The AIF Project

Recommendation date: 12 October 1917

Recommendation date: 13 August 1918

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in Battle of YPRES (PHASE 5) 12th October. This man showed absolute fearlessness and disregard of danger. He acted throughout the operation as a Headquarters Runner. On three occasions he took orders to the Firing Line through extremely heavy artillery and machine gun barrage and in spite of being buried twice and his companions being killed he delivered the messages and returned with valuable information. He worked as runner for 48 hours without rest owing to the heavy number of casualties among runners.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 95
Date: 27 June 1918

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during operations against enemy positions south of the SOMME east of HAMMEL, on 8th August, 1918. Lance Corporal COPPOCK was a Battalion runner. The advance was greatly hampered by a dense fog which, combined with the heavy artillery bombardment both of our own guns and the enemy's, rendered any observation of the developments of the attack on ACCROCHE WOOD impossible. This man was sent forward as part of a reconnaissance patrol to locate the extent of the advance of the Companies and their positions. With the aid of a compass he succeeded in locating the positions of the Companies and then went forward through the wood and ascertained the position of the most advanced troops of the Brigade. By this time the enemy had concentrated a very heavy artillery bombardment on ACCROCHE WOOD but having obtained the information he was determined to deliver it and in spite of the grave personal danger again returned through the WOOD and informed the Battalion Commander as to the forward situation. This information was of vital assistance to Brigade Headquarters who were then able to free reserves which had keen kept in readiness to assist in the capture of ACCROCHE WOOD if necessary. This heroic action greatly impressed his comrades who considered it impossible for anyone to return through the WOOD under the enemy's heavy artillery bombardment. This man was awarded the Military Medal for bravery during operations at PASSCHENDAELE in October, 1917.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61
Date: 23 May 1918