Sidney Coker

Private Sidney Coker – Royal Army Service Corps

Early Life

George Coker and Margaret Merriman
marriage certificate
St. Mary's Church

Sidney Coker was born in 1884 in Swansea, the son of George Coker and Margaret Merriman, who were married in August 1879 at St. Mary’s Church, Swansea.

1891 Census

The 1891 Census records the Coker family living at 26 Brunswick Street, Swansea. George, aged 42, was a Police Constable, born in Ugborough, Devon, while Margaret, aged 41, was from Cresselly, Pembrokeshire. Their children were Herbert Stanley (10), George John (10), Sidney (7), and Edwin (4). Also in the household was a boarder, Edward T. I. Brace (34), whose birthplace was recorded as Cuba, West Indies.

1901 Census

By the 1901 Census, the family had moved to 31 Brunswick Street. George, aged 52, remained a Police Constable, and Margaret was also 52. Their children were George (20), a Coach Builder; Sidney (17), a Commercial Clerk; and Edwin (14).

1911 Census

A decade later, the 1911 Census records the family at 41 Brunswick Street. George, aged 62, was still serving as a Police Constable, and Margaret, also 62, was at home. Their sons Herbert Stanley (31), a Clerk, and Sidney (26) and Edwin (24), both Chauffeurs, were living with them.

Military Service

Attestation Papers

Sidney’s Attestation Papers show that he enlisted in 1914, serving as a Private with the Royal Army Service Corps (RASC). The RASC provided vital logistical support to the British Army — responsible for the transportation of troops, supplies, food, fuel, and ammunition to and from the front lines. It was often described as the “lifeline” of the army, ensuring that fighting units were supplied and sustained across all theatres of the war.

After four years of dedicated service, Sidney was discharged in August 1918 on medical grounds, having been declared unfit for further duty. His discharge came only a few months before the end of the war, reflecting the heavy physical toll that his service had taken.

Death

On the 26^th of September 1919, Sidney Coker died at the age of 35. His passing came less than a year after the Armistice, during a time when many veterans continued to suffer from the lasting effects of war-related illness and injury.

Burial

Sidney was buried at St. Peter’s Church, Cockett, in September 1919. His was the final military burial at the church that year, marking yet another poignant loss within a community still mourning the sacrifices of the Great War.

Legacy

Private Sidney Coker’s life and service reflect the quiet courage and endurance of those who supported the war effort behind the scenes. Though he did not serve in combat, his work with the Royal Army Service Corps was indispensable to Britain’s military success. His name and his resting place at St. Peter’s Church, Cockett, stand as a lasting tribute to the often-overlooked soldiers whose service kept the army moving and sustained.