ARTHUR WILLIAM COCKER

Image from 1917 Suffolk Chronicle and Mercury newspaper

Born: 1896, Ipswich.

Died: 23rd April 1917; age 19; KiA.

23^rd April Second Battle of the Scarpe

Zero Hour 4.45 a.m. troops attack on a nine mile front.

4^th 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.

Arras Memorial,

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.

Suffolk Regiment, 4th Battalion:

Suffolk Regiment battalion movements

Suffolk regiment website

Friends of The Suffolk Regiment