Teddy Cooper, Lucky Mascot

Aircrew are understandably superstitious. Many carry charms or undertake rituals in the belief that these will help protect them. This bear was the companion of Flight Sergeant Frederick Cooper and when Frederick joined the RAF the teddy also received a hand-knitted uniform.

Flight Sergeant Cooper carried him on every operational flight he undertook in the Far East during the Second Word War. The charm appears to have worked as both Frederick and Teddy survived the war.