M1951 armoured vest : Sergeant Brian Charles Cooper, 2 Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment

Olive green nylon armoured vest secured down the front by a zip fastener covered by a nylon webbing strip with four black painted brass press studs. There is a small patch pocket on the left breast. A nylon webbing strap stitched loosely around the hip/waist can be tightened by two black painted brass buckles at the back. Overlapping steel plates are sewn into the vest covering the breast, stomach and abdominal areas on the front, and mid to lower back. The shoulders are padded but not armoured. A white cotton label sewn into the back of the collar reads: 'IMPORTANT/ VEST, ARMOURED - M51/ SEVENTY PERCENT of all combat casualties are caused by fragmentation type weapons. This vest will afford you considerable protection from these missiles. However, it will NOT protect you from ALL smallarms fire at close range. Take care of your vest and wear it wisely./ IT MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE!'.

Brian Charles Cooper was born in East Perth, WA, in August 1933, and was a painter before enlisting in the Australian Army as an eighteen year old in 1951. With the service number 5/2053, he served in Korea with 2 RAR during 1953-54. In July 1953, holding the rank of temporary sergeant, he received an immediate award of the Military Medal for his gallantry and leadership at Hill 111, a position protecting the Australian lines at 'the Hook', near the Imjin River in North Korea. He was wearing this vest at the time the action took place.

After service in Korea, Brian Cooper remained in the Army until 1968, reaching the rank of Warrant Officer Class I, and was later prominent in the Western Australian RSL.