Mexborough and Swinton Times September 8, 1917

Private A.Cope
Grenadier Guards

Private Cope, 14 Lower Dolcliffe Rd, Mexborough, has been killed in action, after 14 months in the trenches.

He was 22 years of age, and before enlistment, in October 1915, was employed at Manvers Main.

His father, Mr Joseph Cope, volunteered two years ago, and is now serving in India.

Mrs Cope has received the following letter from second Lt C.E.Benson:

“It is with the deepest sympathy that I have to inform you of the death of your son, Private A Cope. The battalion was holding the line on the sixth and seventh, and your son was in the trenches that night. He was hit by a shell and was killed instantaneously, suffering no pain, which, I am sure, will be a great relief to you.

He was buried just behind the line at battalion headquarters, on the evening of the seventh.

Your son always did his work extremely well and I was sorry to lose him.”

Lieutenant Colonel Gort writes:

“it is with a feeling of deepest sympathy that I write to offer you my sincere condolences in the loss of your gallant son. He was killed in action while the battalion was old on the ground we had won some days previously in the big attack. I am all the more distress, as he was a gallant soldier, who, as a grenadier, always did his duty, loyally and cheerfully, and who, to the great glory of his family, laid down his life for the honour of his country and Regiment in the great struggle for the triumph of democracy.”

The Rev A Llewellyn Jones, Church of England, Chaplin writes:

“This letter is to convey my sincere sympathy to you in the loss of your gallant son, who was killed in action on August 5-7. It is hard to part with those we love I know, but there is a brightness which shines through the sorrow, for a soldier cannot die better than on the battlefield for a great and good cause. I know you will try and feel the pride of his memory coming through the sense of loss.

You will show that courage in bearing the burden the war lays on you, which is such an inspiration and help to us out here. We do not forget you all on the part you play so bravely in giving of your best.

We honour and admire you for it.”

From C.W.G.C.:

Private
COPE, ALFRED
Service Number 24295
Died 07/08/1917
Aged 22

4th Bn.
Grenadier Guards

Son of Joseph and Helen Cope, of 14, Lower Dolcliffe Rd., Mexborough, Rotherham. Yorks.

YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL