Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of David Marshall Cooke a water rate collector, born 1853 in Waltham on the Wolds, Leicestershire and his wife Sophia Cooke (nee Walker, married in the 2nd quarter of 1879 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district), born 1849 in Great Dalby, Leicestershire. Cyril Joseph was born in the 2nd quarter of 1892 in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, his siblings were, Reuben Percy, born 1879 in Great Dalby, David William Frederick, born 1881, Ernest Parker, born 1886, Margaret Mary, born 1888 and Annie Sophia, born 1890, the latter four siblings were all born in Melton Mowbray, in March 1901 the family home was at 38, Thorpe End, Melton Mowbray. In April 1911 Cyril was employed as a joiner’s apprentice and was residing in the family home at Thorpe End, Melton Mowbray, together with his father, a joiner, his mother and siblings, Ernest, Margaret and Annie. Cyril was awarded the British War and Victory medals.
On Friday November 3rd 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR.” – PTE. C. J. COOKE. – The news was received on Saturday that Private Cyril J. Cooke, son of Mr. D. M. Cooke, joiner and undertaker, 38, Thorpe-end, Melton Mowbray, died of wounds received in action. He joined the 3/5th Leicester’s about 18 months ago, and went with a draft to France last Whitsuntide. About a week previous to his death he was transferred to the Royal Sussex Regt. Deceased was 24 years of age, and was formerly in the employ of Mr. R. T. Stevens, joiner. There was a rumour that he had died about a month ago, but owing to a letter from the record office of the Royal Sussex Regt., Hounslow, on Saturday, Oct. 29th, stating that no casualty had been reported against him, hopes were entertained for his safety, but unfortunately the hopes have proved futile.
On Friday January 26th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL MEN IN THE CASUALTY LISTS” The following local casualties are officially reported. All are privates except where otherwise shown. The town shown against each soldier’s name is the home of his next-of-kin. Monday’s list included:- DIED OF WOUNDS. – ROYAL SUSSEX REGIMENT. Cooke, 15043 C. J. (Melton Mowbray).