Cooper | Edward Joshua | | Major | COOPER, EDWARD JOSHUA, Major, was born 21 April, 1858, eldest son of Colonel J H Cooper, Royal Fusiliers, of Dunboden, Westmeath. He was educated at Marlborough, and at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst; joined the Royal Fusiliers 11 September 1876; was promoted Captain 13 February 1885. He served in the Sudan Expedition, 1886-87, taking part in the operations of the Frontier Field Force, as ADC to the GOC. He became Major 28 November 1897. He took part in the South African War, 1899 to 1902. In command of the 2nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers from 25 December 1899 to 13 February 1900; was present at the Relief of Ladysmith, including action at Colenso; operations on Tugela Heights 14 to 27 February 1900, and action at Pieter's Hill; taking part in the Transvaal in May and June, 1900; during operations in Natal, March to June, 1900; taking part, in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900; in the operations in Cape Colony, north of Orange River, including action at Ruidam District from 20 June, 1901, and Stattin from 17 January 1902. Took part in the operations in the Transvaal, Orange River Colony and Cape Colony. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with five clasps; the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Edward Joshua Cooper, Major, Royal Fusiliers. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia were sent to the Commander-in-Chief in India 30 January 1902, and presented by Brigadier General A G F Browne, commanding Mandalay District. 30 May 1902. He was promoted Lieutenant Colonel 28 November 1901; Colonel 28 November 1904; served in Tibet 1904, including the march to Lhassa; was mentioned in Despatches, and created a CB and a Member of the Victorian Order, 1906; commanded the troops in North China, 1910-14. He took part in the European War, 1914-15, in command of 13th Brigade. Commanded 58th London Division, 1915-16; was mentioned in Despatches, and retired 5 January 1918, with the honorary rank of Major General. He is a Deputy Lieutenant for Westmeath. He married, 15 November 1894, Effie, eldest daughter of J F Balmain, of Dalvrek, Perthshire; they had no children.
CB (m), DSO, MVO 4th Class, Queens Sudan, QSA (5), KSA (2), Tibet (1), 1914-15 Star, BWM, Victory Medal (Maj-Gen). Tower of London 1996.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) |