The French SAS in Tunisia January 1943

A map of part of the patrol/trek area from "POPSKI"S PRIVATE ARMY" by Vladimir Peniakoff, published by The Reprint Society 1953.

From the post at #31 above " T2 patrol, under Lieutenant Tinker, and accompanied by a party of ‘Popski’s Private Army’ (Peniakoff’s Demolition Squadron), established a base camp in a wadi about twenty miles to the south of Ksar Rhilane. Tinker and Peniakoff, each with two jeeps, then went north towards Djebel Tebaga, through country that was found to be suitable for the passage of a force of all arms."

The map gives/names the location of the "base camp in a wadi twenty miles to the south of Ksar Rhilane" as Qaret 'Ali.

Three chapters (IV, V, and VI) within the book give extensive coverage of the happenings in the area at the time, with extensive mentions of the French SAS, along with reference to Mike Sadler, Johnny Cooper, and Reg Seekings (too many pages for scanning purposes at present, but I'll get to extracting a few passages at sometime).

Kind regards, always,

Jim.

 

So, for Cee, davidbfpo, Uncle Target and all others with an interest, this brings me back to the 1945 Collins published edition of "BORN OF THE DESERT" by Malcolm James (Malcolm James Pleydell), passages of which lead me to believe it is indeed Johnny Cooper pictured in the IWM/Sgt Curry/Currey images numbered NA 683 and NA 685 (hopefully not too far a step, but I think the stoning forehead wound has it - maybe!).

Always remember, never forget,

Jim.

 

Hello Uncle Target. I am the worst culprit for heading off piste in threads, and I've been mindful of veering too far from David's intent with this thread, and for that reason, plus knowing nigh on nothing about the turncoat, this is a brief (but not curt!) answer.

Buried within boxes (or double stacked shelves) I have a book somewhere in which he has an appearence. Definitely a chap that was never mentioned at any gathering I attended. Very much a swept under the carpet number in my experience. An embarrassment methinks.

This is, for me, the most informative side of it outside the archives, and I would guess you've seen it already.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1898942.stm

Kind regards, always,

Jim.

 

A bit of info on Johnny Cooper at link below and a few photos. Personally I don't think he is the guy with eye patch, but who knows ... ?

SAS - Cooper, John Murdoch



Regards ...

 

It's the Johnny Cooper smile for me Cee. The smile in the photo with Reg Seekings; I see that smile in NA 685 (but then again, my eyesight's shot to bits!)

That and the predilection (a la Mike Sadler) for wearing shorts on patrol (short KD longs or long KD shorts? Did they come in any other size??)

Kind regards, always,

Jim.

 

I am not convinced. When it comes to photo analysis smiles are not enough and what about the beret with the plume the guy with eye patch is wearing? Are there any other pics of Cooper wearing such headgear. He originally came from the Scot Guards. Don't think they had a plume or is it called a hackle?.

Also still think NA632 shows one of the walking parties from Tsar Rhilane. Sadler wouldn't be with that group.

Regards ...

 

Oh no: A tourie or maybe toorie, but no way torrie.
Chris

 

The book "Paddie Mayne" by Hamish Ross shows photographs of Dick Pedder, Blair Mayne, Eoin McGonigal and Bill Fraser in separate photo's, all wearing the same Headdress and Hackle.
They are all named as being in No.11 Scottish Commando.
As I have only read as far as Part 3 No 11 Scottish Commando. Perhaps I should read this tonight rather than Born of the Desert to check which Regiment(s) they came from. I need an incentive to get into it anyway.
Unless you are already aware of their origins.

 

I was about to post excerpts but dbf is faster and more informative.
It actually gives Maynes Regiment as The Royal Ulster Rifles.
The Book says that 11 Scottish Commando wore: The Balmoral into which was inserted the distinctive Black Hackle".
Blair and Eoin McGonigal joined together from the same Regiment and were inseparable friends.

 

Uh-oh might have to back pedal ... Noticed Cooper was with 8 Commando for a time in 1940, but no mention of 11 Commando.

Regards ...

 

From the French 'helper':

On checking « Remember’s » account of Stirling’s capture , I find it is entirely based on the book « the Phantom Major « by Virginia Cowles (1958).

So the English text is readily available , I would not be able to improve on it ! refer pages 292 to 294 .

Sadler’s escape with Cooper & Sgt Taxis is vividly described from pages 301 to 304.,: the only omission is why his group made that exhausting trek of 160 km down to Tozeur ( both my Father »’s group & Lt Martin made the shorter trip of 80km in the direction of Gafsa, across the Djebel hills)

Mike Sadler said that on meeting the first group of Arabs , they told them that Gafsa had been retaken by the Germans ….
Most probably less well -known is the « interview » of the trio made by Colonel Bowen , the US Commander , as witnessed by AJ Liebling, a US War Correspondent , when they were taken by the French to the American HQ in Gafsa, end January 1943..

It is a fascinating & often humorous description of a group of men who have gone through a harrowing experience. Liebling’s words are far more vivid than any photos !

Then follow several fascinating pages when the trio describe their operational activities , under the leadership of Stirling, whom they name as "Big Dave" (Pages 400 to 407)

Note: My scanner is not working - I can send the relevant pages by taking photos , if you think this is of interest.

Some years ago , I read the whole text over to Mike Sadler : he said that on arrival at Gafsa that he was totally shattered , & he had absolutely no recollection of their interview by the Colonel or Liebling : the only phrase he remembers was the ever suspicious & unfriendly Colonel Bowen ,ordering « Sergeant , keep these men covered », when they were asked to get into an ambulance , driving them back to Algeria, for the debriefing.

I believe Liebling's text was added to the Limited Edition -SAS War Diaries published a few years ago.

My note, when Liebling's name appeared I did try to identify his actual report and failed.

 

Thanks to our French 'helper' providing the relevant eight pgs. describing the British officers, including Mike Sadler, arrival at the US Army base at Gafsa, witnessed by the journalist AJ Liebling, a US War Correspondent for the magazine 'the New Yorker'. I have only skimmed them.

Liebling's cited book is 'Mollie and Other War Pieces', published in 1964. A commentary on him: A. J. Liebling: World War II Writings | Library of America and some dated review of the book: https://www.amazon.com/MOLLIE-PIECES-CONFUSION-NORGAARD-ROZANOFF/dp/B00AK5AZUU

Sorry, I suspect the JPG order is not correct.

 

A re-broadcast of a Mike Sadler interview:

Dan Snow's History Hit: Rogue Heroes: Veteran of the SAS

Regards ...

 

Slipping. Taken me over two months to dig this out. Finally unearthed in a box of other treasures in the early hours of this morning (so much to catch up with; to try to catch up with)

More on the E & E of Mike Sadler, Freddie Taxis, and Johnny Cooper (form Johnny Cooper's "ONE OF THE ORIGINALS"). Think I've run amok on the underlining in an effort to tie in with the good work from all the fine folks that have contributed to this thread (if Johnny could forgive me for being a cheeky chap, I hope you will too)

Please note that in the Constantine "back with friendlies/Freddie's departure" soiree that Johnny's wounds are dressed centre hairline and above his right eye, contrary to what he has described in his tome as "left forehead just above my eye".

And Cee, I'm still running with the IWM photo I.D. theory of the Johnny Cooper smile!

Kind regards, always,

Jim.

 

Our French helper has reviewed the recent updates and can identify the two French SAS men in the photo above:

Then and the photos cited are accessible a link on via Post 3:

There is a third matter, a request for information which will become a separate thread soon.

 

Fantastic David. Thank you. Very, very much appreciated.

Kind regards, always,

Jim.

 

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