Pte 48040 Herbert Cook

• Age: 39
• From: Liverpool
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 18th Btn
• K.I.A Monday 23rd April 1917
• Commemorated at: Cherisy Rd East Cem, Heninel
  Panel Ref: 72

Herbert was born September 1878 in Liverpool and was the son of Patrick Cook and his wife Mary Ann (formerly Thomas) of Liverpool and the husband of Annie Ada Shaw (formerly Cook), of 113 Mill Lane, Old Swan, Liverpool.

His parents married in 1875. Mary Thomas was a widow, her daughter Mary E. Thomas appears on the 1881 census aged 13.

The 1881 Census shows the family living at 134 Wavertree Vale, Wavertree, Liverpool. His father Patrick is aged 36, born 1845 in Liverpool, he is a boot maker, whilst his mother Mary is aged 40, born 1841 in Cheshire and has no occupation listed. They have three children in the household who were all born in Liverpool, Mary aged 13, born 1868 from previous marriage, she and Patrick aged 4,  are both scholars and Herbert is aged 2.

On the 1891 census he is aged 12 living at 99 Bishopgate St, Wavertree with his married step-sister "Annie" (nee Thomas) and her spouse John Rogers 23 a cotton porter. They had married the previous year, witnessed by Isabel Shaw(see 1901 census). Also with him are brother Edward 8 and sister Winifred M. 6 

The 1901 Census shows Herbert living with his married sister Isabella Shaw at 39, Wynne Street, Liverpool. The head of the household is Moses Shaw aged 41, born 1860 in Liverpool and he is employed as a commercial clerk. His wife Isabella and Herbert’s sister is aged 39, born 1862 in Liverpool and has no occupation listed. They have six children who were all born in Liverpool, Lilian aged 15, born 1886, Gertrude aged 11, born 1890, Walter aged 10, born 1891, Ernest aged 7, born 1894, Charles aged 4, born 1897 and Margurire aged 1, born 1900. Herbert is aged 22 and employed as a cotton clerk.

Herbert married Barbara Probert Richardson on 31st March 1902 at St. Cyprian's Church, Edge Hill, Liverpool.  Barbara sadly passed away December 1910.

The 1911 Census shows Herbert living at 46 Cameron St Liverpool. He is a widower aged 32 and employed as a sample-man in a cotton brokers. He is living with his eight year old son also named Herbert.

Herbert married Annie Ada Billington on 10th June 1914 also at St Cyprian's Church, Edge Hill, Liverpool.

He enlisted in Liverpool and was serving with the 18th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 48040 when he was killed in action, aged 39.

His date of death is shown on CWGC headstone as 23rd April 1917 whilst the SDGW have the date of death as 22nd April 1917.  

He was reported killed in the local newspaper on 01st June 1917.

Herbert is buried at Plot 72 Cherisy Road East Cemetery, Heninel. He shares the headstone with John Lancaster of the 16th Battalion of the Manchester Regiment. John is buried at Plot 71. As there are two names on the headstone there is no room for a Cross.

Herbert's headstone bears the epitaph:

"ALWAYS REMEMBERED"

The village of Heninel was captured in a snowstorm on 12 April 1917 by the 56th (London) and 21st Division. The 50th (Northumbrian) Division, advancing from Heninel on the two following days, captured Wancourt Tower. Cherisy Road East Cemetery was made by the 30th and 33rd Division Burial Officers in April 1917. The cemetery contains 82 First World War burials, 19 of which are unidentified.

Soldiers Effects and pension to widow Annie Ada at 63 Leinster Road, Old Swan, Luverpool.

His widow Annie remarried to Ernest Shaw in June 1919.

Herbert is also commemorated on the following Memorials:

Hall of Remembrance, Liverpool Town Hall, Panel 9 Left

Cotton Association, Walker House, Exchange Flags, Liverpool

We currently have no further information on Herbert Cook, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.