Pte. Edgar Roy "Roy" Cooper
British Army Royal Army Service Corps
from:667 Netheravon Road, Durrington, Wiltshire
(d.12th Feb 1944)
Roy Cooper was always known by his middle name and he was one of the soldiers evacuated from Dunkirk in 1940. His family were desperately worried about him and when they heard no word from him they began to fear the worst. His mother sat by the window night after night hoping that he'd come home safe and sound. One night, just when they'd given up hope, Roy came swinging down the road with nothing but the clothes he stood up in. I don't know how he got home but when his mother asked why he hadn't contacted them to let them know he was safe he said he didn't have any money to make a phone call. I remember my mother saying, 'The silly boy, anyone would have given him sixpence to contact his family.'
On 12th February 1944 Roy was in Foggia in Italy with his unit. He was walking down the road with friends when he was struck by a lorry and killed. The army said they would make a full investigation into the accident but I have no record of the outcome.
Roy was my step uncle. I never met him but I have some of his letters and I treasure them to this day.
