I have happened upon a reference to a Lt-Col RG Parker, who had commanded 126 Force (or Force 126) in Northern Russia from October 1941 for approximately 1 year. Having searched the internet and done a quick search on this forum, without success, I wondered if anyone knows what a British army officer was doing in Northern Russia leading what appears to be a special force in 1941/42? Maybe there is a connection with British assistance to the Russians during the early part of Siege of Leningrad...
Hi Steve, All I could find were these two files at the National Archives: BRITISH TROOPS IN RUSSIA: 126 Base Unit. | The National Archives BRITISH TROOPS IN RUSSIA: 126 Ordnance Detachment. | The National Archives
I found a LT Col. R.G Parker don't know if its your man, but mention of him being a Russian Interpreter. Robert G Parker | ParaData
Maybe '126' was code for Northern Russia, or similar... Getting warmer but not yet an answer! That's him. He did oversee the conversion of the 10th (East Riding Yeomanry) Battalion of the Green Howards to airborne forces when it was redesignated as the 12th Parachute Battalion. The paradata bio does not say what he did in Northern Russia though, although one assumes that as a Russian speaker he may have carried-out a liaison role. It is the use of the word 'Force' that has me intrigued as it gives a hint at something special forces.
Steve, A few well known photos of Col. Parker in 1944. He was probably in his mid forties at this point. Regards...
