GB105 Gilbert Sadi Jakue Albert KIRSCHEN, DSO, Belgian Independent Parachute Squadron, SAS

Published in English, French and Dutch. Kirschen and his team were dropped to report on German troop movements, in particular looking for V1 and V2 bombs. He became embroiled in helping Airborne troops evading after Arnhem but this interfered with his primary task. He sent one message back saying that he was not a travel agent

 

As an addition to the sterling work of dbf and horsapassenger above, a little more of Gilbert-Sadi Kirschen.

First up, a photograph of the chap, followed by three small extracts from "SOE IN THE LOW COUNTRIES" by M.R.D.Foot, published 2001 (the first extract being effectively a "micro" book review by M.R.D. Foot, book as per dbf and horsapassenger posts above)

Next, the pertinent entry from "Dutch agents 1940 - 1945" compiled by Frans Kluiters, followed by examples from three sheets of SAS RT communications from WO 218/206. They speak for themselves, triumph and tragedy.

Always remember, never forget,

Jim.

 

The reprisals at Putten (see reference to Tex Banwell on sheet 1167 above) were far more severe than the burning of houses. It was declared that all men between the ages of 18 and 50 were to be transported to Germany for forced labour and, on 2nd October, 661 men were put on a train bound for Camp Amersfoort. Here 59 were released but on 10th October the remaining 602 men were transported to the Neuengamme Concentration Camp.
Thirteen men managed to escape from the train during the journey but the remainder were to suffer severe deprivation and malnutrition during their period of forced labour. Sadly 540 died as a result and only 49 were able to return to Putten at the end of the war. Of these a further five were to die within a short period as a direct result of their ill treatment at the hands of the Germans.