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TA's oldest soldier dies aged 105 TA's oldest soldier dies aged 105
(about 3 hours later)
Britain's oldest Territorial Army (TA) soldier who lived in a north Wales residential home has died at the age of 105, it has been confirmed.Britain's oldest Territorial Army (TA) soldier who lived in a north Wales residential home has died at the age of 105, it has been confirmed.
The TA threw a surprise part for Edwin Cooper at the home in Abergele, Conwy to mark his birthday in April. The TA threw a surprise party for Edwin Cooper at the home in Abergele, Conwy to mark his birthday in April.
Mr Cooper had first signed up to the TA's Field Army Ambulance Unit 85 years ago to "harden himself up a bit".Mr Cooper had first signed up to the TA's Field Army Ambulance Unit 85 years ago to "harden himself up a bit".
Paying tribute, the organisation described him as a "figurehead" and an "inspiration to serving soldiers".Paying tribute, the organisation described him as a "figurehead" and an "inspiration to serving soldiers".
Mr Cooper, who died a week ago, signed up as a TA volunteer in Oldham, Lancashire in 1924 at just 20.Mr Cooper, who died a week ago, signed up as a TA volunteer in Oldham, Lancashire in 1924 at just 20.
He was called up the day World War II broke out in September 1939 to train in Folkestone for service with the Royal Army Medical Corps.He was called up the day World War II broke out in September 1939 to train in Folkestone for service with the Royal Army Medical Corps.
Mr Cooper was presented with a celebratory TA cake on his birthdayMr Cooper was presented with a celebratory TA cake on his birthday
He saw active service in North Africa with the Duke of Wellington Regiment before fighting up the Italian peninsula with the Eighth Army until the end of the war.He saw active service in North Africa with the Duke of Wellington Regiment before fighting up the Italian peninsula with the Eighth Army until the end of the war.
In April volunteers from 203 Field Hospital squadron visited him in a military ambulance, and presented a cake bearing the Royal Army Medical Corps crest.In April volunteers from 203 Field Hospital squadron visited him in a military ambulance, and presented a cake bearing the Royal Army Medical Corps crest.
His family said at the time he had two ambitions left - to meet the Queen, and reach the summit of Snowdon.His family said at the time he had two ambitions left - to meet the Queen, and reach the summit of Snowdon.
Mr Cooper's funeral will take place on Monday at the Bron y Nant Crematorium, Colwyn Bay.Mr Cooper's funeral will take place on Monday at the Bron y Nant Crematorium, Colwyn Bay.
Afterwards an afternoon tea will be served at the Kinmel Manor Hotel in Abergele, which the TA said was where Mr Cooper loved to have his parties and had requested his final party should be held there.Afterwards an afternoon tea will be served at the Kinmel Manor Hotel in Abergele, which the TA said was where Mr Cooper loved to have his parties and had requested his final party should be held there.