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Maurice Lea COOPER

Maurice Lea COOPER Original Photo
OC Number

1261

Born

18/12/1898

Rank at Death

Flight Commander

Date of Death

02/10/1918

Age at Death

19

Unit Serving With

213 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Inscription

M. L. COOPER, D.F.C. CAPT. & FLIGHT COMMANDER ROYAL AIRFORCE. BORN 18TH DECEMBER 1898 – DIED 2ND OCTOBER 1918.


Pen Portrait

Maurice was born on the 18th December 1898, the son of J H Cooper from Hamilton, Ailesbury Road, Dublin. He entered CCB in September 1913.

Maurice joined the Royal Naval Air Service in April 1917 gaining his pilots certificate only three months later, July 1917. Being one of the youngest Flight Commanders within the Naval Air Service he had remarkably accrued some 9 months flight time at the Front by the time he was 19 years old. He shot down six planes in Sopwith Camels.

Maurice was reported missing; killed in action 2nd October 1918. He was awarded the DFC (3 June 1918) "for acts of gallantry when flying on active operations against the enemy".

He is buried at Dadizeele New British Cemetery, Belgium, Grave V1.B.40. His inscription reads "Greater love hath no man."


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