Private 29900 William COPELAND, 12th Lincolnshire Regiment died 26th February 1921 aged 49. He was the son of George and Frances of Gillow Heath, Biddulph, Staffordshire. Some notes from what remains of his army record which just a few remnants. He joined hp on the 8th September 1915 at Lichfield, Staffordshire of no fixed abode and by occupation he was a Coal Hewer. He gave his brother, Walter of Station Road, Biddulph, Staffordshire as his next of kin. He stated that he had been married but his wife was deceased . He named her as Sarah Ellen Moors, spinster and that they got married in 1893 at Congleton Parish Church. (1901 he was living with his widowed mother and was single) No record could be found for this union. On the 9th April 1916 he deserted from the army and on the 22nd May 1916 rejoined his regiment. On the 30th May 1916 he was tried by District Court Martial and was given 12 days detention. For some reason he was in 1st Southern General Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham on the 21st November 1916. He was discharged as being no longer physically for war service on the 26th December 1916.
His plaque and scroll was sent to W J Parkinson of 7, Albert Street, Bradley Green, Biddulph dated 20th April 1922. He is at rest in St Lawrence Churchyard, Biddulph, Staffordshire
