Private Frederick James Cope #63214, 3rd Battalion

Photo by Bob Richardson 2014

Born on July 14, 1887 in Berkeley, Gloucestershire as the son of William and Eliza Cope, Montreal Quebec. Enlistment records provide the following: trade as a painter, single, no current military service, Presbyterian, 5' 7" tall, dark complexion, hazel eyes, dark brown hair. Next of kin listed Mrs. Eliza Cope (mother), Longueuil, Quebec. The entire family had emigrated from England about 1912.

Joined the 23rd Battalion in Montreal Quebec on November 2, 1914 (service number 63214) Embarked for England on the S.S. Missanabie February 23, 1915. Taken on strength the 3rd Battalion May 3, 1915. GSW left eye June 6, 1915 being treated at #5 General Hospital, Rouen. Returned to unit duty July 15, 1915.

Killed in action on August 14, 1915 near Ploegsteert Wood when the 3rd Battalion which was in reserve, having sent out 100 men on a night work party to Hyde Park Corner. Buried (Canadian Cemetery, Strand) Ploegsteert Wood Military Cemetery, grave III.A.2.

Private Frederick Cope had two younger brothers that served in the CEF. Corporal Albert John Cope #457702 60th (Victoria Rifles) Battalion was KIA October 9, 1916 Courcelette, Somme. Private Ernest Egbert Cope #919263 199th (Irish Canadian Rangers) was stricken off strength in Montreal May 9, 1916 as "a recruit within 3 months of enlistment considered unfit for service, with good character".

The attestation paper and service file of Private Frederick Cope can be found HERE
The Veteran Affairs Canada Virtual Memorial page can be found HERE