Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.
Walter Cooper was born in the 1st quarter of 1888 in Betchworth, Surrey to general labourer George and Emma (nee Lay).
Walter’s father George was born about 1855 in Sonning Eye, Oxfordshire. His mother, Emma was born about 1858 in Sonning, Berkshire to Sarah, born about 1831 in Bradfield, Berkshire and possibly to William Lay. In 1863 Sarah re-married Thomas Shade. Walter married Emma on 21st July 1877 in Sonning, Berkshire.
He had eleven known siblings and one unknown sibling: Willie Sydney born about 1881; Albert Edward born about 1882; Frederick Charles born about 1883; Arthur born about 1886; Ernest born about; Emma born about 1892; Rose born about 1894; George Edward born about 1895; Alfred born in 1896; Grace Ellen born about 1898 and Percy born about 1900, all in Betchworth.
At the time of the 1881 Census, the family lived at Barley Mow Gardens, Betchworth. George was working as a labourer in the lime works and Emma was looking after their sons Willie Sydney and Walter.
At the time of the 1891 Census, the family lived at Brockham Pits, Betchworth. George was working as an agricultural labourer and Emma was looking after their children: Willie Sydney, Albert Edward, Frederick Charles, Arthur, Walker and Ernest.
At the time of the 1901 Census, the family lived at Lime Works, Brockham. George was working as a general labourer and Emma was at home. The household further comprised of their children: general labourer Frederick, lime burner Arthur, Walter, Ernest, Emma, Rose, George, Grace Ellen and Percy.
At the time of the 1911 Census, the family lived at Brockham Pits, Betchworth, Surrey. George was working as a lime burner and Emma was at home. The family further comprised of their children: labourer Walter, gardener George, Grace and Percy and granddaughter Dorothy Annie. Emma stated that she had given birth to thirteen children of whom ten were still alive. The accommodation had four rooms.
Walter married Edith Lodge in the 3rd quarter of 1915 in St George Hanover Square, London.
Walter Cooper enlisted on 21st May 1915. He was part of the 2nd Battalion of the East Kent Regiment (The Buffs). He was a Private with regimental number G/7508. He was later transferred into the 3rd Battalion of the East Kent Regiment (The Buffs).
He was discharged due to sickness on 22nd June 1918 from the Army.
Walter Cooper died on 28th July 1920 and was buried on 2nd August 1920 in the south-east corner of the St Michael’s Churchyard, Betchworth. At the time of his death he lived at Brockham Pits.
He received the British War and Victory medals and the 1915 Star. On 24th January 1918 he received the Silver War Badge.
Walter’s father George died on 23rd April 1927. He left to his wife Emma £400, 1s and 4d in probate. Emma died on 16th November 1946. She left to his son Percy Cooper £456, 3s and 4d in probate. Walter’s wife Edith Cooper lived at 39 Beckley Square, London.
| Born | Betchworth, Surrey | |
| Lived | Betchworth, Surrey | |
| Son of | George and Emma (nee Lay) Cooper of Brockham Pits, Betchworth | |
| Regiment | 2nd Battalion. East Kent Regiment (The Buffs) | |
| Number | G/7508 | |
| Date of Death | 28th July 1920 | |
| Place of Death | Betchworth, Surrey | |
| Cause of Death | Unknown | |
| Age | 32 | |
| Cemetery | St. Michael’s Churchyard, Betchworth |
