Current Information:

Age-23

10A, Seaton Road, Mitcham

Bedford House Cemetery, Belgium

The Battle of Messines which started on 7th June, 1917, was the preliminary move of what became known as 3rd Ypres or Passchendaele. 47th Division were involved in the attack at Messines and on 5th June, 1917, 21st London of 142 Brigade, 47th Division left their camp at Woodcote House, also known as Bedford House, near Zillebeke in the Ypres salient and began their move forward to their assembly positions. The enemy were well aware that an attack was imminent and they  made full use of their artillery on all the British positions, both the front line and rear positions in order to disrupt the preparations and although the Battalion Diary makes no mention of casualties it is very likely that it was this shell fire that caused the death of William Cook on 5th June.