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A search for information about World War II and how it affected some villages on the Sussex and Surrey border, led me to this webpage and the above question.

Living in the area, and being a curious 'Oldie', I immediately wondered "Well, what did happen in Copthorne during the Second World War?" So, anxious to learn, I read the messages. But, sadly, they did not help either - at least as far as Copthorne is concerned.

I then made many more searches on the internet for information about Copthorne, and although an experienced researcher, I was unable to find any meaningful references to Copthorne in relation to WWII. Nor could I find any real history of Copthorne Village apart from references to boxing matches and smugglers having been in the vicinity in years past.

Although the village has only developed during the last 150 years, even the Ordnance Survey Map surveyed in 1873 shows Copthorne to have more than fifty houses, including a blacksmith's 'Smithy', so it must have a little history.

Equally, I feel sure that Copthorne Village and those who lived in it must have played an effective part in WWII. Immediately, questions spring to mind - "Were there any military units stationed in or around Copthorne? Was there a Home Guard Unit in the village? Did any bombs fall near, or in, Copthorne and were any enemy aircraft shot down that landed in Copthorne?".

The Roll of Honour for Copthorne covers only The Great War of 1914-1918 and if there were any casualties from Copthorne during WWII, it seems that they have passed unrecorded.

There are Local History books in our libraries specifically covering many of the neighbouring villages and towns in Sussex and Surrey, however, Copthorne seems to have been forgotten.

My message is certainly not intended as a criticism, but solely with the hope that it will inspire a resident or group in the village of Copthorne to research its history - especially its part in WWII.

I send my warm good wishes both to the village and the residents of Copthorne

David

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13y ago

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