Born in Ballart, Victoria and a Hammer press driver by trade, Ernest George Edmund Cooper was enlisted on the 25th of September 1916 in the 39th Battalion, 4th Reinforcement, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 2406, and was listed as returned to Australia on the 11th of May 1919. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A17 'Port Lincoln' on the 20th of October 1916. Admitted to Hospital sick, France on the 18th of June 1917; to hospital sick, France on the 24th of September1917; Private appointed Lance Corporal on the 24th of November 1917 and later appointed Corporal the same day. Corporal wounded in action, France on the 29th of August 1918 and invalided to UK wounded on the 31st of August 1918. Returned to Australia per 'Zealandia' ex England on the 11th of May 1919. Disembarked on the 28th of June 1919. Discharged from the 3rd Military District on the 7th of August 1919 with the Termination of Period of Enlistment. Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal