Lot 4168

Description

Bartolomeo Colleoni medal, 1940, in oxidised silver (58mm) by Amor (C.1940/2), obverse, HMAS Sydney advancing at full speed with the smoking and disabled Italian cruiser, Bartolomeo Colleoni, in background, reverse, a representation of the plaque presented by the City of Sydney to HMAS Sydney, edge inscribed, 'R.A.Cooper, A.B. ON.21905'. A few very minor edge nicks, otherwise nearly uncirculated and rare.

Rex Albert Cooper, born 10Jun1920 at Randwick; Enl.21Mar1938 at Randwick; Home Port, Sydney; served on HMAS Sydney 29Sep1938-20Nov1941; KIA 20Nov1941 when HMAS Sydney was lost without trace after a battle with HSK Kormoran. The wreck of the Sydney was finally located on 16Mar2008 about 100 nautical miles off the West Australian coast and over 2 kilometres below the surface. The Kormoran was found about 10 nautical miles away.