Born 1 August 1893 in Lancaster, Oliver was the only son of the late Mr John Simpson Roper, Land Surveyor at Rose Bank, Skerton, Lancaster, and Mrs Harriet Frances Roper, nee Miss Harriet Frances Evans of Foxford, Co, Mayo.

Oliver was Educated at Denstone and Selwyn College, Cambridge. He served in the Cambridge University OTC and applied for a commission in 5th KOYLI on the 4 August 1914. At that time he gave his correspondence address as Wilsden Vicarage, Bradford.

2/Lt Roper arrived in France on the 18 August 1915 with 5 KOYLI. On 6 July 1916, 2/Lt Roper was promoted to Lieutenant with effect from 1 June 1916. 

From the 17 November 1916 to 24 April 1917 he was in the UK as he was invalided home due to Rheumatic fever and Flu (also his right knee was very stiff). He returned to France soon after with 2/5 Battalion KOYLI. This unit was formed in Doncaster in September 1914 and became part of 187 brigade, 62nd (2nd West Riding) Division, eventually landing in France in January 1917.

Oliver Roper was killed in action at Bourlon Wood on 27 November 1917. (He was an acting Captain at time of his death). His home address at the time was given as 115A, Melrose Avenue, Cricklewood.

A full account of the action is given below in the unit war diary [not supplied] and in the History of the KOYLI as well as the official history of the 62nd Division. 

Captain Roper’s Mother applied for his medals on 22 May 1919 and they were sent to her on 3 April 1922: Captain Roper was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal.

His Mother was then residing at 43 Marlborough Crescent, Bedford Park W4. Captain Roper left estate valued at £208 and his obituary appeared in the Lancaster Guardian on the 8 December 1917, page 8.

He is commemorated on the Ellel war memorial.

[A cousin- Captain W E Roper, Kings Own (Royal Lancaster) Regiment, was killed in action 31 July 1917, aged 25.]