LSgt Geoffrey Cockayne, No.5 Commando and 1st Airborne Divn.

[Photo courtesy of Phil Eyden].

Geoffrey Cockayne, South Staffs Regt, was part of 11 Independent Company, joined No.5 Commando at its formation in Bridlington in 1940. By 1943 he was part of 1st Airbourne Division. Took part on Op Market Garden (Arnhem) and was captured and taken PoW by Waffen SS on 24 Sept '44. Imprisoned in Stalag XIIA until liberated by Russian Cossacks in June 45.