Maurice Cooper facts for kids

Captain Maurice Lea Cooper DFC was a brave pilot from Ireland. He flew planes during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace." This means he shot down at least five enemy aircraft. Maurice achieved six victories before he died in 1918. He was only 19 years old.

Early Life and School

Maurice Lea Cooper was born in Dublin, Ireland. His birthday was December 18, 1898. He was the only son in his family. He had two sisters, Norah and Joyce. Maurice went to school in Dublin. Later, he studied at Bootham School in York, England.

Flying in World War I

Maurice joined the Royal Naval Air Service in April 1917. This was a part of the British military. He learned to fly planes quickly. By July 1917, he was a flight sub-lieutenant.

He flew a special plane called a Sopwith Camel. This was a single-seat fighter plane. Maurice became very good at flying. He achieved his first victory in December 1917. He often worked with other pilots to defeat enemy planes.

In January 1918, he helped destroy an enemy seaplane. He also shared another victory in March 1918. On April 1, 1918, Maurice shot down a German seaplane. It caught fire near Zeebrugge.

For his bravery, Maurice received an important award. It was called the Distinguished Flying Cross. This happened in June 1918. In July, he became a flight commander. He also got the temporary rank of captain.

Maurice continued to fly and fight. On July 7, 1918, he helped drive down an Albatros D.V plane. He also drove down another D.V plane on July 30, 1918. This brought his total victories to six.

His Final Flight

On October 2, 1918, Maurice was on a mission. He was bombing an enemy troop train. His aircraft was hit by fire from the ground. He died in the crash near Gitsberg, Belgium.

Maurice Lea Cooper is buried in Dadizeele New British Cemetery. This cemetery is in Moorslede, West Flanders, Belgium. He is also remembered on his mother's tombstone. This is at Mount Jerome Cemetery and Crematorium in Ireland.