Gabriel Cooper: A Gunner in the Noble Train of Artillery

The Noble Train of Artillery was a regiment of the British Army that was responsible for providing artillery support to the infantry. It was established in 1544 by King Henry VIII and was one of the first permanent artillery units in Europe. The Noble Train of Artillery played a vital role in many of the wars fought by England during the 16th and 17th centuries.

The Noble Train of Artillery was a highly trained and disciplined force. The gunners were skilled in the art of gunnery and were able to operate a variety of artillery pieces, including cannons, culverins, and mortars. The Noble Train of Artillery also had a number of support personnel, such as engineers, smiths, and carpenters.

Gabriel Cooper was born in London in 1628. His father was a wealthy merchant and Cooper received a good education. He joined the British Army in 1642 and served in the Royalist army during the English Civil War.

After the Civil War, Cooper transferred to the Noble Train of Artillery. He quickly rose through the ranks and became a master gunner. In this role, he was responsible for training new gunners and overseeing the operation of artillery pieces.

Cooper served in the Noble Train of Artillery during the Anglo-Dutch Wars, a series of naval conflicts fought between England and the Dutch Republic. He participated in several important battles, including the Battle of Lowestoft in 1665 and the Battle of Solebay in 1672.

In the Battle of Lowestoft, Cooper commanded a battery of cannons that played a key role in the English victory. His accurate fire helped to sink several Dutch ships and forced the Dutch fleet to retreat.

In the Battle of Solebay, Cooper's battery was again in action. He helped to repulse an attack by the Dutch fleet and his fire contributed to the sinking of the Dutch flagship.

Cooper retired from the Noble Train of Artillery in 1685. He spent his remaining years living in London and died in 1690. He was buried in the churchyard of St. Paul's Cathedral.

Cooper was a skilled artillerist and a brave soldier. He served his country with distinction and played a vital role in several important battles. His experiences provide a valuable insight into the life of a gunner in the early modern period and the role of artillery in warfare.