your past....our present....their future
See also
| RiD No.: | 1243 |
| Birth | 1884 | |
| William has been identified from the 1911 census. Born Newington | ||
| Census | 1901 (age 16-17) | |
| William does not appear on the 1901 census living with parents and sibs.
See notes below |
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| Census | 1911 (age 26-27) | |
| 14, Larcon Street ( Walworth Road), Newington, London William appears in the 1911 census at 14 Larcon Street, Walworth as a son to Eleanor. he is shown as single. b1884. occupation "Boot repairer - Army Pension" |
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The reference above to William being in the army was confirmed ehen I discovered
an army elistment form for a William Cook-Abbott, which shows him enlisting with the 3rd Batt East
Surrey Regt on 2nd Jan 1900 age 18 years 4 months
He signed up again on 22 February 1900 age 18 years 6 months and gives his address as 3 Uxbridge Place ,
Newington. The form states he has previously served in the 3rd Batt East Surrey Regt
and "purchased discharge"?
His occupation for both enlistments is shown as "Labourer for a Mr Smith at 14 Green (?)
Street, Blackfriers"and his description is "appears 18, 5' 4.25'' tall, fresh complexion, grey eyes,
brown hair. Scar on right cheek, moles on chin, collar bone and left arm at side"
It is interesting to note however that although the census returns clearly indicate William was born
in 1884, the age he gives on the enlistment form, suggests he
had added two years to his age in order to sign up.