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A very unusual QSA to 18th H. My Cavalry CD shows Graves as being severely wounded 16/2/1900; servant to Gen. Knox, Cdr., 13th BDE.
Very few if any other lads from 18H entitled to Relief of Kimberley clasp.
IL.

Picture courtesy of Noonan's

IGS 1895 (1) Punjab Frontier 1897-98 (3267 Corpl. R. P. Cooney, 11th Hussars);
QSA (3) Orange Free State, Laing’s Nek, Belfast (4985 Pte H. [sic] Cooney. 18th Hussars.) 1st clasp facing slightly buckled;
KSA (2) (4955 [sic] R. Cooney. 18th Hussars);
1914-15 Star (40156 Gnr: R. P. Cooney. Can: Fd: Art:);
British War and Victory Medals (40156 Gnr. R. P. Cooney. C.F.A.)

Robert Patrick Cooney was born in Kenagh, Longford, Ireland in June 1870. He attested for the 11th Hussars at Dublin in April 1891, and advanced to Corporal in February 1897. Cooney served with the regiment in India, October 1892 - March 1899. He was tried by district court martial and reduced to Private in August 1899, and transferred to the 18th Hussars in November of the same year. Cooney served with the regiment in South Africa, November 1899 - September 1902, and was discharged in April 1903.

Cooney, travelled to Canada, and joined the Royal North West Mounted Police in April 1904. He served with the latter in the Yukon Territory until he was invalided out of the service in February 1907 - having been found mentally and physically unfit. Despite the latter findings, Cooney joined the Royal Canadian Garrison Artillery in September of the same year. He advanced to Sergeant, and was discharged in August 1912. Cooney re-engaged for service in the CEF in August 1914, advanced to Sergeant, and served with the 1st Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery in France. He was injured, when his horse fell on top of him, whilst carrying a despatch to a battery at Ploegsteert, 20 February 1916.

Cooney was discharged in Canada in December 1919. He attested for the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps at Victoria, British Columbia in October 1920. Cooney died of TB related to previous service in France, 24 July 1925. He is buried in Victoria (Ross Bay) Cemetery.