Long Range Desert Group & 1 SAS Service Records
Replies: 5
Re: Long Range Desert Group & 1 SAS Service Records
 JeffH01
(View posts)
|
Posted: 2 Jul 2008 9:24PM GMT |
Classification: Query
Chris the attachment has failed for some reason.
I'm sure you've read all the “Caithness” documents by now and probably can sort out the facts from any distortions of time in the “old Vet's” memory.
If my memory serves me right, the information mentions that the units that made up the 234th Brigade, came from the 8th Army and that 234th Brigade was reinforced by members of the LRDG/SAS & SBS and that total constituted the whole force that was present on Leros at the time of the German invasion. Also that members of special forces did visit that and other Islands before British forces [234th Brigade] took up occupancy.
The fact your father was recorded as being with the Buffs [Royal East Kent Regiment] as a POW tends to suggest he was with them most of the time, except when with the Seaforths. That doesn't mean he wasn't part of special forces.
Using an archived copy of the defuct web site regiments.org, I found under battle honours of the Buffs that lists Leros, linked to and included it in the Greece, Aegean & Adriatic theatre page. Also included on that page is also Middle East 1943. This latter honour is described as “campaign honour for operations not falling within land areas separately honoured” and the 3 regiments included in this honour with the Buffs are: Durham Light Infantry; SAS; & 9 [army] Commando.
The link you gave was quite interesting, especially the M19 link. You may find this leaflet in the National Archives of minor interest - http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?s... , particularly section 9 and the “pink” questionaires. Not sure if it would be worth you trying to obtain anything relating to your father, but perhaps is was his handling of the situation re the message, together with his language skills, that marked him out as one who could be trusted and that could relate to his being sent to Germany.
After the war many Allied troops formed part of the army of occupation to help “police” germany and help in reconstruction and administration. There were others who were involved in translation of documents or worked as interpreters. Some even involved in questioning former german soldiers and officers about war crimes. I'm sure you father's skills would have been too valuable to waste and he would have been acting as a interpreter.
The escorting “officer prisoners” is quite funny and I expect he was specially picked, imagine the officers talking amongst themselves unaware their “guard” was understanding everything.
Like with many entrusted with WWII secrets, they were told “NEVER” divulge anything you see or hear, and true to form many kept true to thier promise to the end. It's only since “official documents” have been released that survivors have realised they can talk about things.
If your having problems with the attachment if you wish you can send it to me at jeffp dot h at bt [nospace] internet dot com
Jeff
I'm sure you've read all the “Caithness” documents by now and probably can sort out the facts from any distortions of time in the “old Vet's” memory.
If my memory serves me right, the information mentions that the units that made up the 234th Brigade, came from the 8th Army and that 234th Brigade was reinforced by members of the LRDG/SAS & SBS and that total constituted the whole force that was present on Leros at the time of the German invasion. Also that members of special forces did visit that and other Islands before British forces [234th Brigade] took up occupancy.
The fact your father was recorded as being with the Buffs [Royal East Kent Regiment] as a POW tends to suggest he was with them most of the time, except when with the Seaforths. That doesn't mean he wasn't part of special forces.
Using an archived copy of the defuct web site regiments.org, I found under battle honours of the Buffs that lists Leros, linked to and included it in the Greece, Aegean & Adriatic theatre page. Also included on that page is also Middle East 1943. This latter honour is described as “campaign honour for operations not falling within land areas separately honoured” and the 3 regiments included in this honour with the Buffs are: Durham Light Infantry; SAS; & 9 [army] Commando.
The link you gave was quite interesting, especially the M19 link. You may find this leaflet in the National Archives of minor interest - http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?s... , particularly section 9 and the “pink” questionaires. Not sure if it would be worth you trying to obtain anything relating to your father, but perhaps is was his handling of the situation re the message, together with his language skills, that marked him out as one who could be trusted and that could relate to his being sent to Germany.
After the war many Allied troops formed part of the army of occupation to help “police” germany and help in reconstruction and administration. There were others who were involved in translation of documents or worked as interpreters. Some even involved in questioning former german soldiers and officers about war crimes. I'm sure you father's skills would have been too valuable to waste and he would have been acting as a interpreter.
The escorting “officer prisoners” is quite funny and I expect he was specially picked, imagine the officers talking amongst themselves unaware their “guard” was understanding everything.
Like with many entrusted with WWII secrets, they were told “NEVER” divulge anything you see or hear, and true to form many kept true to thier promise to the end. It's only since “official documents” have been released that survivors have realised they can talk about things.
If your having problems with the attachment if you wish you can send it to me at jeffp dot h at bt [nospace] internet dot com
Jeff