Local Information:

Little is known of Sergeant Cook's time in Hungerford but he was a regular soldier who had served in the Regiment for nine years prior to his death. If that was the case he would have been serving in India with the battalion prior to the war. 

At some point in 1917 he was wounded and gassed and returned to England for treatment. Whilst being treated for his wounds at Naunton Park Hospital, Cheltenham he died on the 29th May 1917, age 27. It was reported that he was suffering in hospital for nine weeks. His remains were brought back to Hungerford for interment at St Saviour's churchyard, Eddington.

If he was in hospital for nine weeks then it is possible he received his injuries when the battalion was on operations from the 4th – 6th April 1917.

Regimental Information:

Battalion War diary for that period reads:

4th April 1917:
The Battalion co-operated with the 20th Division in an attack on METZ-EN-COUTURE, the Battalion's objective being GOUZEAUCOURT WOOD and line Q.29.a.3.0 to Q.21.d.8.1.

On the night of 5th/6th April, the 2nd LINCOLNSHIRE REGT relieved the Battalion in the left of the Outpost Line, "A" and "C" Coys returning to DESSART WOOD. "B" and "D" Coys to FINS and Battalion H.Q. to the Quarry, FINS.

Point of Interest:

Uncle Harry referred to in the newspaper report could be H J Cook who is listed on the war memorial, but on whom we have no information.

Sergeant Albert Cook's Commonwealth War Grave headstone in St Saviour's churchyard, Eddington

Newbury Weekly News
Died from Wounds

On Saturday last, June 2nd, Sergeant Cook, who has died from wounds received on active service, was buried at Eddington Churchyard, and the interment was attended by six sergeants and others, also a bugler from his regiment, the Royal Berks. The coffin was covered with the Union Jack and several beautiful wreaths. The vicar of Hungerford officiated, and the hymn sung was 'Brief life is here our portion'.

The mourners were Mrs H. Munday (Aunt), Miss L. Munday (cousin), Mrs W. Munday (Newbury), Mrs F. Munday (Littlecote), sisters and brothers in law; Mrs Green, Mrs Franklin, Mrs Townshend, Mrs Hunt, Mrs Wheeler (Friends). Uncle Harry was not able to attend, being on active service in France Wreaths were received, two from his aunts, from cousins Queenie and Freddie, Mr and Mrs Franklin, and three from Cheltenham Hospital where he died. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr H. Annetts.