Private Edgar Cope
21145 Labour Corps
63415 Durham Light Infantry
Edgar Cope appears on the ‘Absent Voters List 1918/19’ and is shown as absent from Franklin Road, Jacksdale.
He was born in 1887 at Codnor Park and was the son of Arthur and Lily Cope. He had three elder brothers, Harry (b. 1880), Arthur (b. 1881), Percy (b. 1884). His sister Gertrude was born earlier, in 1879. In 1901 the family was living at Stable Yard House, Ironville and his father Arthur was a draper/grocer and Edgar, aged 14, was a draper’s assistant (presumably to his father). Brother Arthur was employed as a groom. so perhaps the family business, given the address, also provided stabling. Kelly’s Directory 1908 lists Arthur Cope as manager of the Codnor Park and Ironville Co-op, located in Jacksdale.
In 1911 Edgar and his brother Harry were lodging at Ash Tree House, Codnor Park, a substantial property of eight rooms, with widow Jane Holbrook.
Although we have no specific details of Edgar’s war record, his Medal Rolls Index Card indicates that he was awarded both the Victory and British War Medals.