Name
Ralph Joseph Cook
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
19/12/1918
30
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Driver/Gunner
806798
Royal Field Artillery
2nd Battery
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
METZ-EN-COUTURE COMMUNAL CEMETERY BRITISH EXTENSION
Plot II, Row G, Grave 35.
France
UK & Other Memorials
Watford Borough Roll of Honour
Pre War
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.
Wartime Service
He enlisted in Watford; was entitled to the Victory and British War medals, and was killed in action.
Additional Information
There is an article about and a Death announcement for Ralph in the West Herts and Watford Observer dated 12 January 1918.
Unfortunately, Ralph’s Service Record appears to be one that did not survive the World War Two bombing.
Acknowledgments
Sue Carter (Research) and Watford Museum (ROH on line via www.ourwatfordhistory.org.uk)
