Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, fixed suspension (RMB 410 W. J. Cooper, Bd. Cpl., H.M.S. Ramillies) very fine £60-80

William James Cooper was born at St. Heliers in Jersey in July 1888 and entered the Royal Marines as a Band Boy, direct from the Jersey Militia, in April 1904. Advanced to Musician in July 1906, he served on the battleship H.M.S. Duncan from September of the same year until April 1908, during which period he also qualified in first aid. Gaining further promotion to Band Corporal in June 1913, he was serving aboard the battleship Orion on the outbreak of hostilities in August 1914, but came ashore to the R.M. School of Music in October 1915. Cooper returned to sea in the battleship Ramillies in May 1917 and was still serving aboard her when he was awarded his L.S. & G.C. Medal in September 1921. He was finally pensioned ashore in July 1927 and died in April 1949.