Herbert Ambrose Copping

A Private with the 3/6th Battalion, Herbert died on 24th of October 1917 at the age of 27. 

Herbert was born at Woodbridge, Suffolk, on 13 July 1890, a son of John and Martha Copping. He was baptised at Woodbridge on 31 August 1890. In 1891 his family lived at Cumberland Street, Woodbridge. By 1901 they were living at 17 Hamilton Street, Ramsey, Essex, and this was still their home in 1911.

In 1910 Herbert married Ethel May Martin, in Lowestoft, and in July 1910 they were living at 245 Raglan Street and Herbert was an insurance agent. In 1911 they lived with Herbert’s parents at 17 Hamilton Street and Herbert worked as a quay labourer. Later, and by 1915, they were living at 3A, Vansittart Street, Bathside, Harwich. After Herbert’s death Ethel returned to Lowestoft and lived at 14 Saint Peter’s Street. In 1921 Ethel married Arthur Harvey and they lived at 173 London Road, Lowestoft. 

Herbert stated that his home was at 3A, Vansittart Street, Bathside, Harwich, and that he was working as a cycle and motor-cycle fitter, when he attested for the Army, at Brighton, on 9 October 1915. Note: he may have been lodging at 21 Montpelier Place, Brighton. 

Herbert joined the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment, service number 6/1985. Herbert was posted to the 3/6th Battalion which was absorbed into the 4th (Reserve) Battalion. In June 1916 Herbert repaired the motor-cycle of Lieutenant F. Smithers and took it for a test ride. He was stopped by the police and presented the officer’s driving licence, rather than one of his own, and was fined 5 shillings by Purfleet magistrates. 

Herbert arrived in Boulogne, France, on 5 October 1916 and joined an administrative centre. He became unwell and was admitted to 24 General Hospital, Etaples, on 16 October 1916 to be treated for bronchitis, this was later determined to be pleurisy. Herbert returned to England on 9 November 1916.

A medical board found that Herbert was suffering from tuberculosis of the lung and concluded that this illness was due to exposure while Herbert was on active service. He was discharged, medically unfit, on 26 February 1917, and granted a disability pension and the Silver War Badge. 

Herbert’s funeral took place at Saint Nicholas’ Church, Harwich, on 29 October 1917. 

Herbert’s name appears on Saint Margaret's War Memorial and his surname is given as Coppin.

Herbert’s daughter, Ruby, died in the Waller Raid in 1942.