Hi, I'm trying to find out about my father's involvment in the SOE. As we understand it Peter Geoffrey Westoby, b. 1.9.21, was a corporal in the Yorks and Lancs, (I think his service number was 4758904) when in 1943 he was attached to SOE. After basic training at Ringway, he then parachuted into Norway with three others, his mission being to liaise with resistance near to Voss and carry out sabotage operations. However his sealed plans contained false info of interest to the Germans to divert them away from the genuine location of the Normandy landings. He was therefore a 'Judas Goat', expected to be captured and tortured giving the Germans false info. It appears that he evaded capture and fought with the resistance for some time before escaping to Scotland in a fishing boat. All efforts to trace his records have proved negative, and when a friend went to Voss in 1983, (a year after Peter's death) to find out more she was met with fear and silence. She met with a couple who had been active in the resistance and they were 'scared' to talk about what happened in Voss in 1943. I would appreciate any further info. Thanks Rob Westoby.
The files of the NCOs and ORs who served with SOE were in the main destroyed in the 1950s and thus did not make the transfer to the National Archives, the Norwegian deception operations did not occur until 1944 - in the main only Norwegian speakers were dropped into Norway. I will see if his name appears in any of the ops files
Rob: Have you or a family member applied for your father's army records, from Glasgow? I did that for the woman I'm interested in and received a copy after about 6 months. The process was very straight forward and cost me 30 pounds. I would highly recommend that as a first step. You just need, full name, DoB and a death cert. Full details in this link: https://www.gov.uk/requests-for-personal-data-and-service-records#service-records-of-deceased-service-personnel You might also see if any of the Yorks and Lancs regiment records have anything on him, The Army Museum might be able to help.
Dear "Stogge". I would like to have contact with you regarding your father's assignment at Voss as a "Jew's goat" during World War II. I live at Voss and am very interested in what happened here locally these 5 years. Have family that were active in milorg. Please hear from you. Best regards T.D.
