COOK, William
Royal Army Service Corps

Born in Peterborough, Northamptonshire. Died at Rhyl, North Wales in April 1916.
Husband to Annie Cook of 70 Heol Fawr, Nelson
Father to Lillie (aged 19yrs) and Phyllis (aged 11yrs).

The above details have been retrieved from an article in the Merthyr Express, dated April 29th, 1916. The article reads:

“Another Nelson soldier, in the person of W. Cook (A.S.C.) of 70, Heol Fawr, Nelson, has passed away after a brief illness at Rhyl, where he was training. Deceased who was previously a watchmaker in Nelson, joined the army about six months ago, and was home on furlough at Christmas looking fit and well. He was however, taken seriously ill with pleurisy a fortnight ago, and pneumonia setting in later, he died Saturday week in the presence of his wife and children, who had been sent for.

The funeral took place at the parish churchyard, Rhyl, the following Tuesday, the remains being conveyed to the graveyard by deceased’s soldier comrades, the Vicar of Rhyl officiating.

The mourners were Mrs Cook (wife) and Misses Lily Cook and Phyllis Cook (daughters)”

1911 census data shows that William, Annie and their two daughters had been living at 30, Commercial Street, Nelson and that William indeed had been a watchmaker.