Gordon Cooper miscellaneous papers, 1915-1919
MLMSS 1220/2

[Transcriber’s note: Concerning the Arabic prayer on Page 5 from a Tomb at Benhasa, there is a desert road connecting the Nile Valley to the area around the oasis known as Zeshzesh. This road is called today Darb El-Benhasa (the Benhasa road)]

[Page 1]
NOTHING is to be written on this side except the date and signature of the sender. Sentences not required may be erased. If anything else is added the post card will be destroyed.

I am quite well.

I have been admitted into hospital
(sick) and am going on well.
(wounded) and hope to be discharged soon.
I am being sent down to the base.

I have received your letter dated 14/4/15
(telegram/parcel)

Letters follow at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you lately/for a long time.

Signature Only. Gordon C. Cooper

Date 3.6.1915

(Postage must be prepaid on any letter or post card addressed to the sender of this card.)

[Page 2]
FIELD SERVICE
POST CARD

The address only to be written on this side. If anything else is added, the post card will be destroyed.

Mrs. Beverley Cooper
“Osterley"
Inverell
New South Wales
Australia

[Page 3]
SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY

General Headquarters,
25th December, 1915

The following most gracious message from His Majesty the King has been received by the Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean Expeditionary Force:-

Another Christmas finds all the resources of the Empire still engaged in War, and I desire to convey, on my own behalf and on behalf of the Queen, a heartfelt Christmas greeting and our good wishes for the New Year to all who on sea and land are upholding the honour of the British name.

In the officers and men of my Navy on whom the security of the Empire depends, I repose, in common with all my subjects, a trust that is absolute. On the officers and men of my Army, whether now in France, in the East or in other fields, I rely with an equal faith, confident that their devotion, their valour and their self sacrifice will, under God’s guidance, lead to victory and an honourable peace. There are many of their comrades now, alas, in hospital, and to these brave men also I desire, with the Queen, to express our deep gratitude and our earnests prayers for their recovery.

Officers and men of the Navy and of the Army, another year is drawing to a close as it began, in toil, bloodshed and suffering, but I rejoice to know the goal to which you are striving draws nearer into sight, and may God bless you and all your undertakings.

[Page 4]
Mrs. B. Cooper
Osterley
Inverell

[Page 5]
Arabic prayer from the Shiek’s Tomb, Benhasa, Upper Egypt, March 1916

[Page 6]
[See images for Arabic Prayer]

[Page 7]
[Photograph of Gordon Cooper]
Zola, Cairo.

[Page 8]
G.C. Cooper
Osterley
Inverell

Enlisted Aug. 1914
Discharged Jan. 23, 1919

Egypt, Gallipoli, Syria, Palestine.

1st Aust. Light Horse Reg. & later transferred to 1st Brigade Machine Gun Squadron in connection with 1st Light Horse.

[Page 9]
[Image]
Strident.

[Transcribed by Judy Gimbert and Adrian Bicknell for the State Library of NSW]