Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

1 Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment

Awarded on:

March 29th, 1945

Since 1 Aug 44 Maj Cooper-Key has performed services to his Regiment and in particular to this Bn which would be hard to equal. He has been commanding hsi Coy throughout this period with great courage and skill, and the successes achieved by his Coy were in the main due to his military ability and characteristics already given. The Coy has been, and still is, the most competant and successful team in the Bn.

On 4 Aug at LA BISTIERE he carried out all the recces before the attack and his Coy took a leading part in the operation. At SOURDEVALLE on 6 Aug when the Bn was attacked in strength by 10 SS Pz Div, Maj Cooper-Key was LEFT Fwd Coy and the assault fell on his posn at the outset. He fought a briljant battle for five hours with characteristic cheerfulness and personal courage, wiping out an enemy wedge and maintaining his posn with counterattacks within the Coy.

At the beginning of OCT when the Bn took over from 82 (US) Airborne Div, B Coy was on the right. Within 24 hrs he had established control of a NO MAN's land 600 yds deep, taking 18 prisoners and killing 22 Germans. His personal leadership was a great factor here where conditions were extremely difficult.

In the battle for VENRAY, this officer crowned three months of outstanding service with his finest effort. His Coy was called upon twice in three days to attack including an assault crossing of the MOLENBEEK. His first attack was brilliantly executed as indeed was the second. But fatique, weather conditions and enemy fire had taken a lot out of the men. Maj Cooper-Key rose to the occasion and by personal example led his Coy fwd.

One pl wavered, he immediately crossed to it and let it himself until confidence was restored. He was seen moving amongst heavy and accurate fire throught, leading, encouraging, and in two cases turning back waverers, with complete disregard for his own safety and throughout exercising complete control of his sub-unit.

Since D Day this officer has exhibited all the finest qualities of an officer, but it has been during the period 1 Aug to 31 Oct that he has earned the highest praise of All Ranks. His achievements rank high amongst others performed in this Bn and his services and personal courage over this period far outweigh any individual act of gallantry performed on the spur of the moment.

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Royal Norfolk Regiment

Awarded on:

April 4th, 1952