The Bravery of Regimental Sergeant Major William Cockaday
REGIMENTAL Sergeant Major William Cockaday of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Norfolk Regiment (service number 5764483) was born in Norwich on November 30th, 1902.
His Prisoner of War Number was 20699 Stalag XXA in Thorn, Poland. He is cited in Capt. Charles Long’s War diary on 27th of May 1940 as follows: "In counter attack R.S.M. Cockaday conspicuous for brave and valuable work."
Richard Lane in his book "Last Stand at Le Paradis" fully describes the action as follows:
"An attack from the rear was now attempted by a German motor-cycle unit. Heavy fire drove them into a farm building just across the road where they set up a defensive position. They were too close for comfort and unleashed a fusillade on Battalion HQ."
According to Captain Long it seemed impossible to get the Germans until Regimental Sergeant Major Cockaday took prompt and very courageous action. Grabbing a Bren gun, he charged into the open firing at the German position. Despite being hit, he remained in the open and kept the enemy occupied while Major Ryder, Company Sergeant Major Whitlam and a small party worked their way to the flank and attacked.
The Germans were forced to fall back under fire until they reached the main body of their troops in the rear. Major Ryder halted his party at a hedgerow from where they fired again before leaving Captain Long to organise the defence of this advanced post.
RSM Cockaday was captured by the Germans and sent to a Stalag.
The photograph on this page has been provided by courtesy of Mrs Jean Simpson, RSM Cockaday's granddaughter, and shows him on the left at what we believe is Stalag XXA.
His Prisoner of War Number was 20699 Stalag XXA in Thorn, Poland. He is cited in Capt. Charles Long’s War diary on 27th of May 1940 as follows: "In counter attack R.S.M. Cockaday conspicuous for brave and valuable work."
Richard Lane in his book "Last Stand at Le Paradis" fully describes the action as follows:
"An attack from the rear was now attempted by a German motor-cycle unit. Heavy fire drove them into a farm building just across the road where they set up a defensive position. They were too close for comfort and unleashed a fusillade on Battalion HQ."
According to Captain Long it seemed impossible to get the Germans until Regimental Sergeant Major Cockaday took prompt and very courageous action. Grabbing a Bren gun, he charged into the open firing at the German position. Despite being hit, he remained in the open and kept the enemy occupied while Major Ryder, Company Sergeant Major Whitlam and a small party worked their way to the flank and attacked.
The Germans were forced to fall back under fire until they reached the main body of their troops in the rear. Major Ryder halted his party at a hedgerow from where they fired again before leaving Captain Long to organise the defence of this advanced post.
RSM Cockaday was captured by the Germans and sent to a Stalag.
The photograph on this page has been provided by courtesy of Mrs Jean Simpson, RSM Cockaday's granddaughter, and shows him on the left at what we believe is Stalag XXA.