Hi Been asked to help clear up the death of a SBS member in Greece in October 1944 and the only reference I can find is in The Filibusters: The Story of the Special Boat Service, on page 139 and 140, found with a google books search. Has anyone got this book handy and could paste the two pages here? Many thanks in advance Gus
Good Morning Gus, Are you able to post the casualty's name? The book's in a box (or bag) in the loft somewhere, but with the persons name I may be able to give you the details from another source. Only if you wish of course, no obligation. Kind regards, always, Jim.
Hi Jim Operation TowanBucket (BUCKETFORCE) Probably PATFORCE (Major Paterson who had just taken PATRAS) Fusilier CARMICHAEL, J.A. 6980528, SBS - M Squadron died 11/10/1944 Buried in Megara Civil Cemetery until 12/02/1945 then Phaleron War Cemetery. There was a small skirmish that day at Megalo Pevko between the SBS and a Geman bicycle patrol that day. SBS won despite being heavily outnumbered. The RAF detachment commanders report (date is wrong!): 3 x Military Medals awarded. 2 to SBS, 1 to RAF Regiment. No mention anywhere in all of the medal recommendations, SBS Patrol reports or RAF Regiment ORBs about friendly casualties. Gus
Thanks Gus, Details are scant and unfortunately shrouded with uncertainty, but give me 30 minutes and you'll have what I can readily lay my hands on here. Kind regards, always, Jim.
Dear Gus, Here you are, hope there's some detail here that's useful to you (and apologies for the delay). Given the utmost respect that I have for the author of the source of the information below, please find extracts from what I believe to be the absolute definitive work on SBS casualties. May it promulgate their memory for evermore. As a matter for my conscience in using this source, and to continue its original aims, I have donated £100 to the Combat Stress charity prior to posting here. Please note, if I should receive a cease and desist request in relation to this information I will, immediately and with all reverence, always. “THE SAS AND LRDG ROLL OF HONOUR 1941-47 VOLUME II – UTMOST DEVOTION Central and Eastern Mediterranean EX-LANCE-CORPORAL X, QGM” Fusilier James Alexander CARMICHAEL
Unbelievable and a total honour to get this extract . It's actually for my father in law ; it's his uncle. He himself served 40 years in the RUC and will be delighted . Charity donation will be made. He remembers as a 14 year old his Mother getting the news in Tyrone of her Brothers death. I've sent this on to the family and my 84 father in law can't believe the detail and the photo. We have laughed at his two demotions before joining the SBS. And he is a spitting image of my Father in law . Can't thank you enough. Legendary one and all.
My pleasure Gus, an honour. Please pass on my very best regards to the family, Mfo et al. Kind regards, always, Jim.
Hello Gus, Still haven't found the box/bag with "The Filibusters" in, but........... Visited an old buddy in Taunton (Somerset) a couple of days ago (last day before lockdown!) and amongst some books he'd had on loan from me (for years!) was the updated copy of "The Filibusters", published as "RAIDERS from the SEA" in 1990 (I couldn't even remember loaning it to him, but he insisted I had so it duly came home with me). So, six months plus on from your original inquiry here are the pages (page numbering is different from the 1947 original due to Lord Jellicoe's introduction in the updated edition, and maybe different type setting). Hopefully the pages help to complete the circle for you and Jim Carmichael's relatives. Kind regards, always remember, never forget, Jim.
Thanks Jim That's very kind of you to remember me after all this time. I was laid off from my previous employer back in Feb and had 7 months of thumb twiddling, thanks to the pandemic killing the jobs market. So I went on a book buying splurge which included both books. I had no idea they were going to turn out practically identical. The newer version cost just £2. The older one was a bit more. It is a good read and full of useful info. For a short while, the SBS (Greece Detachment) were based in an orphanage just off the main road into Athens from Phaleron. My Dad was based in a REME workshop about a mile further up. Thanks again Jim Gus
Please note Gus, the "like" above was not liking you getting laid off! Well done on tracking the books down, as you say, a good read and they are worth every penny. Good luck with the latest bout of being confined to quarters. My plan is to read more, exercise at least as much, and eat less (else my waistline will reach the point of no return and I'll have to sit down to see what my feet look like!) Take care out there. Kind regards, always, Jim.
Been back to work 5 weeks now. Still working from home but really enjoying the new challenges it brings. Gus
Hi Byron This is most helpful as the 1939-1945 casualty lists states no date recorded for Alec's wounding. I have updated my own lists thank you. Do you happen to know any more about the nature of his wounds? Regards Gus
