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Auction: 20001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - conducted behind closed doors
Lot: 705

A 1942 M.B.E. group of six awarded to Captain (Quartermaster) A. H. Cooper, Worcestershire Regiment, who during the course of the War was wounded besides earning a brace of 'mentions' and his decoration - the only Regimental appointment to the Order of the British Empire for the Middle East - who died in August 1942

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, silver; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (Lieut. A. H. Cooper. Worc. R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, second with official correction to rank, otherwise good very fine (6)

M.B.E. London Gazette 14 April 1942. The original recommendation - for an O.B.E. - states:

'This Officer has been Quartermaster, 1st Bn. The Worcestershire Regiment almost continuously since his force commission as a Quartermaster in August 1938, after 19 years service in the ranks. He accompanied the Battalion to Palestine in September 1938, served in that campaign untill the outbreak of the present war, and was Mentioned in Despatches for his valuable services. After the outbreak of war, in addition to his duties as Battalion Quartermaster, he performed the duties of a Camp Adjutant and Quartermaster for over a year at Gebeit (Sudan) and was again Mentioned in Despatches for exceptional zeal and ability. For a short time he was Staff Captain to the 9th Indian Infantry Brigade at Gallabat (Sudan), but rejoined the Battalion as Quartermaster at Gedarf before it took the field in January 1941.

He served throughout the campaign in East Africa, being present at the actions at Gogni, Tauda, Barentu and Keren, where he was wounded, but rejoined in time for the final battle at Amba Alagi. He has since accompanied the Battalion to Egypt and is serving as Quartermaster at the present time.

Throughout these three years of active service, 2. Lieut. Cooper's effeciency and devotion to duty have been of the highest order. His knowledge and capability under difficult conditions of supply and replacement of stores has been outstanding, and it is due to his care and qualities that the administration of this Unit has been maintained at the best possible standard at all times.'

Arthur Harry Cooper, a native of Smethwick, Staffordshire, was born on 9 September 1901 and enlisted in the Worcestershire Regiment in 1920. Commissioned Lieutenant (Quartermaster) on 1 September 1938, he served with the 1st Battalion in Palestine and played key role in preparing the unit for the Second World War, as recalled in The Worcestershire Regiment, 1922-50:

'Wadi Halfa was reached at 0100hrs on 3 September [1939]. Once again a long-suffering Quartermaster [Cooper] was called on to cope with a sudden situation, for information was received that two companies were to be dropped at Atbara and this entailed re-sorting out all the barrack equipment and furniture. Accordingly on 4th September 'B' and 'C' Companies remained at Atbara under the command of Major Knight. This officer had stayed on to bring on the heavy baggage, which was three days behind; for in the peculiar conditions at the time the Battalion was still in a hybrid state of war preparation on a peace-time scale.'

Serving with acclaim throughout the campaign, Cooper finished it with a wound suffered on 16 March 1941 to go with a brace of 'mentions' (London Gazette 15 September 1939 & 1 April 1941, refers) and his M.B.E. - one of 19 such awards to the Regiment for the Second World War.

Journey's end

Cooper was posted 'dangerously ill' on 24 August 1942 whilst in South Africa, but died on 31 August, being buried in the Johannesburg (West Park) Cemetery, South Africa, aged 40; sold together with copied research and recommendations.

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Sold for
£1,100

Starting price
£280