36th Recruit Distribution Battalion (Training Reserve), Hampshire Regiment
Charles Coopey was one of seven children born to David and Fanny Coopey of Lower Cam. He was baptised ‘Charlie’ at St Bartholomew’s Church, Lower Cam on 2 September 1900. David was born in Cam, Fanny in Berkeley.
At the 1901 Census, the family were living at the Quarry, Lower Cam. David, 34, gave his occupation as labourer on the estate. There were five children, Charles being the youngest.
By 1911, the couple had two further sons and continued to live at the Quarry. Older brother, Frank, was a baker’s apprentice. Living with them were Fanny’s brother, Thomas Summer.
There is a private family tree on Ancestry drawn up by a great niece of Charles. She was able to tell me that Charles was employed at Cam Mills prior to the war. His name appears on the memorial there. Unfortunately, she has no knowledge of his military service or any photos.
No service records survive but it may be assumed that Charles was conscripted when he was 18 at the beginning of 1918. Soldiers Died in the Great War states that he was part of the 9th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. This unit became the 36th Training Battalion of the 8th Reserve Brigade with effect from 1 September 1916, based at Wareham, Dorset.
The UK Army Register of Soldier’s Effects states that Charles died at Fovant, Wiltshire, on 10 November 1918, aged 18, whilst it can be assumed, in training. There is a Pension Ledger record for him which states that he died from bronchial pneumonia.
Charles was buried at St Bartholomew’s Church, Lower Cam on 15 November 1918. He has a CWGC headstone — oddly it carries the badge of the Hampshire Regiment (reflecting what is stated in the CWGC Register).
Charles’ older brother Frank served with the 10th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment. He was reported as missing on 20 July 1916 and is commemorated on the Thiepval memorial. There is a joint Pension Ledger record with his brother Charles. It appears that their mother did not receive a pension for Frank until after Charles had died. Both brothers are remembered on the war memorial at Lower Cam.
Researched by Helen Wollington April 2021