Image courtesy of Louise Cocker. 
Image from 1917 Suffolk Chronicle and Mercury newspaper
Born: 1896, Ipswich.
Died: 23rd April 1917; age 19; KiA.
23rd April Second Battle of the Scarpe
Zero Hour 4.45 a.m. troops attack on a nine mile front.
4th Battalion the Suffolk’s make a frontal attack on the Hindenburg line.
“The maze of communication trenches between the front and support line, which it was impossible to guard or even watch, afforded the enemy excellent cover during his advance.”
4th Battalion “the enemy counter-attacked vigorously. Two companies being unsupported on their flanks were compelled to fall back.” 350 casualties
Residence: 1, Ayslum Yard, Lower Orwell Street, Ipswich.
Employed: as a Moulder at Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies, Orwell Works, Ipswich.
Enlistment Location: Ipswich.
Date of Entry Therein: 28th February 1915 – France.
Rank: Corporal; Service Number: 200267
Regiment: Suffolk Regiment, 4th Battalion.
Formerly 1762, Suffolk Regiment.
Medals Awarded: Victory, British War & 1915 Star
Memorial Reference:
Bay 4.
Pas de Calais,
France.
CENSUS
1901 26, Potter Street, Ipswich.
Arthur was 5 years old and living with his parents & sister.
Harry William Cocker, 35, a Dockside Labourer, born Ipswich.
(Florence) Flora Cocker (nee Reynolds), 26, a Corset Maker – at home, born Colchester, Essex.
May Florence Cocker, 3, born Ipswich.
1911 9, Watts Court, Foundation Street, Ipswich.
Arthur was 14 years old, he worked at a Newsagents. He was living with his parents & siblings.
Harry, 42, a Labourer – Iron Works.
Florence, 36, a Charwoman – Public House.
May, 12.
Harry Cocker, 9, born Ipswich.
Soldiers’ Effects to Harry W. Cocker – father.
Arthur is also remembered on the war memorial at St. Mary at the Quay Church, Ipswich and the Orwell Works Memorial Ransomes Sims & Jefferies Ipswich.
Hi i have a photo of this man if you would like a copy.
Hi Samantha, yes we would love to have a copy. We are in the Poppy shop in Sailmakers (Tower Ramparts) shopping centre next Saturday if you have a hard copy we can scan or if not just mail us.
Regards Andrew Beal