Private Harry Copeland

Private Copeland was the son of Harry and Lily (Strickland) Copeland, of County Durham, he enlisted in the Green Howards and volunteered for airborne forces.

Private Copeland successfully completed parachute training at RAF Ringway on course number 69 from 21 June to 1 July 1943. His course report stated “Excellent jumper, fast and confident.” He was posted to 12th (10th Battalion The Green Howards [Yorkshire Regiment]) Bn., the Parachute Regiment, and took part in Operation Varsity (Rhine Crossing).

Pte Copeland was killed in action on 24 March 1945, aged 23, whilst taking part in the daylight parachute drop into Germany as part of the Rhine Crossing during operation Varsity and was given a field burial at Hamminkeln, Germany and was re-interred to Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany, on 13 November 1946.

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