British Passport of a decorated Boy Soldier in WWI
Description
This collection comprises a First World War trio of medals and accompanying documentation belonging to a young soldier, Albert William Cooper, who enlisted in the army at the age of 13 in April 1915 (underage). The trio includes the 1914-15 Star (with the name misspelled as KOOPER), the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal. Albert Cooper was born on July 29, 1901. Passport Boy Soldier WWI
His military service was relatively short, as he was discharged on January 15, 1916, due to a misstatement of his age at enlistment. However, during his brief time in the army, he displayed remarkable courage and reliability. He spent four months at the front and was a warehouseman by trade. His medal records indicate that he went to France on October 8, 1915.
Police Career Passport Boy Soldier WWI
After leaving the military, Mr. Cooper briefly served in the Mercantile Marine before rejoining the Kings Royal Rifle Corps on March 6, 1920, where he served until being transferred to the Reserve on February 6, 1924. Subsequently, he joined the Metropolitan Police on August 11, 1924, and served in ‘G’ Division (Finsbury) and ‘K’ Division (Stepney). He retired from the Metropolitan Police on February 16, 1951, with an exemplary conduct record. He passed away in 1974. Passport Boy Soldier WWI
The accompanying documentation includes his Birth, Marriage, and Death certificates, Army Discharge and Character certificates from his first enlistment, Discharge and Character certificates from his second enlistment, a Soldier’s Service and Pay Book from the second enlistment, a British Mercantile Marine Identity and Service certificate, and a Metropolitan Police Service Certificate signed by the Assistant Commissioner. Additionally, there are two original photographs of Mr. Cooper during his time as a Police Constable in ‘G’ Division, as well as his British passport from the 1960s/70s, featuring a visa stamp for the Soviet Union. This collection provides a fascinating glimpse into the life and service of Albert William Cooper. Passport Boy Soldier WWI
A British Soldier is traveling home from the battlefield in Spain in 1919
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