Combined Operations Pilotage Parties (COPP) was one of the most secretive units that existed during the Second World War.
Its volunteers carried out ‘in person’ reconnaissance of enemy-held beaches before amphibious landings, then guided in the first wave of troops to land. Their work must have saved many lives.
Yet it wasn’t until years after the war that COPP’s existence was officially acknowledged by the government. Even then, with their role having transferred to the publicity-shy Special Boat Service (SBS), an aura of secrecy remained.
As a result, COPP’s vital role during the war has remained largely forgotten.
