Lieutenant Frederick William Cooper, M.C., R.E.

Figure 1. Lieutenant Frederick William Cooper, R.E.
(Image courtesy of the Imperial War Museum)

In Memory of Lieutenant Frederick William Cooper, M.C., R.E., 105^th Field Company, 25^th Division, killed in action on 17 April 1918, age 26.

2. FAMILY INFORMATION AND EARLY LIFE

Frederick William Cooper was born in Cockermouth, Cumberland on 4 December 1892. He was the son of Frederick Ashley Cooper (1856-1893) and Mary Anne Cooper, née Braithwaite (1858-1946).[1]

In 1911 Cooper was residing at 6 Harrison Street in Barrow in Furness, Lancashire in a 13-room boarding house. The 1911 Census of England and Wales lists him as an 18-year old Apprentice Engineer. It is not clear whether he was working as an Apprentice Engineer or as an Apprentice Fitter. In August 1914 he enlisted as a Sapper in the Royal Engineers, Regimental Number 41184. His Great War Medal Index Card indicates that he was posted to Egypt on 20 July 1915. The unit to which he was assigned is not known. His service papers would provide this information. These papers are available at the National Archives in War Office Files WO 339/72297. Unfortunately, the papers have not yet been digitized, so they were unavailable to the author at the time of this research project.

Cooper’s performance of duty in the ranks was such that he may have been urged to apply for a commission. On 2 June 1916 he was discharged from the ranks and on the following day he was appointed a Temporary 2^nd Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers.[2] His Apprenticeship as an “Engineer” back in 1911 may also have had something to do with his qualifications for this appointment.

After being commissioned, Cooper surely was posted to the School of Military Engineering (S.M.E.) at Chatham, Kent for officer training. His training at the S.M.E. would have consisted of the study of field fortifications, construction, surveying, telegraphy, electric lighting, photography, chemistry, military law and tactics. Since his course of instruction at Chatham may have been abbreviated to prepare him for service on the Western Front, the study of photography, chemistry and military law may have been eliminated.

Upon the successful completion of his training at Chatham, Cooper was posted to the 105^th Field Company of the 25^th Division, a unit that already was serving in France. It may be assumed that he spent about a year in training at Chatham and that his posting to France may have been in about June 1917.[3] On 15 February 1917, while at Chatham, he was promoted to Lieutenant.[4]

When Lieutenant Cooper joined the 25^th Division, the divisional engineers included the following units:[5]

Another unit in the division that would also provide basic engineer support in the field was the Pioneer Battalion. In the 25^th Division at the time, this was the 6^th Battalion of the South Wales Borderers[9], Officer Commanding: Lieutenant Colonel E.V.O. Hewett, C.M.G., D.S.O. In addition to working with the other field companies in the division, Cooper and his company would have worked closely with the Pioneer Battalion.

Pioneer Battalions were used on a large scale on the Western Front. Because of its largely static nature, there was a much heavier reliance on field defences and the provision of mobility support to get troops, weapons, ammunition, rations and stores up to the front and casualties out. Roads and railways needed to be built maintained and repaired. While these were also engineer tasks, engineers alone could not meet the heavy demand, while riflemen were always needed at the front. Therefore, Pioneer Battalions were raised to meet the needs of both and trained to support both engineers and infantry.

In June 1917, the 25^th Division was in the Ypres Sector, having moved there on 24 June. Cooper and his company were then engaged in the Battle of Pilckem Ridge, which began on 31 July and lasted until 2 August.[10] For his action at Pilckem Ridge Lieutenant Cooper was awarded the Military Cross.[11] The citation for his award, published in the London Gazette, read as follows:-[12]

“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when laying out a communication trench. He laid his tape right through a heavily-shelled barrage, during which it was several times blown up. He then returned through the barrage for his working party, finally completing the trench with rapidity and success.”

Working with Lieutenant Cooper in this action, near Bethlehem Farm on the night of 13 – 14 June 1917, was 2^nd Corporal W.J. Cooper (coincidentally with the same surname). 2^nd Corporal Cooper was awarded the Military Medal.[13]

Lieutenant Cooper and his company were next involved in a number of major battles, to include:-[14]

65244 2^nd Corporal Alexander John Mitchell, M.M., killed in action, 20 July 1917.

During this period the 105^th Field Company took the opportunity for re-organization and training in I Corps area, south of Bethune.

On the afternoon of 21 March the 105^th Field Company was ordered to dig and improve the third or Army line of trenches across the Beugnatre-Longette Road. The company was well dug in by 2300 hours and was holding the ground in this area in touch with the 10^th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment. In the morning of 22 March the company was placed under the command of the 75^th Infantry Brigade to dig and hold a position in the Sapignies and Behagnies area. During the night the company put up wire in front of its position.[15]

On 24 March, the 105^th Field Company was ordered back to take up a position in the Archiet le Grand-Logeast Wood area, where it dug in along the front of Logeast Wood. Later in the afternoon of that day the company withdrew to Fonquevillers. Major Richards, the company O.C. was wounded in the afternoon while reconnoitering a new defensive line. During the action at Bapaume, the company was used primarily as infantry.[16]

On 9 April 1918, Cooper’s company moved to the Lys Sector where it took part in the following actions:[18]

On 9 April, the 105^th Field Company was working on a new Corps line some 2,000 yards behind the front line in the Ploegsteert area. It was later placed under the 75^th Infantry Brigade to form a defensive flank along the line of the River Lys. During the night, 2^nd Lieutenant Armstrong, with one section of the company reconnoitered the bridges in front of the position and found that all preparations were complete for their demolition, with Sappers attending to the charges. Armstrong received the Military Cross for this action.

On 10 April, after the Germans had managed to cross the river under cover of a dense fog, the 105^th Field Company took part in a counter-attack. The fighting was very severe and continuous for 40 hours. Lieutenant Ellen received the Military Cross for this action. A Lance Corporal Poole used his Lewis gun with marked ability, and on several occasions covered the retirement of his comrades. He was also instrumental in bringing down a German aircraft. A Sapper Burgess of the company was awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry as a company runner.

A narrative by the O.C., 105^th Field Company is included in the War Diary of the company. The narrative covers events during this period. An entry for 10 April indicates that Lieutenant Cooper, returning from a reconnaissance, carried a Sergeant Gould who was wounded, back to the friendly lines, over a distance of about 200 yards under withering machine gun fire. There is no indication that Cooper received recognition for this action. It would seem that he was entitled to at least a bar to his Military Cross, if not the D.S.O. His courage during this action appears to have been more noteworthy than the “tape-laying” action for which he was awarded the M.C.

On the morning of 13 April the line held by the company was again attacked and the company was forced back to the high ground east of Crucifix Corner. The position here was shelled heavily all night and on the morning of 14 April, Lieutenant Colonel N.T. Fitzpatrick, D.S.O., M.C., R.E., commanding the 6^th (Pioneer) Battalion, South Wales Borderers, was severely wounded. At 1800 hours on that same day the Germans attacked the position at Crucifix Corner in force but were driven back with heavy casualties. Sergeant Hodgson of the 105^th Field Company was awarded the Military Medal for his action at Crucifix Corner.[20]

Lieutenant Cooper was killed in action on 17 April 1918 during the Battle of Kemmel while in command of No. 4 Section of the company. The 105^th Field Company War Diary lists one officer killed during operations at Bailleul from 9 – 19 April 1918. That officer was Lieutenant Cooper.[21] In addition to Lieutenant Cooper, 179709 Sapper Ben Row also was killed in action, on 17 April 1918.

The 105^th Field Company War Diary also contains a detailed description of the action in which Lieutenant Cooper was killed. This description is transcribed below with all abbreviations and errors contained in the original document.

“At 3 p.m. 12.4.18. three Field Companies moved off from Transport Lines, and coming under orders of the 7^th Infantry Brigade, took up line with the Brigade on the high ground N. and E. of BAILLEUL. Order of battle from Right, 106^th Coy with Right flank on St. JANS CAPPEL Road in contact with 34^th Division, 130^th Coy and 105^th Coy with Left flank at S.2.a.8.1. in touch with 7^th Infantry Brigade – 12 machine gunners from 25^th Battn M.G.C. were attached.

In most cases positions had already been prepared by the 3^rd Australian A.T. Coy, R.E. [sic] and these were taken over by 25^th Divl Field Cos.

At 11.30.p.m. orders were received to extend to the Left to take over the front occupied by the 7^th Infantry Brigade and the Line became a series of isolated Posts with connecting patrols.

At 10.50 a.m. 13.4.18 orders were received to move to WYATTS FORCE and establish line from S.5.c.2.1 -S.5.d.95.60 accompanied by M.G. and to come under orders of Brigadier General WYATT.

Field Companies and M.G. moved to position at 1 p.m., and finding L.N.J. already in position on right the Line was established from S.5.d.2.2. to S.5.d.95.60. Order of battle 130^th Coy in touch with L.N.L.[23] on Right, 105^th Coy in touch with 8^th Corps School Battalion on left and 106^th Coy in close support.

On the 14^th Posts were joined to form a continuous line. Machine gunners being divided between L.N.L. 25^th Divl R.E. and 8^th Corps Schools.

The 15^th was uneventful for the first part but enemy attack on RAVELSBURG Ridge developed and enemy machine gun fire increased. During the afternoon, the enemy obtained possession of the ridge and the position became obscure. Lieuts Cooper and Rice volunteered to obtain information, and going forward under withering machine gun fire found a gap in our Line. A party of stragglers with Lewis gun was organized and Lieut. Cooper returned for S.A.A.[24] On attempting to move forward again both his carrying party were wounded almost immediately but he persevered with his orderly and succeeded in supplying the party with S.A.A. and afterwards organised and with Lieut. Rice led a brilliant little counter-attack with a party of about 50 succeeded in restoring our Line. The remainder of the day was uneventful except that enemy fire gradually increased to dusk. The night was quiet.

On the 16^th the K.R.Rs. relieved L.N.L. on our Right, and were subjected to heavy shell fire.

At 5 p.m. Right flank was exposed owing to K.R.R. being shelled out of their position. 9^th H.L.I. covered rear of gap and stiffened our flank.

During the night, a flanking trench was dug and held by 106^th Field Coy. Patrols did not come in contact with enemy.

From 6.15 a.m. on 17^th position was under continual bombardment and the position on our Right became untenable.

Our Right flank withdrew to Left to Line of Flank trench and a Block was formed in the trench.

Prisoner taken by H.L.I. stated that our barrage and accurate rifle fire broke down the attack.

During this attack, the enemy gain penetrated the position on our Right and established a machine gun enfilading our trenches.

Lieut. Cooper attempted to rush the gun but was killed in the attempt, (bold text by author) a party of R.E. under Serjt. Miller, 130^th Field Co also attacked the gun but could not get to close quarters.”[25]

As with his actions at Estaires on 10 April 1918, there is no indication that Cooper received recognition for this latest action. It would seem that he was entitled to at least a bar to his Military Cross, if not the D.S.O. for his attempt to eliminate the enemy machine gun. Cooper was a courageous officer who risked his life on at least three occasions, but was only officially recognized once for his bravery. However, Cooper’s many acts of bravery are spelled out in detail in The History of the 25^th Division in France and Flanders (page 228).

“During the periods 21^st March to 28^th March and 9^th to 17^th April, 1918, when the 25^th Division was heavily engaged with the enemy, Lieut. Cooper’s conduct was a consistent example of gallant and brave bearing in face of the enemy. A conspicuous example was on the 10^th April, 1918, near Le Bizet. This officer went out on patrol with a sergeant of his company, to get information badly needed on account of the dense fog. The sergeant was severely wounded. Lieut. Cooper took him on his back and crawled 150 to 200 yards with him under very heavy fire of machine guns, and succeeded in bringing him to a place from where he could be rescued, thus saving his life.

Near Ravelsberg, on the 15^th April, 1918, seeing a party of our troops being surrounded by the enemy, he collected and organised a party of 50 stragglers, personally bringing necessary ammunition to them under heavy fire; only he and one man of the carrying party remaining unwounded. He then delivered a successful counter-attack which enabled our troops to be withdrawn.

Again, near Dranoutre, on the 17^th April, 1918, when the enemy succeeded in establishing a forward machine gun close to and enfilading Lieut. Cooper’s position, without waiting for assistance Lieut. Cooper attempted to rush it single handed. He got to within a few yards of it, but was killed by a sniper hidden in a shell hole close to it.”

Figure 2. Map of the Dranoutre-Kemmel Area.
(Image courtesy of With the British Army in Flanders and France)

NOTE: Dranoutre is under the blue circle and Kemmel is under the orange circle on the map.

Where all the other entries on this page in Kincaid-Smith’s book describing gallant actions of officers and men, and showing an award for their actions, Cooper’s description does not contain an award. It is almost like Kincaid-Smith felt obliged to include this information on Cooper even though no award was given him for any of these three heroic actions. Kincaid-Smith does not even mention the “tape-laying” action in June 1917 for which Cooper received the Military Cross. Cooper was a truly heroic individual, worthy of being awarded the D.S.O. if not the V.C.

Frederick William Cooper’s death is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Panels 8 and 162 at Passchendaele, Arrondissement Ieper, West Flanders, Belgium. Apparently he has no known grave.

Probate of Cooper’s Will took place in London on 31 January 1919. His effects were left to Mary Anne Scott (wife of Walter Stanley Scott)(formerly Cooper). His father, Frederick Ashley Cooper had died in 1893. Cooper’s effects amounted to £552, 3 shillings and 10 pence (about $40,600 US in 2024 currency).

Cooper’s next of kin received his 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal on 30 April 1923. The 1914-15 Star would have been named to him as 41184 Sapper F.W. Cooper, R.E. The other two medals would have been named to him as Lieutenant F.W. Cooper, R.E. His Victory Medal would have been issued with a Mention in Despatches oak leaf. In addition to the medals, his next of kin would have received a Memorial Plaque.

Figure 3. (Left to Right) The Military Cross, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal with Mention in Despatches Oak Leaf.
(Images from the author’s collection)

Figure 4. The Great War Medal Index Card of Lieutenant Frederick William Cooper, M.C., R.E.
(Image courtesy of Ancestry.com)

NOTE: The medals and Memorial Plaque above are not those of Lieutenant Cooper. They are presented here for illustrative purposes only. Cooper’s plaque would have his name cast in the rectangle above the lion’s head.

KINCAID-SMITH, M. The 25^th Division in France and Flanders. Harrison and Sons, London, no date, pp. 160-162, 216-220 and 228.

Royal Engineers Journal. Battle Honours of the Royal Engineers. The Institution of Royal Engineers, Chatham, Kent, 1925-1932.

[1] Ancestry.com.: Family tree of Frederick William Cooper.

[2] London Gazette, 19 June 1916.

[3] The pre-war length of the officer training course at Chatham was about two years. By 1916 the course had been shortened to no longer that a year.

[4] London Gazette, 19 May 1917.

[5] KINCAID-SMITH.

[6] Subsequently wounded and replaced by Major J.W. Lloyd, R.E.

[7] Subsequently replaced by Major C.G. Lynam, M.C., R.E., when Fitzpatrick was chosen to command the 6^th Battalion, South Wales Borderers (Pioneer Battalion)

[8] Subsequently replaced by Major P.H. Thorne, M.C., R.E. on 15 March 1918.

[9] 25^th Division: The Long, Long Trail.

[10] Battle Honours of the Royal Engineers.

[11] London Gazette, 16 August 1917.

[12] Cooper’s award of the Military Cross is also noted in the War Diary of the 105^th Field Company on 2 July 1917.

[13] KINCAID-SMITH.

[14] Battle Honours of the Royal Engineers.

[15] KINCAID-SMITH.

[16] Ibid.

[17] Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

[18] Battle Honours of the Royal Engineers.

[19] Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

[20] KINCAID-SMITH.

[21] Ibid.

[22] Officer Commanding, 105^th Field Company. Later Colonel, C.B.E., M.C.

[23] Loyal North Lancashire Regiment.

[24] Small Arms Ammunition.

[25] The narrative goes on for eight additional short paragraphs before Major Lloyd’s signature block.