Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Thomas Robertson Cootes and Isabella Jane Cootes; husband of Margaret Jean Cootes, of Kyabram, Victoria, Australia.

After a period of suspense to his dear ones, extending over a period of , three years and three months, official word has been received that Lieutenant Ronald James George Cootes, previously reported missing, was killed in action more than three years ago.
His young- wife, who had never given up hope of seeing her husband again, received the following dreaded message last Friday: “It is with deep regret that I have to inform you that VX39165  Lieutenant Cootes, R. J. G., previously reported missing, is now reported killed in action on or before April 15, 1942, and desire to convey to you the profound sympathy of the Minister for the Army.”
Lieutenant Cootes, who was 24 years of age when he left Australia, was born at Malvern, and was the son of Mr and Mrs T. R. Cootes, Albion Street, Kyabram. After attending various country schools, he completed his education at Deniliquin High School. Whilst in that town, he was a member of the band, in which he played the tenor horn. With his parents he came to Kyabram to reside in 1931,  and later assisted his father in the conduct of a carrying business. Prior to the outbreak of the war he, in company with other district lads, joined the Australian Military Forces, and it was in the A.M.F.  that he gained his commission. At the outbreak of war he enlisted for active service in the A.I.F., and sailed overseas with the 29th Battalion in 1941. He served in the Malayan campaign and was reported missing in January, 1942. During his residence in Kyabram Ron was extremely popular with all he came into contact with. He was a keen sportsman, and was particularly fond of cricket,  batting, and bowling with euccesd with teams he played with in Kyabram. About two years before he went away he married Miss Jean Reddrop, of Gillieston, and she and a little son are left to mourn  the passing of a brave husband and father. A brother and sisters are Captain Lyle Cootes (Australian National Airways), Dorothy, Marjorie (Mrs Ron Bird) and Hazel. The sympathy of the whole community is extended to the bereaved.