Born in West Melbourne, Victoria, Bourke and a Labourer by trade, George Edward Cope was 23 years and single when enlisted on the 22nd of January 1915 in the 5th Battalion, 24th Reinforcement, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 7216, and was listed as returned to Australia on the 22nd of September 1919. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A70 'Ballarat' on the 19th of February 1917. Appointed acting Sergeant on the 24th of February 1917. On the 15th of June 1917 reverts to permanent grade of Private. Returned to Australia per 'Port Sydney' ex England on the 22nd of September 1919. Disembarked on the 12th of November 1919 and Discharged on the 20th of December 1919. Tree No. 1570