Arthur Sidney Cooper was born in Kent. One of fourteen children. He enlisted with The Middlesex Regiment 26 November 1942. On 10 June 1943 he volunteered for service with the airborne forces.
He successfully completed basic parachute course No 75 at RAF Ringway. This course ran between 26 July and 6 August 1943 His course report stated 'Keen, good performer, irresponsible'! Arthur then became a member of the The 9th (Essex) Parachute Battalion.
On 18 July 1945 he transferred to The Royal East Kent Regiment, The Buffs, and was sent to Palestine where he served until 29 April 1947. Family believe he was shot in the arm, and on a separate occasion, he was on a train which was blown up.
Arthur was 'demobbed' in 1947 and moved to Manchester in search of work. He became a turbine fitter for National Gas Engineering Company. Arthur met and married Maurine in Manchester and they went on to have a son and daughter. Arthur also served with The Manchester Regiment TA between 7 December 1958 and 29 April 1947. His son followed him into the Parachute Regiment when he joined 4 PARA at Oldham.
Arthur passed away in 2000.
Submitted by David Macaulay with further research conducted by the Airborne Assault team and MOD letter of service dated April 2000
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