Personal Details
Born: 20 March 1883 in Ellesmere, Shropshire.
Family: Eldest of four children born to Isaac and Harriet Cooke. In August 1915 he married Harriet Groom in Malpas, Cheshire; she had previously been his assistant in the draper’s shop. They did not appear to have had any children.
Residence: The census returns for 1891 and 1901 record John, his parents and siblings residing in Victoria Street, Ellesmere, Shropshire. In 1905 non-conformist registers list him as living in the Bull Ring, Whitchurch. By 1911 he was master of his own house at 50 High Street, Whitchurch. It was to this address that he returned upon being demobilised after WW1. By 1939 he and Harriet were living in Blackpark Road, Whitchurch.
Employment: In 1901 John was an apprentice draper, probably to his father. Ten years later he was an established draper with both an assistant and an apprentice of his own. At the time of his enlistment in 1918 his occupation was given as draper. By 1939 John had retired from the drapery business.
Died: In 1963 aged 85 in Whitchurch.
Military Details
Regiment: Royal Air Force (previously Royal Flying Corps)
Rank: Labourer
Service Number: 124903
Date of Enlistment: 14 February 1918
Date of Discharge: 30 April 1920
Reason for Discharge: Not known
Medals and Awards: Not known