Standing Room Only

- Fri 23rd Jul 2010

Over 150 Islanders crammed the URC hall last night to experience the description of yet another little-known chapter in Hayling's rich history - that of the Combined Operations Pilotage Parties (COPP), the clandestine and secretive group of 200 men, which was based at Sandy Point Sailing Club, during the latter years of the war. Their job was to reconnoitre beaches in advance of military landings, throughout the theatre of war, but notably the Normandy beaches ready for the D-Day invasion. There is no doubt that their activities saved thousands of Allied lives, for they also helped the US and other forces.

There was an excellent presentation by Robin Walton of Discover Hayling (part of Hayling's Best Market Town Initiative organisation) and his back-up group, including media personality Wendy Evans and Laurie Noble of HIADS, which we hope will lead to a new DVD. There was also an exhibition in the Small Hall and a showing of film footage of a COPP survivor, amongst others and Hayling's contribution to Operation Fabius II, where 10,000 troops landed on Hayling's beach, in a manoeuvre leading up to the D-Day landings. It is reported that Winston Churchill and General Eisenhower watched this operation from the top of the Royal Hotel.

The main objective, however, is the creation of a memorial to the members of COPP, to be erected on Beachlands, near to the Coastguard Station. This will be the first permanent recognition of Hayling's contribution to the war effort. We hope that Hayling Islanders will get behind this proposal, should there be a need for planning permission and funding. It is hoped that Caen Stone can be used for the monument, the same material from which St Mary’s and St Peter’s churches are constructed and negotiations are currently in process with the City of Caen to supply this.

By forum user, Bruce_Bennett

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