Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War M.C. group of five awarded to Lieutenant J. H. Cooper, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and Royal Flying Corps
Military Cross, G.V.R., the reverse inscribed ‘Lieut., M.C. 20.11.17’; British War and Victory Medals (Lieut., R.F.C.); Defence and War Medals, nearly extremely fine (5)

M.C. London Gazette 4 February 1918. ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He assisted to bomb an enemy aerodrome, and destroyed some billets close to it. On another occasion he flew over the enemy’s lines in a very thick mist and bombed some enemy transport, completely destroying one waggon and scattering the remainder with machine-gun fire. He then bombed and blew up a factory. His machine was badly hit, and returned to our lines with the greatest difficulty in very bad weather conditions. Later, in the course of three flights, he dropped bombs and fired 1700 rounds on enemy infantry from a low altitude. He showed the greatest courage and determination.’

John Henry Cooper was a pilot serving in early 1917 with No. 12 Squadron, flying BE2e’s; he transferred late in 1917 to No. 46 Squadron, flying Sopwith Pups and Camels. According to an accompanying news cutting ‘Lieutenant Cooper joined the Argyll and Suthreland Highlanders in July 1915, and, after completing his preparation for the work of a soldier, he was for some time engaged in training machine gunners. He joined the Royal Flying Corps in the autumn of 1916. We understand that the Cross has been conferred on Lieutenant Cooper for his valuable work in connection with the recent operations at Cambrai. Before joining the Colours Mr Cooper had completed his course a the Technical College, Glasgow, and obtained his diploma for naval architecture. Since receiving his great honour Lieutenant Cooper has been wounded.’

The lot is sold with an original telegram requesting his attendance at Buckingham Palace, several contemporary news cuttings announcing the M.C., and a large quantity of additional research, including Combat reports and Bombing reports. A photograph of Cooper, nicknamed ‘Hootsmon’, and several mentions appear in Open Cockpit and No Parachute, both by Captain A. G. Lee, 46 Squadron R.F.C.