Patrick Ashley Cooper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Patrick Ashley Cooper
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Sir Patrick in 1955
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| Born | 18 November 1887 Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
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| Died | 22 March 1961 (aged 73) At sea
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| Nationality | British |
| Education | Fettes College |
| Alma mater | Trinity Hall, Cambridge |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Children | 4 |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1906–18 |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | Royal Field Artillery |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
Sir Patrick Ashley Cooper (born November 18, 1887 – died March 22, 1961) was an important British businessman. He was known for leading the Hudson's Bay Company for over 20 years. He also served as a director at the Bank of England. Sir Patrick held special roles as High Sheriff of the County of London and High Sheriff of Hertfordshire.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Patrick Ashley Cooper was born in Aberdeen, Scotland. He was the oldest son of Patrick Cooper and Mary Cook. He went to Fettes College in Edinburgh. Later, he studied law at Trinity Hall, Cambridge and Aberdeen University.
Career and Public Service
Serving in Wars
Sir Patrick joined the Volunteer Corps in 1906. He became a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery. In 1913, he joined the 7th London Brigade.
During World War I, he served in France. He was injured in 1915. He was also mentioned in official reports twice for his bravery. He was promoted to Major. Later, he helped manage gun ammunition supplies.
During World War II, Sir Patrick helped the government. He worked at the Ministry of Supply from 1939 to 1942. He was in charge of finance and contracts. He used his business skills to help manage spending on army supplies. He visited many companies to offer advice. He was known for making brave decisions.
He was made a knight in 1944 for his important work during the war.
Business Leadership
After World War I, Sir Patrick helped reorganize companies. In 1931, he joined the National Economy Committee.
From 1931 to 1952, Sir Patrick was the Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company. This is one of North America's oldest companies. When he took over, the company was having problems. He worked hard to cut waste and make the company stronger. He even sailed to the company's northern posts. Under his leadership, the company became very successful.
Sir Patrick held many other important jobs. He was a director of the Bank of England from 1932 to 1955. He was also a governor of Guy's Hospital. He served on the London Passenger Transport Board. He was also a member of the Rhodesia-Nyasaland Royal Commission.
He served as High Sheriff of the County of London in 1944 and 1957. He was also High Sheriff of Hertfordshire in 1946. A High Sheriff is a ceremonial official in a county.
Personal Life
Sir Patrick married Kathleen Spickett. They decided to use the surname Ashley Cooper. They had one son and two daughters. They lived at Hexton Manor in Hexton, Hertfordshire. One of his daughters, Cynthia, married a politician named Paul Bryan.
Sir Patrick died at sea in 1961. He was 73 years old.
