Thomas Cooper

Thomas Cooper (Service No 3293/4163) seems to have enlisted twice on the same day. He stated he was born in Ashton on Ure, England, around 1876.

At enlistment he was 39 years old, married, and was a seaman. He also stated that he was a 40 year old fireman, from Wollongong, N.S.W. Thomas listed his son Thomas Cecil Cooper as his next of kin and his wife, Jane. Thomas' Attestation Paper of Persons Enlisted for Service Abroad are conflicting.

Thomas embarked on HMAT A17 Port Lincoln with the 13th Battalion, 11th Reinforcement, on 13th October 1915 or on HMAT A60 Aeneas with the 4th Battalion, 13th Reinforcement, on 20th December 1915. A note on file indicates an issue with his right eye at enlistment. After disembarking in Egypt he was transferred to the 2nd Battalion on 14th February 1916. Thomas arrived in France on 28th March 1916 and saw service at Pozieres, with the 2nd Battalion. Sometime between 22nd and 27th July 1916 he was wounded in action. He was evacuated to hospital in England for treatment of a gun shot wound to his left elbow. Deemed unfit for further active service, Thomas was repatriated to Australia in February 1917 and discharged medically unfit on 23rd August 1917.