Memorial Title
Cpl J Cooper DCM
Summary
Derbyshire War Memorials: a description of a WW1 war memorial plaque to Cpl John Cooper DCM at the roadside in New Mills, Derbyshire.
Images
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Click on a thumbnail to see a larger image. Further images may be available on request. |
Locations
| Last known location: Roadside Torr Top St New Mills Derbyshire |
Nearest postcode: SK22 4BS NGR: SK 00032 85435 ±5m (Map opens in new window.) |
Location details: On the western side of the road, near the junction with Rock St |
Type
| Overall type: Plaque. | Overall condition: Fair. The inscription is legible and the memorial is cared for. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Description: Originally a metal plaque in a stone frame set into a stone wall at the roadside. The circular metal plaque has a narrow raised border with inscriptions in sloping and upright sentence-case black lettering. The square sandstone frame has sprays of foliage with a deer in each corner, all in relief. A metal 'Silent Soldier' silhouette was added later Glossary |
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Inscription
| 'Bravo, Torr Top! This part of New Mills is famed forever by giving its name to one of the hottest parts of the battle line in France. In Torr Top Street there is a winner of the Distinguished Conduct Medal and a winner of the Military Medal, whilst in the little street below the Torr Top Mission there is another winner of the Distinguished Conduct Medal and another winner of the Military Medal. All honour to Torr Top! Where in England is there another place so small in area which has so distinguished itself in the war? Torr Top should be enshrined in the hearts of New Mills people! Torr Top, above all other places, should be made a place fit for heroes to live' |
| High Peak Reporter 1919 |
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Corporal John Cooper of Torr Top Street joined the Sherwood Foresters in 1914. He served in France throughout the war. He was both gassed and wounded. Corporal Cooper was awarded the DCM 'for Distinguished Conduct in the field'. But he had another claim to fame for it was he who gave the name Torr Top to a trench in the Ypres area. The name was printed on a board and appeared on the official Military Map. Following the Armistice the board, splattered still with the mud of Flanders, was presented to the town. I.24.d.8.4 TOR TOP TUNNELS |
| Conflicts and people named: | ||
| Conflict | First World War (1914-1919) | Totals |
| Action | Not stated | |
| Number died | 0 | 0 |
| Number served and returned | 1 | 1 |
| Total names | 1 | 1 |
Administration
Local authorities:
From 1974: New Mills Town Council; High Peak Borough Council; Derbyshire County Council.
History and Conservation
22nd October, 2002: The plaque was unveiled by George Cooper, grandson of Cpl Cooper. Also present was Callum, the great-grandson of Cpl Cooper, five representatives of the Sherwood Foresters with the regimental mascot, Pte Derby, and members of the Town Council.
Unknown date between 12th June 1918 and 12th April 1919: The 'Silent Soldiier' silhouette was affixed to the wall.
12th June, 2018: The memorial was surveyed by Roy Branson and Alan Willmot. It was in good condition and cared for.
12th April 1919: The memorial was rephotographed by Roy Branson. It was in good condition and cared for.
References
Comments