Cook, R J
RALPH JOSEPH COOK
Remembered with honour Metz-en-Couture Communal Cemetery British Extension: Plot II, Row G, Grave 35.
He enlisted in Watford; was entitled to the Victory and British War medals, and was killed in action. Unfortunately, Ralph’s Service Record appears to be one that did not survive the World War Two bombing.
There is an article about and a Death announcement for Ralph in theWest Herts and Watford Observer dated 12 January 1918.
Son of the late Joseph and Eliza Jane (nee MATTHEWS) COOK; husband of Ellen/Nellie Goodrich (nee DITCHER) COOK.
His parents married 1886 in the Highworth, Wilts, district. Joseph died 1902 aged 38; Ellen died 1909 aged 52; both in the Swindon, Wilts, district.
Ralph was born 31 January 1887 in Swindon. He attended King William Street C of E School, Swindon, from 16 August 1893 to 6 January 1896; then Lethbridge Road School, Swindon, from 6 January 1896. He married 31 January 1911 at St Andrew’s, Watford; they had two children. He resided in Watford. Nellie never remarried, she died 1923 in Watford, and was buried 15 October in Vicarage Road Cemetery, Watford.
He has an entry in the National Probate Calendar.
On the 1891 Census, aged 4 he lived in Swindon, with his parents and three siblings. On the 1901 Census, a baker aged 14, he still lived in Swindon, with his mother and four siblings. On the 1911 Census, a butcher aged 24, he lived in Watford, with his wife and no children.
Service number
806798Rank
Driver/GunnerUnit
2nd BatteryRegiment
Date of death
19/12/1918Age at death
30Place of death
Memorial(s)
- 1st S.W. Herts Scout Troop [in St Mary's Parish Church Watford] (4)
- Abbot's Langley Herts War Memorial (17)
- Aldbury Herts War Memorial (1)
- Aldenham Herts War Memorial (located in Letchmore Heath Herts) (8)
- All Saints Church Croxley Green Herts (12)
- All Saints Church Harrow Weald Middx (2)
- All Saints Church Hertford (1)
- All Saints Church King's Langley Herts (1)
- All Saints Church Leavesden Herts (31)
- All Saints Church Witham Essex (3)