The Small Scale Raiding Force

Nonfiction, History, Military, Naval, World War II
Cover of the book The Small Scale Raiding Force by Brian Lett, Pen and Sword
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Author: Brian Lett ISBN: 9781473830004
Publisher: Pen and Sword Publication: October 23, 2013
Imprint: Pen and Sword Military Language: English
Author: Brian Lett
ISBN: 9781473830004
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Publication: October 23, 2013
Imprint: Pen and Sword Military
Language: English

The Small Scale Raiding Force (SSRF) was formed in February 1942 by Gus March Phillips with Major General Gubbins SOE European chief's approval. March-Phillips and his Maid of Honor Force had just had complete success with their operation (POSTMASTER) off West Africa.

Equipped with a specially adapted motor torpedo boat, the SSRF immediately started planning for operations. Op FROUDESLEY, with the aim of destroying the battleship Tirpitz ran into technical problems and was delayed but, in August and September, three daring cross Channel missions were successfully carried out without loss. The author describes these and the disastrous fourth operation (ACQUATINT) when all 10 SSRF men, including March-Phillips were killed or captured.

Despite this hammerblow, SSRF now commanded by Geoffrey Appleyard made two raids on Sark a week later. Again their story is fully told in this fascinating book along with those of three further 1942 raids.

Inter-service rivalry ('the war within') led to the break-up of the SSRF in early 1943. The Author describes the many colourful characters who made up this special force including Anders Lassen VC, Graham Hayes and Andre Desgranges, the Free Frenchman whom the Gestapo 'turned'.

This superbly researched book lifts the veil on a little known but highly effective special force unit and the gallant individuals who served in it.

As seen in Dorset Magazine.
Book of the Month - Britain at War Magazine, April 2014

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The Small Scale Raiding Force (SSRF) was formed in February 1942 by Gus March Phillips with Major General Gubbins SOE European chief's approval. March-Phillips and his Maid of Honor Force had just had complete success with their operation (POSTMASTER) off West Africa.

Equipped with a specially adapted motor torpedo boat, the SSRF immediately started planning for operations. Op FROUDESLEY, with the aim of destroying the battleship Tirpitz ran into technical problems and was delayed but, in August and September, three daring cross Channel missions were successfully carried out without loss. The author describes these and the disastrous fourth operation (ACQUATINT) when all 10 SSRF men, including March-Phillips were killed or captured.

Despite this hammerblow, SSRF now commanded by Geoffrey Appleyard made two raids on Sark a week later. Again their story is fully told in this fascinating book along with those of three further 1942 raids.

Inter-service rivalry ('the war within') led to the break-up of the SSRF in early 1943. The Author describes the many colourful characters who made up this special force including Anders Lassen VC, Graham Hayes and Andre Desgranges, the Free Frenchman whom the Gestapo 'turned'.

This superbly researched book lifts the veil on a little known but highly effective special force unit and the gallant individuals who served in it.

As seen in Dorset Magazine.
Book of the Month - Britain at War Magazine, April 2014

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