19 November 2026 19:30
Graeme Cooper - "Major Johnny Cooper - SAS"
The Talk: The exploits of the Special Air Service Regiment in World War II are legendary and full of intrigue and fame. 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 final mission of the war came in the summer of 1945 in Norway when they disarmed a German garrison days after the war had officially ended. Johnny paraded at Hylands House in 1945 on the day the Regiment was disbanded.
Johnny led anti-guerrilla jungle operations during the Malayan emergency where he pioneered tree jumping. His further combat experiences on the Jebel Akhdar in Oman, in Africa and in the ‘secret war’ in the Yemen make up a fascinating career. This presentation tells his incredible life story.
About the Speaker: Graeme Cooper gives an in depth and personal account of the life of his father Johnny Cooper, ‘One of the Originals’ of L–Detachment SAS. Johnny featured in the recent BBC 2 series SAS: ‘Rogue Warriors’ which was based on the highly acclaimed book by Ben Macintyre, SAS ‘Rogue Heroes’.
Tickets: Entry is free but we rely totally on donations to cover our costs! - Hall, speaker, drink etc. We suggest £5 per person - or whatever you can afford. You do not need to book to attend, but it would help us if you did (i.e. hall preparation and refreshments etc.).
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