Relatively speaking

7:01am Friday 22nd August 2008

Sir - I would like your assistance in solving a mystery. My grandfather, Albert Arthur Cope, was born in Oxford, England, on February 4, 1894. His mother (my great-grandmother) was Mrs Annie Cope. My grandfather was born Albert Arthur Strange. My great grandmother's first husband was named Strange, it's not known if she was widowed or divorced. My grandfather's name was changed to Cope as a child, when he was adopted by Annie's second husband Mr Cope.

In reading my grandfather's diary of 1920, I see the notation on August 24, "August 24th, 1917. In loving memory of Lew Strange, killed in action".

I located information regarding Lew Strange on the Comonwealth Graves Commission website. The notation is, "In Memory of Gunner L B Strange 123653, 145th, Siege Bat., Royal Garrison Artillery, who died on 24 August 1917. Remembered with honour Bleuet Farm Cemetery".

I think that Lew Strange was probably a relative of mine. I understand that the records relating to his enlistment and service were destroyed in the course of the Second World War. I visited his grave in November last year, at Elverdinge (just west of Ypres). It was very peaceful. We are approaching the 24th of August...It's been 91 years. I would guess that as my grandfather was born in Oxford, there is a possibility that Lew Strange would have been born in the same area. I hope that someone has some information he or she would like to share.

Wayne Cope, 5770 Goldenrod Crescent, Tsawwassen, B.C., Canada V4L 2G6

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