R D Cooper (1894 – 1918)

Richard David Cooper was registered as David Richard J W Cooper. He was baptised at St Mary Magdalene, Bridgnorth on 13th December, 1893 as David Richard Cooper.

David was the son of David Cooper, farm labourer, and his wife, Mary Ellen. The family lived in Friar Street and, later, in Cartway. When he left school, David worked as a general labourer. He married, and lived with his wife in Moat Street.

David joined the Herefordshire Regiment but was serving with the 7th Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry when he was killed in action on 21st August, 1918. He is commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial to the men who fell in the Advance to Victory and who have no known grave.

Private Cooper, 238806, was awarded the Victory and British Medals. His death was reported in the Bridgnorth Journal on 21st September, 1918.

KILLED WHILST RESCUING A COMRADE
[Bridgnorth Journal, Saturday 21st September, 1918]
Mrs Cooper, 6 Moat Street, Bridgnorth, has been officially informed that her husband, 238806 Pte. D. Cooper, 7th K.S.L.I. (eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Cooper, Cartway), was killed on the 21st August by shell fire whilst carrying a wounded comrade to the dressing station.