Tuesday 28th October 2028
Sheelagh Wurr writes:
Hi Danny,
I have often wondered about the name Holly Cooper on the WW1 memorial in St John’s Church, Warminster, as it sounds like a woman which would be unusual. I can’t find anybody listed other than a George Holly Cooper who was in the navy. He was born in Hampshire and I am not sure how he could come to be in Warminster. Have you any information?
Danny Howell replies:
Hello Sheelagh,
Re: George Holly Cooper.
Yes he was in the Navy and he was from Hampshire – born at Broughton in 1885.
His naval career lists him at various times as a stoker and a petty officer, and as a mechanician when he died.
His official number was 300648 (Po).
He served on HMS Invincible and died on 31st May 1916. He was buried at sea.
He certainly had a Warminster connection.
He married Mildred Alvina Doel at St. John’s Church, Boreham, Warminster, on 1st July 1911.
George Holly Cooper was then aged 26 and he gave his occupation as a stoker in His Majesty’s Navy.
His bride was aged 27, and was the daughter of a gardener called John Doel who lived at East Street.
George Holly Cooper and Mildred Alvina Doel gave their addresses on the marriage certificate as Boreham, Warminster.
At the time of the 1921 Census Mildred is living at 40 Hollam Road, Milton (Southsea area of Portsmouth – another naval place).
I presume on marriage Mildred went to live near naval ports, with George away serving.
The 1921 Census records she has an 8 year old daughter called Kathleen Joan Holly Cooper (she was born at Gillingham, Kent – another naval place I presume).
As far as I know Mildred Alvina Cooper died in 1957. Her death was registered in Warminster.
Hope this solves why a man born in Hampshire is recorded on the war memorial at St. John’s Church, Warminster.
Regards, Danny.