Operation Flipper - November 1941

[Rich]

I found this interesting account of Operation Flipper, the ill-fated Commando raid to try and “capture or kill” Rommel in November 1941. Has some amusing parts to it, "We are German soldiers, go away...", said in German to an Italian and an Arab officer, and they did!
http://www.combinedops.com/Black%20Hackle.htm (scroll down to Operation Flipper)

If you go to the Index Page, this website has lots of information on other operations.

Strangely, this shorter account on the same website, has a slightly different course of events describing the mortal wounding of Lt Col Keyes, who was awarded the posthumous VC.
http://www.combinedops.com/Operation%20Flipper.htm

Does anyone know any other online descriptions of the raid? I have just bought a book but not received it yet, “Geoffrey Keyes VC of the Rommel Raid” written by Keyes’ sister, which I presume will have the definitive account in it.


It was mentioned at the weekend as my fiancee’s mother was the cousin of Sgt Jack Terry, who subsequently was transferred into the SAS, and later in the war I understand he fought with the Maquis in France. I did not get to meet him and sadly he passed away on 16th July last year.


cheers,

Rich.

[kfz]

Any news on this Rich, what happened?

[Rich]

Hi,

Yes I got the book. The account in the book is the one related by Captain Robin Campbell, so is the same as the first link I posted above.

The book states that Rommel "was full of admiration" when he heard of the raid, and he ordered that Keyes be buried with full military honours.

[dbf]

Rich
Could you please tell me where you got the book, etc? I would be very interested in getting a copy?
Cheers,
dbf

[Owen]

Diane,
Six here on abebbooks.
AbeBooks: Search Results - Geoffrey Keyes VC of the Rommel Raid”

[dbf]

Thanks Owen,
Just came across the reference to Keyes here on the forum and am following up any leads on him.
Will get on to this as soon as I can.
Diane

[FALLSCHIRMJÄGER]

May I suggest another great book about this operation.

Get Rommel by Michael Asher

Asher himself served with The Para's and SAS and is one of the world's best dessert explorers so knows where he is talking about bout conditions in the dessert...

I have read this book some weeks ago and did find it most interesting.
It also contains information about Jack Terry DCM from the LRK papers.

The author also put some serious doubts by the story published by Elizaheth's book about Geoffrey Keyes.

Very good book to take with you on vacation !

[dbf]

Hi Peter,

Thanks for that tip, will take your advice.

By the way, as another point of interest, Geoffrey Keyes was the son of Roger Keyes, Baron of Zeebrugge. He was on good terms with Churchill and with the Belgian King, subsequently carrying out a liason role in WWII, and a had a distinguished career himself in WWI.

Diane

[FALLSCHIRMJÄGER]

That is right Diane, what you are saying is also in the book !

[dbf]

Hi, Thanks for that. I am interested as this is also a matter of genealogy for me, my grandmother being distantly related and having common Irish Keyes and Tasker ancestors.
Roger Keyes, 1st Baron Keyes - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Wiki states this about Roger Keyes:
"During World War II, Keyes was the first Director of Combined Ops, the Commandos. His tenure was from 17 July 1940, to 27 October 1941. He found this a frustrating job, as he was dependent on other branches and units of the armed forces for troops, equipment, transport, air cover and information. These commands were naturally not wishing to divert resources to something new and untried.
However Keyes laid the foundations for the Commando's later success. He was 69 years old and it was time to slow down.
...
In December 1941, his eldest son, Lieutenant Colonel Geoffrey Charles Tasker Keyes VC, MC, CdeG, Scots Greys, was killed in action at Beda Littoria, Libya, during the famous commando raid on the Headquarters of the General Officer Commanding the German Forces in North Africa .."

D