Trafford

Born during the December quarter 1898 in the Bucklow R.D. - ref: 8a/165,
the second son of Alfred & Emily Harriet Coops (nee Jackson).

1901 Census - 9 Dalton Street, Sale.    Son - aged: 2 - born: Sale.   Head
of household - Alfred Coops - Married - aged 32 - occ: Horse Keeper - born:
Cheadle, Cheshire.   Also - Emily Harriet - Wife - aged: 34 - born:
Ecclesfield, Yorkshire.   Plus 4 siblings.

He attended Springfield Road School, Sale.

1911 Census - 9 Florence Street Ashton on Mersey.    Son - aged: 12 -
Scholar - born: Sale.   Head of household - Alfred Coops - Married - aged
42 - occ: Poultry Assistant - born: Cheadle, Cheshire.   Also - Emily
Harriet - Wife - aged: 44 - born: Gunoside, Yorkshire.   Plus 7 siblings.

He was employed by Mr. J.E. Dean, Builder & Contractor, A.on M. and was a
Member of the Egerton St Mission.

WO363 - Enlisted into the 8th Bn, East Lancashire Rgt in November 1914 No.
17206 at the age of 16 years.  Admitted into No. 50 F.A. (Field Ambulance)
on the 1st October 1915, suffering from Scbies - discharged back to duty on
the 6th.   Admitted again to No.50 F.A. on the 25th December 1915 suffering
from a shrapnel wound to his 1 finger on his right hand - discharged back
to duty on the 2nd January 1916.   Suffering from 'Shell Shock' he was
admitted into No. 45 C.C.S. (Casualty Clearing Station) on the 13th July
1916 and sent down to No. 9 General Hospital, Rouen on the 14th, then to
No. 30 Base Hospital at Etaples on the 19th.  Rejoined his Bn in the field
on the 28th July 1916.  It was discovered that Harry was under age to be in
the combat country, so on the 4th September 1916 he was ordered back to
England.  His orders stated that he will catch the 08.33 hrs train from
Etaples and on arrival in England will proceed to Preston with the East
Lancashire Rgt for Service back in England.  

A later Army Reserve Transfer document states that - He was aged: 18 years,
0 months and was 5 feet 4 inches in height.  His complexion was Fresh, his
hair Light Brown and a Joiner by trade.   His address was given as 9
Florence Street, Ashton upon Mersey.

On the 6th May 1917, he was sent on detachment for Home Duty to Batford,
Linclonshire.  P.O.W. Camp duties perhaps - there was a German POW Camp at
Batford ???    Admitted into the Lowestoft Hospital on the 6th May 1917 and
discharged on the 12th - no reason recorded.     Lowestoft, Lincolnshire. 
The next line of his record states that he was with the Herring Fleet and
that he was granted 6 days leave from the Herring Fleet ???  Still with the
Herring Fleet, he was admitted to hospital on the 23rd Auigust 1917 and
discharged on the 8th September 1917 being then granted 7 days Sick Leave. 
  He returned to the Herring Fleet on the 25th September 1917.  Granted 6
days leave on the 15th November 1917.

Transferred to the 1st Bn, Monmouthshire Rgt on the 1st  july 1917.

He returned to France in January 1918.  In May 1918 he suffered a gassing
incident.   Admitted into No. 47 C.C.S.  on the 24th October 1918 and died
of Influenza the following day.   His next of kin was his sister - Edie
Baguley (nee Coops) of 122 Bennett Street, Ardwick, Manchester.   His
personal effects were listed as:- Photos, Clasp knife, 2 cigarette cases,
Cards, 3 German buttons, ???? case, Button hook, ???? knife, Purse, 2Cotton
studs, 2 Farthings.  His basic Service Record:-

Home - 12th November 1914 to 30th July 1915
France - 31st July 1915 to 5th September 1916
Home - 6th September 1916 to 14th January 1918
France - 15th January 1918 to 25th October 1918

His death was reported in the 15/11/1918 edition of the Altrincham Guardian
which states that he was serving with the South Wales Borderers.

Died of Influenza.

M.I. - "In life and death O Lord, abide with me".