Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of John Cooper, a blacksmith and grazier, born 1853 in Rearsby, Leicestershire and his wife Emma Cooper (nee Paling, married in the 1st quarter of 1873 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district), born 1854 in Freeby, Leicestershire. George William Cooper was born in the 4th quarter of 1891 in Gaddesby, Leicestershire and was baptised on the 8th November 1891 in the Parish Church, Gaddesby, his siblings were, Eveline Emma, born 1886 and Cecil James, born 1893, both his siblings were born in Gaddesby, George’s father died in the 4th quarter of 1899 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district, aged 47, in March 1901 the family home was at Gaddesby. In April 1911 George was absent from the family home in Gaddesby, residing there was his widowed mother, George was employed as a footman and was residing as a servant at 26, Thurloe Square, Kensington, Middlesex. George also had the following siblings, Eliza Ann, born 1873 in Hoby, Leicestershire, Maud Mary, born 1877, John Frederick, born 1881, the latter two siblings were both born in Leicester, Ethel Phoebe, born 1883 and Joseph Sydney, born 1889, the latter two siblings were both born in Gaddesby.
At the beginning of April 1918 the Leicestershire Yeomanry was absorbed by Regiments in the 3rd Brigade, and therefore ceased to exist, it must be assumed that George was serving with another unit at the time of his death. George was awarded the British War and Victory medals.
On Friday August 30th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – DEATHS. COOPER. – Killed in action on the 9th inst. Trooper G. W. Cooper, of the Leicestershire Yeomanry, the dearly beloved son of Mrs. Cooper, Gaddesby. And in the same issue under the heading: - THANKS. Mrs. Cooper and family wish to thank all kind friends for sympathy in their sad bereavement.