South Africa. An Army Meritorious Service Medal to the 7th Regiment

George V bareheaded bust in Field Marshal’s uniform version (3207 SJT: W.F. COOPER. 7/S.A. INF:). Naming is officially impressed. Dark patina, light contact, better than very fine. Accompanied by copies of his Index Cards, Attestation Paper, Service Records, Medical Records, Discharge Certificate and London Gazette page announcing the award. Footnote: William Frederick Cooper was born in Umtata, Ponderland, Cape Colony in 1889. He signed his Attestation Paper with the South African Expeditionary Forces (3207) on December 6, 1915 at Potchefstroom, at the age of 26, stating that had previous six years' previous service with the Colonial Military Police, that he had two dependents: his mother, Jane Hall Cooper and his sister, Rosa Elizabeth Cooper, that he was Single and that his trade was that of Miner. He served as a Stretcher Bearer in “C” Company, Medical Section attached to the 7th Regiment, South African Infantry, and served only in Africa. Cooper become a Lance Corporal on May 9, 1916, an Acting Medical Corporal on October 4, 1916 and a Sergeant on May 10, 1917. He is documented as having been treated for malaria on four occasions. Cooper was discharged upon demobilization on February 24, 1918 at Roberts Heights, his final destination listed as Johannesburg. He was credited with two years and 83 days' service. Sergeant William Frederick Cooper was awarded the Army Meritorious Service Medal, the announcement appearing in the Second Supplement to the London Gazette 30573 of Tuesday, March 12, 1918, on Wednesday, March 13, 1918, page 3255. The version of the Army Meritorious Service Medal with George V in his Field Marshal's uniform is only one of twenty-five awarded to a Union of South Africa serviceman. Post war, Cooper went absent without leave on numerous occasions and was punished accordingly.