Walter Cowan had retired as an admiral in 1930, but returned during World War II at the rank of commander. Boat-handling instruction in Scotland led to service with No. 8 Commando and raids along the Egyptian and Cyrenaican coasts while he was in his seventies. He also attached himself to the Indian Army's 18th King Edward VII's Own Cavalry. In May 1942, he was captured after confronting an Italian tank crew with a revolver to buy time for others to escape. Following repatriation in 1943, he rejoined the commandos and continued serving in Italy during 1944. A bar to his DSO recognized dangerous liaison work in Italy and during attacks on Adriatic islands. He retired again in 1945 and later visited India to receive an honorary colonelcy.
Notable Point · 19:46-22:45
Walter Cowan's return to combat in his seventies
Cowan returned from retirement at the lower rank of commander and followed the commandos from boat-handling instruction into active service in North Africa, Italy, and the Adriatic.