Yesterday saw tributes paid to the fearless men who risked their lives while on covert reconnaissance missions that played a vital part in the success of the D-Day landings in Normandy. The Copp (Combined Operations Pilotage Parties) members were hailed as extraordinary and heroic.
At Haylings memorial Copp stone on the seafront crowds gathered to show their appreciation of the role they played. Out of a once 200 strong group only five are alive today and just three were able to attend. This was also the last time a ceremony will be held due to the age of the remaining Coppists.
Dan Snow the TV historian was on the island delivering the keynote address at the ceremony and he said it filled his heart with pride to be asked to take part. He acknowledged the important job the unit played by recceing beaches. Not only eyeballing the proposed landing areas the Coppists had to actually set foot on the sand to test they were safe. Without these exercises the D-Day landings would have been a disaster.
The hardship of conditions the squad had to endure was unprecedented. Freezing English Channel water temperatures and lack of oxygen in their tiny submarines are just some examples of what the Copp unit had to put up with.
Surrey based Coppist John Ashford one of the few surviving members said: Im very proud to be here. Its so good to be able to see two ex-Coppists.
The 89 year old then added: Its sad that theres not more but thats inevitable. The whole thing is a remarkable achievement. I was one of the youngest. When youre 20 youve lots of self-confidence youre terribly arrogant and quite convinced you can do anything. When I was invited to join Copp I never considered for one moment not to.
Grandson of Earl Mountbatten (who set up the unit) the Honourable Timothy Knatchbull also paid tribute to the Coppists: It is the rugged truth that Copp is not well-known. It was only in the 1960s that Copp was declassified as an official secret. So it is a great responsibility that we have particularly the young people to talk about the accomplishments of Copp. Of the men who risked everything many of whom gave their lives.
Next month sees commemorative events in recognition of 70 years since the D-Day landings happening across the borough.
