Private William C Cook

Private William Christopher passed out of P Company with 447 Platoon on 9 November 1978.

He was posted to 4 Platoon, B Company, 1 PARA.

Members of 4 Platoon, B Company, 1 PARA were in a Bedford 4 Tonner on their way to Warminster for a shooting day. It was on the A303 just opposite Popham Airfield, the 4 tonner was clipped by a van and lost control and rolled over into a ditch at the side of the road. Pte Townsend was sitting at the tailgate and was nearly thrown clear but unfortunately was trapped by the side of the wagon as the roof folded in. Pte Cook was also near the back but was trapped under the central seating spar which cut right across the small of his back.

The vehicle was evacuated quickly and everyone thought Pte Townsend was the only injury, he was alive and semi-conscious at the time and was put in the first ambulance. Pte Townsend survived long enough to get to hospital but died of extensive internal injuries on the operating table.

Pte Alan Pitcher went back under the wagon and found Pte Cook who was still alive as well but despite Pte Pitcher’s best efforts administering first aid while they tried to lift the vehicle up, 19 year old Pte ‘Billy’ Cook died at the scene of the accident on 8 November 1979.

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