COOPER, Gordon Colin

Gordon was the son of Beverley and Lilian Cooper of Osterley, Inverell.  He was born at Inverell in 1893 and had served two and a half years with the Cadets before he enlisted in Sydney on 27 August 1914. As a member of the 1st Light Horse Regiment, C Squadron he sailed from Australia for Egypt on HMAT A16 Star of Victoria in October 1814.

During 1915 Gordon became ill with influenza and sent to hospital in Malta. After his return he was attached to 1st Light Horse Machine Gun Squadron. He served at Gallipoli, Egypt and Jerusalem where he was injured when his horse bucked.  He was promoted to Lance Corporal in 1917.

After his return home he attended a Welcome Home function at Inverell Municipal Council Chambers. The local newspaper claimed he was the ‘first original Anzac to return to Inverell’. 

Gordon purchased the property ‘Kia Ora’ in 1919 from the Phifer family.  He served again in World War II and died in 1948 in Sydney.

Gordon’s name is inscribed on the Inverell Honor Roll

Image: Courtesy IDFHG