13/09/2026
It was 6 years ago that i found this impressive grave (after Restoration) in Tatsfield so a maintenance clean was long overdue,Thanks to my subscribers i am able to do these 😊
The sword Hilt was missing and my old Army buddy made a replacement amazing,
Thanks Steve 🫡
ROBERT RADCLIFFE COOKE (1883–1924)
RN Submarine Commander (Ret.)
Laid to rest aged 41
St Mary’s Churchyard, Tatsfield
Westerham, Kent
A JEWEL IN KING HAROLD’S EYE
By Hilary Challis
Robert Radcliffe Cooke was born at Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, Herefordshire - one of England’s oldest inhabited homes. This “jewel in the crown of Herefordshire houses” dates to the 12th century. Earlier still, Earl Harold Godwinson, later King Harold, held the manor here until his death at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
C***R AT THE BAR
Robert’s parents were Charles Wallwyn Radcliffe Cooke MP and JP (1841–1911), a barrister, landowner, and essayist, known as the “Member for C***r,” and Frances Parnther Cooke (née Broome). His father Charles championed orchard cultivation and rural enterprise, encouraging his neighbour Henry Weston to begin commercial cider-making, laying the foundations of Westons C***r, still based in Much Marcle today.
BOXING CLEVER
In 1897, Robert began his Royal Navy career as a Cadet aboard HMS Britannia, the training ship that preceded the Royal Naval College (RNC). Promoted to Midshipman in May 1898, he served aboard HMS Hermione on the Royal Navy’s “China Station” during the Boxer Rebellion (1899-1901).
“ZEALOUS AND PROMISING”
Returning to home waters in October 1901, Robert joined the Channel Squadron aboard HMS Hyacinth. In 1902, he undertook his Lieutenant’s Courses at the then newly-established RNC, earning First Class results in five subjects and a prize for his achievement. On his 20th birthday in 1903, he was confirmed as a Lieutenant and began pioneering work in submarine command and wireless telegraphy.
SUBMARINES
In summer 1903, Robert was posted to Portsmouth as ‘Command of Submarine Boats’, serving aboard Depot Ships HMS Latona and later HMS Thames. These ships housed submarine crews while in port. From 1904 to 1905, he commanded HMS A4, one of Britain’s first A-class submarines. A4 suffered a serious accident in late 1905, although by then Robert had already relinquished command.
TORPEDO SCHOOL
Robert then qualified at HMS Vernon, the Royal Navy’s Torpedo School in Portsmouth, and was retained as a Junior Staff Officer, contributing to experimental and instructional work.
MARRIAGE
In 1906, Robert married Ella Blanche Worley in Portsmouth. They had three children: Robert Anthony Radcliffe Cooke (1908–2000), John Wallwyn Radcliffe Cooke (1910–2003), and Rosemary (born 1913).
LOANED TO GREENWICH
From March 1906 to March 1907, Robert undertook the Higher Course at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich. He briefly served aboard HMS Hindustan in the Channel Fleet before returning to Greenwich and later to HMS Vernon for special duties. He also served at HMS President, a shore establishment on the Thames.
HORSEA TELEGRAPHY
In late 1908, still only in his mid-twenties, Robert was placed in charge of the Horsea Wireless Telegraphy Station on Horsea Island, Portsmouth Harbour - a key site for early naval signal experimentation. His work extended to high-power stations in Gibraltar, reflecting his growing expertise in naval communications.
TUBERCULOSIS
In late 1909, Robert was placed on the Retired List due to pulmonary tuberculosis, though he remained under Royal Navy auspices.
MARCONI IN CEYLON
With improved health, Robert joined Marconi’s Wireless Telegraph Company in 1910, likely serving the three-year “colonial post” in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), as noted in his service record.
WORLD WAR I (1914–1918)
Robert returned to active service during World War I, overseeing wireless telegraphy installations in Egypt, Mauritius, Singapore, and Hong Kong. His commanding officers consistently praised his technical skill, resourcefulness, and reliability.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER
Promoted to Lieutenant Commander in early 1918, Robert continued shore-based work in Portsmouth until August 1920, when worsening health led to permanent invalidation from service.
FINAL YEARS
Robert died – of tuberculosis of the lungs - on 22 August 1924 at Hope Cottage, Tatsfield, Kent, aged 41. He was survived by Ella and their three children. Though illness curtailed his career, Robert Radcliffe Cooke’s contributions to submarine command and naval communications during a time of rapid technological change left a lasting legacy.
His headstone and cross is inscribed: “I am the Resurrection and the Life, whoever believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” JOHN 11. 25.
RIP Robert Radcliffe COOKE (1883–1924)
7th March 1883 – 22nd August 1924
