The AIF Project

Spencer COOPER

Regimental number2137
Place of birthStanmore, New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationCarter
AddressWatson Street, Leura, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation19
Next of kinSister, Mrs J Leonard, Watson Street, Leura, New South Wales
Previous military serviceNil
Enlistment date15 May 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name13th Battalion, 6th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/30/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A62 Wandilla on 14 June 1915
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll13th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 4 May 1917
Discharge date6 September 1917
Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Wounded in action, Gallipoli, 9 August 1915 (gun shot wound, left leg); admitted to St George's Hospital, Malta, 14 August 1915; transferred to St Patrick's Hospital, 21 August 1915. Embarked for Egypt, 17 October 1915; rejoined Bn at Gallipoli, 24 October 1915.

Wounded in action, Gallipoli, 2 November 1915 (wound caused by accidental discharge of rifle: slight); returned to duty, 4 November 1915. Board of Inquiry, Durrant's Post, Gallipoli, 6 November 1915, into the circumstances regarding the explosion of bombs in 'A' Trench, Durrant's Post, found that 'the explosion of bombs was caused by a bullet from Pte. Cooper's rifle striking them. There is no evidence to show how this rifle was discharged but no culpable negligence was shown on Pte. Cooper's part.' Cooper gave evidence: 'I was in "B" Section of "A" Trench, Durrant's Post, on November 4th, at 1600. I fired a shot over the parapet, came down behind the parapet and reloaded. Coming up to shoot again the rifle went off. There was a box of bombs to my right in a niche in the interior slope of the trench about four feet away, and this was evidently hit by my bullet and an explosion followed. I was scratched on the face and chest. I have not interfered with the pull off of my rifle, it is as it was issued to me.'

Arrived Egypt, 18 January 1916. Found guilty of breaking close arrest and of being absent 0900 24 January-24 February 1916: awarded 14 days' Field Punishment No. 2 and forfeiture of 32 days' pay. Found guilty, 5 April 1916, of being absent without leave from 1400 29 February 1916-1100 4 April 1916: awarded 21 days' Field Punishment No. 2 and forfeiture of 36 days' pay.

Proceeded from Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force, 1 June 1916; disembarked Marseilles, 8 June 1916.

Wounded in action, 12 August 1916 (gun shot wound, face and back); transferred to 1st Canadian General Hospital, Etaples; evacuated to England, 4 September 1916, and admitted to East Leeds War Hospital, 5 September 1916. Transferred to 1st Auxiliary Hospital, Harefield Park, 24 January 1917.

Commenced return to Australia from Devonport on board HT 'Themistocles', 4 May 1917; discharged, 6 September 1917.

Medals: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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