COOPER, Dudley Edward

Rank: 
Fusilier
Unit / Base: 
2 Commando
Prior Police Service: 
Manchester Police
Regiment/Corps: 
Lancashire Fusiliers
Service: 
Army
Number: 
14241655
Honours & Awards: 
Born: 
Monday, February 7, 1921
Died: 
1996
Place died: 
Denton, Tameside, Manchester
Dudley Cooper MM 2 Commando
Fusilier Dudley Edward Cooper was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Italy. Member of the Commando Association from Manchester.
Prior to military service Douglas was a Manchester Police Officer joining the Manchester Police Force on 26 March 1941. In 1942 he volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry, after which he was attached to No.2 Commando.
Recommendation
"Fusilier Cooper was No. 1 of a PIAT in a Troop ordered to cross 1500 yds of open ground to attack enemy positions defending a bridge during Operation 'Roast' on 2 April 1945. When 300 yds from the objective, the Troop came under withering Spandau fire. Cooper, with great coolness, gave accurate support to his troop which succeeded in capturing the bridge.
Before he could rejoin the Troop, a strong counter-attack was launched during which his No. 2 was killed. Cooper, in the face of intense fire, moved his PIAT to a fire position on the flank and being without a No. 2 had to make two separate journeys across open ground to bring up bombs. There, although under automatic fire, he engaged the advancing enemy, firing at low angle and succeeded in halting them. When his bombs were exhausted he continued to engage the enemy with his Colt automatic.
When the counter-attack was finally beaten off he returned with his weapon under cover of smoke from a burning haystack to rejoin his Troop HQ. Throughout the operation he showed great initiative and personal courage."
 
Sources
London Gazette 37162, page 3495.
National Archives file WO 373/13/59.
Manchester Police Index 1812-1941.
Image in gallery wearing his medals including the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
Handwritten Nominal Roll of No.2 Commando provided by Mrs Desiree Roderick MBE.
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 104 (1997).
 

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