Adult British Passport of a decorated Boy Soldier in First World War
Adult British Passport of a decorated Boy Soldier in First World War
First World War trio and documentation to a boy soldier, 1914-15 Star ( NO.12296 RFLMN. A KOOPER 2/ K.R.R.C.), British War Medal, and Victory Medal (R-12296 PTE.A.W. COOPER K.R.RIF.C.) (name misspelled KOOPER on 1914-15 Star) Albert William Cooper was born 29/7/1901, he enlisted, underage , in the army on 24/04/15 age 13, he was discharged from the military on the 15th January 1916 ‘Having made a misstatement as to age on enlistment’, his character assessment from the Rifle Depot, Winchester reads, ‘ A very plucky lad who did very well indeed during his short stay in the army- he is thoroughly honest and reliable- was four months at the front- a warehouseman by trade.’, medal records show he went to France on 8th October 1915, Mr. Cooper spent some time in the Mercantile Marine before rejoining the Kings Royal Rifle Corps on the 6th March 1920 serving until transferred to the Reserve on 6th February 1924. He joined the Metropolitan Police on 11th August 1924 and served in ‘G’ Division ( Finsbury) and ‘K’ Division (Stepney), he retired from the Met on 16th February 1951 with exemplary conduct, and died in 1974. Documentation includes Birth, Marriage, and Death certificates, Army Discharge and Character certificates (first enlistment), Discharge and Character certificates, Soldiers Service and Pay Book ( second enlistment) , British Mercantile Marine Identity and Service certificate, Metropolitan Police Service Certificate signed by the Assistant Commissioner, two original photographs of Mr Cooper while a P.C. in ‘G’ Division, Mr Coopers 1960’s/70’s British passport with one visa stamp for the Soviet Union. A beautiful grouping to a fascinating man.
A British Soldier Travels Home From The Battlefield in Spain 1919
