Sydney Cooper
Name: Sydney Roy Cooper
Rank: Lance Corporal
Service Number: 5679
Unit Served: 48th Battalion
Personal Details: Sydney was born in March 1895 at Kingston SE, South Australia, to John and Margaret Cooper. He was a farmer and had served 2 years in the 22nd Light Horse before he enlisted. He was 6’ tall, with a medium complexion, grey eyes and dark brown hair.
Enlistment Details: Sydney enlisted on the 14th April 1916 in Adelaide at the age of 21 years and 1 month.
Details of War Service: Sydney left from Melbourne aboard the “Barambah” on the 27th June 196 and arrived in Plymouth on the 25th August, 1916. While in England he was 12 hours late back from leave and was confined to camp for three days and fined a day’s pay. He then went to France on the 14th October and was taken on strength by the 48th Battalion on the 31st. On the 5th January 1917 he was promoted to Lance Corporal. On the 11th April, the 48th Battalion was involved in the disastrous 1st battle of Bullecourt. During the battle Sydney was wounded and went missing. His body was never recovered and on the 29th December he was reported as “killed in action”.
Age at Death: 22
Date of Death: 11th April 1917
Memorial Details: Australian National Memorial, Villers-Brettoneux.
