Page 8 - War bMemorial Names

The Old Derbeian Society
We all were deeply grieved to receive news of the death in action of Lieut. W. C. Conley, M.C., South Staffordshire Regt. who was killed in France on October 26th 1917, aged 21 years.
Thoroughly good-hearted and good-natured with a calm and equable disposition he made many friends, by whom his early loss will be long felt. At School his chief activities were in singing and athletics. He played in the 1st Cricket XI of 1912 being a moderate bat but a very keen and painstaking field; also in the 1st XI Football team of 1911-1912 when he was an extremely useful full-back, working hard and tackling well and vigorously. As a runner he was excellent, winning in 1912 the Open Hundred, being second in the 220 yards, third in the Mile and Cross-country.
He obtained a commission in the South Staffords in May 1915. He soon gained promotion in the field to 1st Lieut and was transferred to the regular Army, 1st Battalion South Staffs Regt. Afterwards, he was second in command of a Trench Mortar Battery.
He took part in the famous attack on Beaumont Hamel in June 1917 and for his conspicuous gallant conduct on that occasion he was awarded the Military Cross. The official record states “Lieut W. C. Conley 1st South Staffs Regt. He carried on the work of consolidation under very heavy fire. he pushed forward advanced posts and sent back most valuable information. He set a splendid example throughout.” His Colonel writes “He was killed instantaneously by a bullet through the head.....He was a most gallant and reliable officer in action and was actively supporting the battalion when a bullet through his head put an end to a most promising career.”
William Henry Coleman Cooke – 1894 to 1895
Capt. W. H. C. Cooke, Durham Light Infantry, was killed by machine gun fire in France on Sept. 1st 1918 whilst leading his company against a German position. At School his pleasant manner and genial temper rendered him very popular, and the news of his death in action will be felt by those of his time. An excellent athlete he played in the very strong 1st Football XI's of 1894 and 1895, first as outside right and then in the centre. He had great pace, was clever with his feet, and played an unselfish and hardworking game, but was perhaps inclined to dwell a little too long upon his shot. He also won the open Quarter in 1895.
On leaving School he entered Lloyd's Bank at Burton and was on the staff for over 20 years, latterly as one of the cashiers.
He served with the Staffordshire Imperial Yeomanry during the South African War, finally holding the rank of Quarter Master Sgt. and received the medal and five bars.
In February 1915 he joined the National Reserves and served in this body and the Royal Defence Corps in different parts of the country up to 18 months ago. He was then transferred to the K.O.Y.L.I
On May 6th last Capt. Cooke went out to France with the D.L.I. And during the past four months had seen a great deal of fighting. He was in his forty-second year and leaves a widow and one son.
Richard Humphrey Coxon – 1899 -
Page 8 of 29