George Augustus Cooper

Private, Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment)

Age 12, Class III-C: 'Nice disposition'

George August Cooper was born 11 Oct 1895, the son of a surveyor. He first attended Dulwich Hamlet School and then Alleyn's from May 1908 until March 1912. During his time at Alleyn's he lived at 4 Turney Road in the care of a Mrs Clark. His attendance at School was irregular and upon leaving Alleyn's he worked as a Junior Clerk. After the outbreak of war, he decided to enlist in the British Expeditionary Force and joined the Queen's Royal West Surrey Regiment after being found fit for service. During his time with the regiment, George served overseas in France and Flanders and was involved in a number of British operations including action at the Somme, Passchendaele and Cambrai. George was also involved in action during the last 100 days of the war and took part in the operations that lead to eventual Allied victory. It was during this time that he was wounded in battle while fighting at Le Catelet. He returned to England to recover from his injuries but later died after contracting pneumonia. Before he died, George was awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry and devotion to duty under fire. He is buried at Willow Grove Cemetery in Stockport.