Description
A World War 2 Royal Marine Casualty Long Service Medal Who was Killed in Action on the 20th June 1940 when S.S. Otterpool was torpedoed by U-51 who had previously seen active service in East Africa in 1916. Comprising a Royal Navy Long Service & Good Conduct Medal, GVR, 2nd Type, awarded to Marine William Cooper, Royal Marines, H.M.S. President III. (PLY.16528 W. Cooper Mne. R.M.), very fine
William Cooper was born in Acton, London in January 1895 and enlisted in the Royal Marines Light Infantry in January 1914. He served aboard the cruiser HMS Talbot from November 1914 to September 1918. Cooper was part of the Royal Marines detachment under Captain Thomas who in July 1916 at Pangani-Sadami in East Africa distinguished themselves when they engaged the enemy who retired. Cooper and others were brought to notice for these operations.
Discharged from the Marines in 1935 and was recalled on the renewal of hostilities. He was appointed Corporal in April 1940 but was amongst those lost when his ship the SS Otterpool was torpedoed by U-51, 80 miles south west of the Scilly Isles on 20th June 1940. Left a widow Maggie who was resident in Nantwich in Cheshire. Has no known grave and is commemorated named on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.
Sold with copy CWGC certificate, copy Service papers Service document, and copy of DNW catalogue for September 2010 which gives details of the award.
