Duncan Cenotaph
As part of our project to document the names on the Duncan Cenotaph in Charles Hoey Park, here is a page on Lieutenant Hugh Searle Coppock, who was killed in action on 10 April 1918, aged 21, while serving with the South Lancashire Regiment. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission notes that he was Mentioned In Dispatches and was the “Son of Mr. H. Carmock Coppock and Mrs. I. V. O. Coppock, of Cannock Chase, Westholme, Vancouver Island, British Columbia”
Here is the local Cowichan Leader newspaper report of the death of Lieutenant Hugh Searle Coppock:
“Lieut. Hugh S. Coppock
Mr. and Mrs. H.C. Coppock have been informed that their son, Lieut. Hugh S. Coppock, South Lancashire Regt., was killed in action on April 10th last. he trained with the Inns of Court O.T.C. and had been in France since October 18th, 1916. There he was twice wounded and was mentioned in despatches by Sir Douglas Haig. He had received his second star only two months ago.
This gallant young Cowichan officer, like several others who have since distinguished themselves, received his early education at The Cliffs school, Duncan. The training there did much to shape his character and theirs. Subsequently his parents sent his to Wimborne School, Dorset, England and he completed his education at Victoria High School.
In the loss of so splendid a young life his family his family have the deep sympathy of everyone in Cowichan.”
(Source: Cowichan Leader, 2 May 1918, from Cowichan Valley Museum & Archives collections)
Here are links to some additional information on Lieutenant Hugh Searle Coppock:
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