India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Burma 1885-7 (Major R. Cooper, 2nd Bn. Som. L.I.) extremely fine £180-220

Richard Cooper was appointed Ensign, 13th Somerset Light Infantry, 8 July 1869; Lieutenant, 28 October 1871; Captain, 14 December 1878; Major, 1 August 1886. He commanded four companies of the 2nd Battalion in Burma 1885-86, and died of fever at Yamethin on 27th December 1886.

The following order was issued by the G.O.C. 3rd Brigade on the departure of the four companies for Mandalay:

‘Yemethin, 14th December 1886.

The left wing Somersetshire Light Infantry is now virtually leaving this command. In saying “Good Bye” to Capt. Cooper and his detachment, Brigadier-General Lockhart wishes to recognize the services rendered by them to this command during the present campaign. Probably no detachment in the entire force has been more frequently engaged, and on every occasion the splendid reputation of the 13th has been maintained. The Brigadier-General wishes the Somersetshire Light Infantry good fortune and further renown in whatever fields they may find themselves in in the future.’