Private Robert Cooper

Born on 19 March 1896 in Toronto, Ontario - son of Mrs. Catharine Cooper, Toronto, Ontario - at time of enlistment in 1915: trade as teamster, single, no current or previous military service, Presbyterian, height of 5 feet 8.5 inches, chest of 34 inches fully expanded, fair complexion, blue eyes, dark brown hair.

Joined the 59th Battalion, CEF, in Lindsay, Ontario, on 21 May 1915 - transferred to the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 22 June 1915 (number 410711) - served with the 38th Battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda - landed in France with the 38th Battalion on 13 August 1916 - killed in action on 9 April 1917 - buried in Givenchy-en-Gohelle Canadian Cemetery (grave B.17), France.

(Updated with a photo of Pte Cooper's headstone in Givenchy-en-Gohelle Canadian Cemetery that I took in August 2012).

(sources: Library and Archives Canada (www.collectionscanada.gc.ca), online attestation papers; Canadian War Museum, 19740281-001, Manu 58F 2 3, 207th Canadian Infantry Battalion and 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Nominal Roll; The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa Regimental Museum, A400-0007, Master Personnel List for the 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force; Commonwealth War Graves Commission, "Debt of Honour" register, www.cwgc.org)