William Richard Copley
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William Richard Copley was born in 1894 at Westborough and was the son of the late William Richard Copley(senior) the landlord of the Blue Greyhound of Town Street, Westborough and Hannah Louisa Copley née Day and the brother of Margaret Florence Copley. His father William Richard was born in 1863 at Westborough, he died in 1902 at Newark he was 38 yrs of age , his mother Hannah Louisa Day was born in 1868 at Swarby, Lincolnshire, they were married in 1890 at Newark. their other child Margaret Florence was born in 1892 at Westborough. In 1911 the family lived at 39 William Street Newark and were shown as Hannah Louisa 43 yrs a widow and charwoman, she is living with her children, Margaret Florence 19 yrs an apprentice dressmaker and William Richard 17 yrs an apprentice iron worker.
Private William Richard Copley enlisted 9th September 1914 at Newark, he gave his age as 21 yrs and 3 months, his address as 39 William Street, Newark, he stated he worked for Ransom's of Newark and his next of kin was his mother Hannah of the same address. He was posted to the 1/8th battalion Sherwood Foresters and landed in France on 2nd March 1915, he was killed in action on 13th April 1915. He is buried in Kemmel Chateau Military Cemetery Grave Reference: E.58
Article published 24th April 1915 in the Newark Herald :- Only son of William Richard & Hannah Copley of Westborough, Lincolnshire. Was in the Church Lads Brigade (awarded five year service medal), scouts and churchman's club. Had just finished apprenticeship at Messrs. Ransome & Co. as a turner. Tried four times to join the army (preferably Royal Engineers) but rejected because of defective teeth. Accepted in Sept. 1914 by Territorial Force.
