Orders, Decorations and Medals

A fine Western Desert D.C.M. group of ten awarded to Major H. L. Cooper, Royal Horse Artillery
Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (805863 Sjt., R.A.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (805863 Bmbr., R.H.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals; Korea 1950-53, an erased replacement; U.N. Korea, generally very fine (10)

D.C.M. London Gazette 25 April 1941. ‘On 9 Dec 1940, B Tp, “C” Bty R.H.A. was ordered into action just North of WADI EL KHARUBA in the open to engage enemy guns dug in around ALAM EL RIMTH at a range of 4,500 yards. For over one hour, though subjected to heavy and accurate enemy shell fire, B Tp remained in action engaging the enemy guns and eventually having silenced them sufficiently, continued the advance. Throughout the action Sergt Cooper who was the G.P.O.A. carried on his duties with complete disregard for the enemy’s fire and although wounded in the head refused to leave his post until the action was over. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Sergt Cooper set a fine example to all ranks.’

Hamilton Loos Cooper joined the Royal Horse Artillery in 1936 seeing service in Palestine. He was attached to the 4th Regt. R.H.A., 7th Armoured Division, and was awarded the D.C.M. for gallantry at Alam El Rimth during the Libyan Campaign where he was wounded. He was promoted 2nd Lieut on 1 May 1941, and Temp Captain on 2 February 1943. After the war he became a Regular Army Short Service Officer and served with the 29th Brigade during the Korean War. He was promoted Major on 1 May 1954, and retired in 1963.