Pte 22657 James Cooper

• Age: 31
• From: Wavertree, Liverpool
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 18th Btn
• Died Wednesday 2nd October 1918
• Commemorated at: Wavertree H.t.c.y Liverpool
  Panel Ref: C.E.216

James Cooper was born in 1887 in Wavertree, Liverpool and was the son of Isaac and Annie Cooper (nee Neary) who had married in March 1879 at Warrington.  

The 1891 Census finds the family living at 11 Wells Street, Wavertree. His father Isaac is shown as a Railway shunter born in Lymm, Cheshire in 1859 whlst his mother was born in Warrington in 1861. James has siblings in the househhold as follows: Joseph b.1881, Fanny b.1883, Isaac b.1887 and John b.1890.

The father Isaac died in December 1899 aged 41.

By 1901 the family are still living at 11 Wells Street, Wavertree. His mother Annie is now a widow and head of the household. James, now 13 and listed as an Errand boy has the following siblings living in the household: Joseph, Isaac, John, Jane b.1893, Thomas b.1894, Ann b.1897, Margaret year of birth unidentified on census and Emily b.1900.

By 1911 the family has moved to 31 Southdale Road, Wavertree. James is now 23 and employed in Packing. His mother is still head of the household and the following siblings are still living at the home address; Joseph, Isaac, John, Jane, Thomas, Ann, Margaret and Emily.    

James enlisted in Liverpool on 10th November 1914 joining the 20th Battalion as Private 22657. He gave his age as 26 years and two months and his occupation as a casemaker, and his NOK Annie Cooper 40 Chestnut Grove, Wavertree. He was five feet seven and a half inch tall, weighed 137lbs and has a fresh complexion, grey eyes and dark brown hair. 
Formed in November 1914 the 20^th Battalion were originally billeted at Tournament Hall, Knotty Ash before on 29^th January 1915 they moved to the hutted accommodation purposely built at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 19th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. 

7.11.15: He embarked for France with his battalion.

James was granted leave to the UK between 19th - 29th July 1917. He was posted to the 18th Battaion on 07th February 1918 following the disbandment of the 20th Battalion.

06th March 1918 admitted to 96 F.A with acute synovitis in left knee. He returned home on 18th March 1918 and was attached to the Depot.

A letter from RAMC Captain at Toxteth Park Hospital stated he was admitted on 28th Sept 1918 from Knowsley Park Camp with a temp of 104F, that was distinct evidence of pneumonia. He died 3 days later at 12 noon  on 2nd October 1918, aged 31. The burial record says he died at Toxteth Park Military Hospital.

His death was reported in the Liverpool Echo on 03rd October 1918

COOPER - October 2, suddenly at Toxteth Military Hospital of pneumonia, aged 31 years, Private JAMES COOPER, 4th Liverpool Pals, dearly loved third son of Annie and the late Isaac Cooper of 40 Chestnut Grove, Wavertree. (Our hero.) Military Funeral at Holy Trinity, Wavertree on Monday next at 11:30 a.m. 

Also in the Liverpool Echo on 04th October 1918

COOPER - October 2, suddenly at Toxteth Military Hospital of pneumonia, aged 31 years, Private JAMES COOPER, 4th Liverpool Pals, dearly loved third son of Annie and the late Isaac Cooper of 40 Chestnut Grove, Wavertree. (Our hero.)

James now rests at Wavertree Holy Trinity Churchyard, Liverpool where his headstone bears the epitaph:

“JUST WHEN HIS DAYS WERE BRIGHTEST JUST WHEN HIS HOPES WERE BEST”

There are 28 First World War burials in the Churchyard.

Soldiers effects and pension to his mother Annie, his personal belongings were listed in his service papers as follows and returned to his mother:

2 pipes, tobacco pouch, ring, letters and cap badge. 

His mother died in the September quarter of 1920 aged 60.

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