HOOPER, Richard Henry

Known as: 
Dickie
Rank: 
Captain
Unit / Base: 
2 Commando
4 Independent Company
Regiment/Corps: 
The King's Regiment (Liverpool)
Service: 
Army
Number: 
70956
Died : 
Wednesday, January 18, 1978
Place died: 
Stroud
Capt Richard Hooper MC 2 Commando
Captain Richard Hooper joined No.2 Commando on 5 March 1941 [1]. Awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry on 16 August 1943 during operations at Scaletta Sicily, during which he was wounded [2][2a].
Recommendation
"Operation 'Blackcock' Sicily 16th August 1943.
Captain R. H. Hooper led his troop, No. 6, with great gallantry and determination in the street fighting in Scaletta village on the early morning of 16th August 1943, which resulted after the commando landing just north of this village. In this action with German troops, he was wounded in the shoulder by a rifle bullet. After his area of the village was cleared, he continued to lead the troop to its correct position, three miles further down the coast.
Later, the troop was ordered to march north on the road to Messina, Captain Hooper again leading, until restrained by the medical authorities and removed to the Casualty Clearing Station. Captain Hooper also took part in the commando raid at Vaagso and St. Nazaire where he was badly wounded" [2][5].
  • At Vaagso Captain Hooper was in charge of the Floating Reserve. Recommended for a Mention in Despatches. Not awarded [3].
  • At St. Nazaire Captain Hooper led an assault squad on motor launch ML 156, wounded and evacuated to the UK [4][5].
  • 21 September 1951 Capt. (Hon. Maj.) R. H. Hooper, M.C., King's Regiment awarded the Efficiency Medal Territorial [6].
  • The death of "Major Richard Henry Hooper, MC., TD. (2 Cdo & CBTC) of Minchinhampton. Nr. Stroud" was announced in Commando Association newsletter 67 issued September 1978 [7].
Sources
[1] No.2 Cdo War Diary Field Return of Officers incl Dec.'43.
[2] London Gazette 36251, page 5062
[2a] Award Recommendation / National Archives file WO373/3/111.
[3] Award Recommendations / National Archives file WO373/93/268.
[4] St Nazaire Society website Storming St Nazaire, author James Dorrian.
[5] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/2 and 5.
[6] London Gazette 39337, page 4933.
[7] Commando Association newsletter 67.
 

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