COOPER, William George

Son of William James Cooper & Emma Kirkwood
b. 1895 NZ - d. 1945 NZ

World War 1, 1914-1918
Canterbury Infantry RegimentRank: PrivateService number: 25199

William was aged 20.5 years when he enlisted on 13 March 1916 at Featherston. His last address was Denniston (Buller). His next of kin was Mrs E. Cooper (mother), Denniston. He was recorded as being 5', 6" tall with a fresh complexion, fair hair and blue eyes. His occupation was striker.
He left Wellington on board the 'Maunganui' on 26 June 1916, disembarking at Devonport, England on 22 August 1916.
He marched into sling camp on 23 August 1916 and transferred to Otago Company on 28 August 1916.
On 26 September 1916 he proceeded to France; attached to strength, NZ Base Depot, Etaples on 27 September 1916; joined 1st Bn, Otago Infantry Regiment in the field on 12 October 1916.
William was admitted to No 1 NZ Field Ambulance on 27 December 1916; discharged to unit on 7 January 1916. He rejoined his battalion in the field on 7 January 1917.
He was admitted to No 3 NZ Field Ambulance on 4 February 1917; transferred to No 2 NZ Field Ambulance on 9 February 1917, and rejoined his battalion on 14 February 1917.
He was transferred to 1st Bn, Canterbury Infantry Regiment on 8 March 1917.
On leave to United Kingdom, 3 December 1917. Admitted to No 3 NZ General Hospital, Codford, while on leave, 7 December 1917; discharged from hospital on 19 December 1917, rejoining his battalion in the field in France on 2 January 1918.
He was admitted to No 3 NZ Field Ambulance on 6 May 1918; discharged to unit on 11 May 1918; rejoined unit in the field on 11 May 1918.
He was on leave to United Kingdom on 21 August 1918, rejoining his on 19 September 1918.
On 19 December 1918 William commenced return to New Zealand from Liverpool on board the 'Oxfordshire'.
He was discharged on 4 March 1919, being no longer physically fit for war service on account of illness contracted on active service.
His total war service was 2 years and 361 days, of which 2 years, 224 days were served overseas).

Source: Military documents