大象传媒

[Continued from "World War 2 and 'My' Commandos"]

My brother Derek recollected some exploits of the RN Commandos, whilst staying with us on leave.

Ratings of the Royal Navy have always prided themselves on the fact that without any official signals being made, news and gossip pass between the ships at anchor with a rapidity which makes African tribesmen blush over their tom-toms.

Few people appear to have heard of the RN Commandos; perhaps the Royal Marines have stolen their thunder. However, exist they did! Their job, from the beginning of hostilities was to carry out small raids, more of skirmishes, at the request of the local people of the area. If, for instance, a German officer was putting too much pressure upon the citizens over whom he strode as "conquering hero", then word would be passed and a raid planned to eliminate the bully. This did not happen too often, but rads on factories were commonplace.

One such raid was carried out with surprising ease by the men of the RN Commando. News had arrived that a local factory in Norway was building up production of its local canned foods and these were being shipped to Germany. The townspeople planned with great care once they knew the RN men were arriving. The mayor invited the German officers to a dinner and their men to a dance. Local girls were instructed to keep the enemy amused and off the streets for the evening while the factory workers busied themselves going round their own factory and carefully marking (with white crosses) all the spots in the machinery which would "benefit" from the explosives the sailors would bring.

The landing, from a submarine, was without incident. The workers were awaiting the Royal Navy, who had timed their arrival well. The whole party crept to the factory and the commandos had only to set their charges, time them to allow the workers to rejoin the Germans and give themselves leeway to return to the landing vessel and back to the sub. The big bang was most effective.

Not so easy was an island target where overhanging cliffs made ascent difficult to conceal. The news given had been that this special area was guarded by just one sentry who had 180 degrees vision of the land. One reconnaissance of the territory was sufficient to pass the word that a frontal attack was useless. The only way to eliminate the sentry was by bow and arrow. Onfortunately the only safe landing spot was seven long miles away. The archer, a very heavy man, was ordered to lie on a stretcher to be carried by the platoon in relays as absolute silence was needed in removing the sentry. Only one arrow would be used and the archer's hand and eye needed to be absolutely steady on his crossbow, so no fatigue was permitted.

The archer's aim was true, but he had to walk back the seven miles!

Derek also recounted one drastic error he had made many months earlier. He had been detailed Coxswain to the Admiral's launch to take his superior to a secret meeting up-river. Determined to do well, Derek handled the launch skilfully and glided to a stop where a committee of officers were waiting at attention.

The meeting was due to last about two hours so the crew of the launch were told they could relax ashore not too far from the vessel. The day was hot, humid and relaxing. Derek dozed on the grassy bank only to be suddenly awakened by the sound of grating metal. The tide had risen and the stern of the Admiral's lauch was just under a low bridge - now securely wedged.

The Royal Navy demands full recompense for such lack of foresight and my poor brother was short of personal funds for over a year, not to mention the official displeasure of the Admiral. Not the kind of mistake a sailor makes twice.

(PK)

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