In Memory of one but a tribute to all
Henry MouldsThe dedication on the Boorowa South African (Boer) War memorial at Boorowa, NSW, states that it is “In Memory of Granville Thomas Cooper, Native of Burrowa. Killed in Action, Molopo Ottoshoop, South Africa.” Then, beneath that the Memorial gives the date of his death as “October 12 1900”.
A search of the AWM Roll of Honour, however, reveals the date as the14th of October 1900. This date would have been taken from the pre First World War conflicts nominal rolls, which has the same date of death recorded on the relevant pages for Trooper Granville Cooper. Nevertheless, this Memorial is a tribute to all those Australians who served during the South African (Boer) War, and in dedication to another young Australian who met his death in a far-off land.
Granville Thomas Cooper was born on the 3rd of June 1878, the son of Solomon and Charlotte Cooper of Boorowa (then called Burrawa) NSW. One of nine children, Granville was known as a good horseman, was loyal in nature and adventurous in spirit.
Not long after the South African War began in October 1899, Granville enlisted at Boorowa and joined D Squadron of the NSW Citizens Bushmen. With the Third NSW Contingent, he sailed for South Africa aboard the transport ship ‘Atlantian’ on the 26th of February 1900.
Serving as a unit scout, Cooper was involved in operations in what was then Rhodesia, west Transvaal and in northern Transvaal. He also participated in the defence of Elands River Post in the first half of August 1900. In October his company was sent to attempt to seize Boer arms and equipment at the Molopo River near Pretoria. Whilst the men were searching a Boer farmhouse they were surrounded by a vastly superior number of Boers. The order was given for the men to attempt to break out of the farmhouse and flee, and in the ensuing action Cooper’s horse was shot from under him and he was initially wounded in the arm. He subsequently received another gunshot wound to the stomach and although assisted to safety by another soldier, Cooper died of his wounds. He was 21 years old.
Trooper Granville Cooper was interred at Molopo Cemetery and was later moved to Zeerust, South Africa. For his service he was awarded the Queen's South Africa Medal with Rhodesia and Transvaal clasps.
Sources:
The Australian Boer War Memorial website https://www.bwm.org.au/soldiers/Granville_Cooper.php
Australian War Memorial website
http://www.ozgenonline.com Descendants of Solomon Cooper
