Three: Corporal W. Cooper, Royal Marine Light Infantry, who, having distinguished himself in operations ashore in East Africa in the Great War, was among those lost when the S.S. Otterpool was torpedoed in June 1940

1914-15 Star (PLY. 16528 Pte. W. Cooper, R.M.L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (PLY. 16528 Pte. W. Cooper, R.M.L.I.), the second with contact marks and polished, good fine, the others rather better (3) £140-160

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Brian Kieran Collection.

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William Cooper was born in Acton, London January 1895 and enlisted in the Royal Marine Light Infantry in January 1914. Assigned to the Plymouth Division, he served aboard the cruiser H.M.S. Talbot from November 1914 until September 1918, in which period he distinguished himself ashore in operations on the East Coast of Africa. Britain’s Sea Soldiers takes up the story:

‘It became evident that the Germans from Tanga and Pangani were moving on Sadani, therefore on 27 July [1916], as there was no satisfactory report from Mkwadja, seamen and marines from the Talbot were landed under Captain Thomas to take the village. The Thistle arrived at the same time and took up a position to cover the landing, which was effected without opposition. Shortly after the village was occupied, about 50 of the enemy were reported to be about a mile outside. Captain Thomas at once advanced with the Royal Marines detachment and engaged the enemy who retired into the bush. He then cut the Pangani-Sadani telegraph line and withdrew again to the village. The Royal Marines were re-embarked on 29 July. Captain Thomas, Lance-Corporal Perry and Privates William Cooper and F. Galloway (all Plymouth R.M.L.I.), were brought to notice for these operations.’

Cooper, whose service record does indeed bear an endorsement ‘for good work during operations in East Africa in Talbot’, and a recommendation for advancement, remained in the Royal Marines until discharged in January 1935, in which latter period he was awarded the L.S. & G.C. Medal.

Recalled on the renewal of hostilities, he was appointed Corporal in April 1940, but was among those lost when his ship, the S.S. Otterpool, was torpedoed by the U-51, 80 miles south of the Scilly Isles, on 20 June 1940 - 22 of her crew and one Gunner were lost. Aged 45 years, Cooper left a widow, Maggie, resident in Nantwich, Cheshire. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Plymouth Memorial.