William Cope
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
He was born in about 1887 and was the son of William Cope of 17 Cavendish Street, Sneinton, Nottingham. CWGC records that he was the husband of the late Mary Cope. It is likely that William married Mary (nee Hancox) in 1908 (registered Apr/May/June). In 1911 they were living at 41 Quarry Roads, Sneinton; they had no children. At the time of William's death they were living at 10 Gawthorne Street, New Basford, and had one child who was probably born in 1916 or in the first two months of 1917 as the notice of his death describes the child as a 'baby'. The record, 'Soldiers' effects', shows that a payment was made in April 1917 to Mary who was his sole legatee. However, a further payment in October 1919 was made to the guardian of the child, Rose Meats(?); the name is probably that of the guardian and not the child. Mary died in 1918 (death registered Dec 1918) age 31 (b. abt 1887, Bulwell). It is possible that Mary died in the Spanish influenza epidemic.
He was reported missing in July 1916 but his death was not confirmed until the following year. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial (Pier and Face 10 B 11 B and 12 B).
Nottingham Post notice (abridged) 28 February 1917: 'Cope. Reported missing now reported killed, July 7th, Private W Cope, Northumberland Fusiliers. Wife and baby.' Nottingham Post notice (abridged) 19 March 1917: 'Private W Cope (Northumberland Fusiliers), 10 Gawthorne Street, New Basford, killed in action July 7th.'
