worcestershires, and is now serving in India, while still another, Allen, joined the Royal Marines a few weeks ago, as soon as he became eligible. Mr and Mrs Cooper may feel proud of such an excellent record.”

A photograph of Private M. Cooper of Martley can be found in Berrow’s Worcester Journal Supplement, Saturday 23rd June 1917, available at Worcestershire Archives.