Rifleman William John Cooper
R/9031 13th Kings Royal Rifle Corps
Missing in Action 15th November 1916, aged 20
Lived at 17 Castle Street
Commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France
Burnley Express 2nd December 1916

Burnley Rifleman Killed ( Burnley Express - 2nd December 1916 )

Fifteen Months at the Front without Furlough

Mrs. Cooper of 25, Hubie Street, Stoneyholme, received an official notification on Wednesday that her son, Rifleman William John Cooper, of the King’s Royal Rifle Corps., was killed in action in France, on November 15th. Rifleman Cooper, who enlisted in the East Lancashires soon after war broke out. After three months’ training he was discharged because he refused to undergo an operation. He re-enlisted in the King’s Royal Rifles, and had been at the front about fifteen months. During the whole of that time he had never had leave, and his mother had not seen him since he left England last year. Prior to the war he worked as a baker, and attended Stoneyholme Wesleyan School. Mrs. Cooper, the mother is a widow, and is left with six young children at home. Her two sons both joined the Army. The elder one, Charles, is in the Artillery, and has been at the front the same length of time as his younger brother, who has now been killed.

In Glorious Charge (Burnley News - 2nd December 1916 )

Local Footballer’s Supreme Sacrifice

Intimation of the death of Rifleman Wilfred Hollinrake has been conveyed to his parents at 1, Clive Street, Burnley, by 2nd Lieut. W. S. Dodd. In a very appreciative and sympathetic letter, Lieut. Dodd says:-
“It is with the deepest regret that I write to you with reference to your son. Rifleman Wilfred Hollinrake who was killed in action on the 15th inst. He was privileged to take part in our glorious charge on the morning of the 14th, and it was while improving our position in our newly captured trenches that he met his death. I saw him in a few moments, and detailed for a special job. A shell, however dropped into the trench and killed both him and his friend. Rifleman Cooper , instantly. As his Platoon Officer and Commander, I should like to say that he met his death as a Britisher always does, doing his duty nobly and unflinchingly. The other members of his platoon miss him very much, and they all join with me in sending you our very deepest sympathy.”
The unfortunate soldier was in his 22nd year. He joined the Army in February, 1915, and went to France in July of last year. He was formerly a member of St. James’s School, a well known local footballer, and by occupation was a painter. We published last Saturday particulars of the death of his chum, Rifleman Cooper.