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WORLD WAR ONE
The Men Who Died
WORLD WAR ONE
Richard was born on September 30th,1880 to Mary Ann Hall in Awre, in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. Mary married Thomas Hooper shortly after and he was named as Richard's father. The 1891 Census shows him still living in Awre with his parents. He was the eldest child with one brother and four sisters. Another sister was born 1892.
Sister of Douglas Webster (also in this volume¹⁴), whose family lived in The Watton.
Tom is called up with the reserve at the outbreak of war and is seriously wounded at the first Battle of Aisne in September 1914. He was shot through the lungs which ultimately caused his death in 1916. It appears that after he was wounded Tom, along with seven others, were captured and held in captivity for eight days before making their escape.
He returned to Brecon in 1914 and was able to carry out duties at the Depot, Brecon before later obtaining a job with the post office at Twickenham, where he subsequently died at his sister's house. The body was conveyed by train to Brecon where it was met by soldiers from the depot including the sergeant who were to be bearers and the depot band. A military funeral was held at St David’s Churchyard attended by various family members. Tom left a widow and two children. He had previously worked for the Midland Railway at Brynamman.
Friends may think I have forgotten
When at times they see me smile
Little knowing grief is hidden
Beneath the surface all the while
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14
See page 193
Corporal Richard William Hooper
South Wales Borderers 3rd Battalion, service no. 5951
Died in Liverpool June 29th 1915, aged 35
Commemorated at Brecon Cemetery
He enlisted the South Wales Borderers, 3rd Battalion, C Company in November 1897, giving his age as 18 years, and was living in St. Woolos, Newport at the time and working as a farm labourer. He served in South Africa earning both the King's and Queen's medal for