Join us for a talk by special guest, Graeme Cooper, son of one of The Originals, Johnny Cooper.
The legendary exploits of the Special Air Service Regiment in World War II are full of intrigue.
Eighteen-year-old Johnny Cooper volunteered for the SAS in 1941 and became one of The Originals. Raised by David Stirling to conduct operations behind enemy lines, Johnny took part in various raids in North Africa, collaborated with the Maquis in France, and helped liberate Belsen with its horrific secret behind the wire.
The SAS’s final mission of the war took place in Norway in the summer of 1945 when they disarmed a German garrison just days after the war had officially ended. On the day the Regiment was disbanded in 1945, Johnny paraded at Hylands House before joining The Green Howards, his County Regiment, and being posted to Cyprus as Adjutant 6th Battalion.
Rejoining the SAS, Johnny led anti-guerrilla jungle operations during the Malayan emergency, where he pioneered tree jumping. Further combat experience followed on the Jebel Akhdar in Oman, in Africa and in the ‘secret war’ in the Yemen, altogether making for a fascinating career and an incredible life story.
£15
Location: The King’s Head, Market Place, Richmond
Graeme is kindly donating his time to raise funds for The Green Howards Museum.
Type of event: Museum talk