Private Daniel Cooper was a Yorta Yorta man from Cummeragunja Aboriginal Reserve in New South Wales. He was working as a labourer when he enlisted for the First World War. He was enrolled in the 24th Battalion, and embarked for France on HMAT Wiltshire on 7 March 1916 as part of the 10th Reinforcements, 2nd Division.
The Australians were drawn into the third Battle of Ypres in September 1917. The preceding month of torrential rain had stifled their chances of success by disabling men, horses and artillery in the mud.
On 20 September 1917, Cooper took part in the first element of a three-stage plan for capturing the high ground of the Gheluvelt Plateau, Belgium. They had considerable success against the Germans that day, but suffered huge losses. Cooper was among those killed.
Private Daniel Cooper c 1915
photographer unknown
Shrine of Remembrance Collection and Uncle Boydie Turner
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Herbert Murray
Gunditjmara man, Sapper Herbert Murray (front centre) is pictured with members of the 3rd Tunnelling Company, or ‘earwiggers’ as tunnellers were known.
Graham Atkinson
Atkinson, a Dja Dja Wurrung Yorta Yorta man, was called up for National Service in Vietnam in 1968.
Aunty Dot Peters' wreath
The gum leaf wreath artwork by Nina Kelabora is inspired by the late Aunty Dot Peters AM, who laid a gum leaf wreath at the Shrine each year.
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