CLS Chronicle 06/08/1915
He was born in Seaham Harbour, had enlisted at Sunderland, but lived at Chester-le-Street.
The Chester-le-Street Chronicle 05/03/1915 reports:-
Lance Corporal W.B. Cooper 1st Coldstream Guards of 4 Ketley's Buildings Chester-le-Street has been missing since the end of October about the time of the great Battle of Ypres. He was a reservist and had served a short time with Durham County Constabulary. He was working as a miner when called up. His wife received a postcard from him dispatched about October 20th informing her of his promotion and since that time she has not heard from him nor has been able to get any information about him though she has applied both to the War Office, his regiment and the parliamentary Recruiting Office as well as to individual wounded Coldstreamers. His name has not yet been included in any casualty list or list of prisoners of war that has been issued.
The Chester-le-Street Chronicle 23/07/1915 reports
Mrs Cooper 4 Ketley's Buildings Chester-le-Street has just received information from the War Office to the effect that her husband Lance Corporal Wilkinson B. Cooper 1st Coldstream Guards was killed at Ypres on October 29th 1914. He was a reservist and after leaving the army was in the Durham County Police force stationed at Darlington.
TheChester-le-Street Chronicle 06/08/1915 carries a death notice:-
Cooper - killed in action at the Battle of Ypres October 29th 1914 aged 25 years, Lance Corporal Wilkinson Bond Cooper, 1st Coldstream Guards 8004, beloved husband of Florence Cooper of 4 Ketley's buildings Chester-le-Street and oldest son of William Laws and Dorothy Cooper of Seaham Harbour.
He marched away so gaily
His young head proudly held
His footsteps never faltered
His courage never failed
Then on the field of battle
He calmly took his stand
He fought and died for Britain
And the honour of his race
Oh how our hearts do ache
When we think of how you died
To think you could not speak to us
Before you closed your eyes
Although your face we cannot see
Your voice we cannot hear
We often sit and think of you
And shed a silent tear
The Chester-le-Street Chronicle 13/08/1915 reports:-
Memorial Service
An interesting service was held at the Wesleyan Church on Sunday at the usual morning parade.
It was in memory of the late Lance Corporal W.B. Cooper of the 1st Coldstream Guards. For some time Corpl. Cooper was reported as missing but finally he was reported killed in action at the first Battle of Ypres. He came originally from Seaham Harbour where his parents are connected with the Wesleyan Church. The South Pelaw Brass Band headed a large number of men from the camp, from the bridge playing the Dead March. The Rev. J.W. Faraday conducted the service at which a large congregation was present. Relatives and friends from Seaham Harbour were present.
The Chester-le-Street Chronicle 22/10/1915 carries this notice:-
Warning
It having come to the knowledge of me, the undersigned, that certain persons are making a statement to the affect that my husband Lance Corporal Cooper, Coldstream Guards, Ketley's Buildings, Chester-le-Street is alive and on his way home.
Whereas I have official information from the War Office and the Red Cross that my husband was killed during the first battle of Ypres in November.
Take notice that if after this intimation any person or persons are found to be spreading this false and malicious report, I shall proceed against them with the utmost rigour of the law.
Signed Florence Cooper
Wilkinson Bond Cooper is remembered at Chester-le-Street on C105.01, C105.06, C105.12, C105.15, C105.34 and C105.40
