Portrait of 2484 Private John Cooper, 11th Battalion (later 51st Battalion), of Perth, WA, framed ...

Portrait of 2484 Private John Cooper, 11th Battalion (later 51st Battalion), of Perth, WA, framed in a colour commemorative patriotic mat. Below the photograph is a printed biography of Pte Cooper's service in the AIF. It reads ‘In Loving Memory of Lance-Corporal J Cooper, DCM. No. 2484, of the 51st Battalion. Enlisted as a driver at Kalgoorlie on the 25th of May, 1915. He went into Blackboy but only stayed in camp a short period, sailing on 25th June, 1915 [actually 2 September 1915], for Egypt. He fought at Gallipoli, and went from there to France, where he took part in all the battles the Australians were in. This hero was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal at Zonnebeke Ridge, on the 19th November, 1917. He took command of his platoon during an attack when all the NCOs had become casualties, and led them successfully to the objective. He remained in charge until the consolidation, inspiring the men by his fearless conduct under heavy shell and machine gun fire. His initiative and example were of conspicuous merit. He was killed on the 25th April, 1918, at Villers-Bretonneux, leaving behind a wife and four children.’ The coloured illustrations on the mat include the words 'FOR KING AND COUNTRY', a rising sun badge, a Union Jack and Red Ensign flag and a version of a Western Australian coat of arms with a black swan, kangaroo, Australian flora and a lion.