Thomas Cooper was born about 1894 in Lower Gornal. His parents were Thomas Cooper and Sarah Abbiss.

Aged 16 Thomas was a Horse Driver in the local coalmines.

He joined the Grenadier Guards and died of wounds on 29 September 1916.

The parishioners of St Chad's Catholic Church raised money to erect a portland stone altar rail with brass gates in memory of the fallen of the parish in the Great War. The names of the men who gave their lives are also listed on a marble plaque to the side of the alter.

Every year every child attending St Chad's Infant and Junior School make poppies which are made into wreaths and take part in a memorial service with other parishioners, led by the parish priest. This takes place in the burial ground where the military graves stand.

These men still have relatives in the area, who attend the church and who attend St Chad's School.

They are remembered.

Lisa Gibbons