COOKSEY, William

William Cooksey was the son of Mrs Cooksey and lived at 17 Angel Street, Stourbridge. He enlisted in the Worcester Territorials and joined the 1/8th Battalion. The battalion had been in France since March 1915 and had been very actively involved in the 1916 battle of the Somme. In April 1917 they were part of the forces following up the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line. On the 4th April they achieved a notable success by taking the hill at Templeux Guerard. After several skirmishes with the enemy their Division, the 48th, was asked to capture Gillemont Farm, a stronghold on a prominent spur near the Line and a vital outpost of their defences. On the 24th April the 1/8th managed to seize the position but suffered in the inevitable German counter attack. There were 148 casualties and among those killed in action on that day was Private William Cooksey. He was 21 years of age and was commemorated on the Thiepval, Stourbridge, St. John's church and Methodist church Memorials.