Durham Freemasons Provincial Gazette October 1985 pages 175-5
Bro. EDWARD COOPER, V.C., J.P., F.M., P.Pr.A.C.Purs.
1896-1985
Born at Portrack, Stockton on Tees on 4th May, 1896; attended Bailey Street School and was employed for a short time with the Co-operative Fruit Department. In 1914 he enlisted (under age) in the 3rd Coy. Kings Royal Rifles.
On 16th August, 1917, at Langemark (Ypres Sector) Belgium, he single-handed rushed a Blockhouse of seven machine guns and achieved the surrender of 45 prisoners A courageous action which undoubtedly saved a serious military situation and a great number of lives. For his action he was subsequently awarded the Victoria Cross. Commissioned, he returned to the field as Lieutenant and in June 1918, for gallantry above the call of duty in a subsequent action, the French awarded him the Medaille Militaire—the highest award available to a non-National.
He married Iris in 1919 and returned to service with the Co-op and was promoted to Warehouse Manager in Sunderland in 1927. On 14th May, 1929, with the assistance of the late V.W.Bro. Thos. Jackson he was initiated into St. John’s Lodge No. 80.
Appointed Warehouse Manager at Stockton in 1938 he returned to live at Thornaby. He was commissioned at the outbreak of World War II to form and Command the Home Guard Unit at Thornaby, in the rank of Major.
Bro. Cooper became a joining member of the Lodge of Unity in October 1945 and in 1963 was awarded the unique distinction of Provincial Grand Lodge Honours in the rank of Past Provincial Asst. Grand Pursuivant. In 1971 Bro. Cooper, along with his two sons, Keith and Harry, became a Founder Member of the Lodge of Justice No. 8361. In May 1979 some 200 brethren assembled at St. John’s Lodge to celebrate with Bro. Cooper his 50 years in Freemasonry- a most memorable evening.
At a special Council Meeting on 24th July 1985, attended by many of his friends and associates he was made Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Stockton on Tees. Unfortunately, shortly after, following a heart attack and a short sojourn in North Tees Hospital, he was called to the Grand Lodge above, on August 19th, some 68 years after the award of his V.C., having celebrated 66 years of marriage and 56 years in Freemasonry.
During a long and distinguished career of Public Service, he endeared himself to people of all ages, and was always available to people from all walks of life for sympathetic hearing and assistance. A true “Queens Man”, his many acts of service included:
President—Thornaby Branch, British Legion.
Patron—British Legion Association.
Sunday School Teacher, Superintendent.
Deacon and Elder—United Reform Church-45 years.
President—Citizens Advice Bureau-Thornaby.
Secretary—Local S.S.A. Association.
Justice of the Peace from 1940 until Statutory retirement. Retained on Reserve List.
Attended every Armistice Day Ceremony since 1918 bar one (due to illness).
Attended review 28th September 1956 to commemorate the Centenary of the Inauguration of the Victoria Cross, and has attended every Hi-Annual Meeting since, meeting every member of the Royal Family. He was presented with a Silver Salver by the Brethren of the Stockton Lodges in 1956 to commemorate that Centenary. He has also been present to receive the Royal Family on their not infrequent visits to the area.
16th August 1977—60th Anniversary of his award of the V.C. a bronze Plaque was unveiled in Stockton Library to commemorate the event. During the same year Her Majesty the Queen awarded him her Silver Jubilee Medal.
Sergt. Edward Cooper served with the 12th Battalion, Kings Royal Rifle Corps.
He was awarded the V.C. for rushing towards a concrete blockhouse from which heavy fire was holding up the advance of the battalion. This did not stop the firing, so he went forward alone and fired his rifle through an opening. The guns stopped firing and the garrison surrendered. He died 19th August 1985. His ashes are buried in Acklam Cemetery, Middlesbrough.
The Response the occasional newsletter of the Northumberland and Durham Branch of the Western Front Association No.3 New Series March 1996 carries an article by Jim Winter.
The Complete Victoria Cross: a full chronological record of all holders of Britain’s highest award for gallantry. Kevin Brazier; Pen and Sword; 2010; page 244. ISBN 1 84884150-7
Edward Cooper is remembered at Stockton on S138.21, S138.45, S138.47, S138.56 and S138.78 and at Thornaby on Tees on T70.11.
