In the Jeeps thread, ltdan posted a nice photo of some ne'er-do-wells I would not want to make angry in a bar. Here is another angle showing the same dangerous lot, with David Sterling standing alongside the closest jeep. Do any of you recognize any of the men in the jeeps? Is the driver of the closest jeep Paddy Mayne?
Lieutenant Edward MacDonald, D.C.M. of the Cameron Highlanders (foreground) sits at the wheel of his Willys MB 1/4 ton Jeep with Corporal Bill Kennedy manning the twin-mounted gas operated Vickers K machine guns beside him and the rest of the heavily armed patrol of L Detachment Special Air Service (SAS) Brigade on 18th January 1943 somewhere in the desert of North Africa.(Photo by Major Geoffrey Keating, No 1 Army Film & Photographic Unit) Another photo of him below:
Everyone in above photo Left to right: (or furthest from Camera to Lt McDonald) Jocky Henderson – Scots Guards (Killed with SRS at Termoli), Jock Mcdiarmaid MM – Black Watch, Dave Goldie – Scots Guards, John Taylor, who I believe was with a Scots regiment, maybe Scots Guards, William Kit Kennedy, Royal Scots Greys, Edward Mcdonald So they were essentially a Scots Patrol. Source:SAS raid hits German airfield at Fuka
As per Temujin post above, and another photo taken at the time here; 72647 Archibald David STIRLING, DSO, OBE, MiD, Scots Guards attached SAS Always remember, never forget, Jim.
Hi, The following is probably already well known. The complete IWM series of the iconic SAS photos taken by Major Keating, AFPU on January 18th, 1943 runs from E 21337 to E 21350 (14 total) and includes the group photos, individual portraits of each man and a few others of interest. Just one clarification. The man identified as John Taylor above (4th from left) the IWM names as Pte. Malcom Mackinnon of Glasgow. Regards ...
Thanks all who commented on my query. I read an advanced readers copy of this book a few years ago: As mine is a editor's copy, it has no photos. I had looked for photos of men online at the time and found a few, but had not really seen this hardtack lot with names attached. Has anyone read the book? If so, what was your opinion?
I only found out recently, thanks to a Facebook group, that my grandfather is third from the right. This is his image in that series taken by Major Keating. I don't suppose anyone has a copy of the caption sheet for this series before I contact the IWM?
Post 3 refers to a group photo and a David Goldie. He is the subject of this thread: Help with Service Records. David Goldie - Scots Guards, L Detachment SAS, Special Raiding Squadron.
THE CAMPAIGN IN NORTH AFRICA 1940-1943 IWM E 21338 : Object description The Axis Offensive 1941 - 1942: A Special Air Service jeep patrol is greeted by its commander, Colonel David Stirling, on its return from the desert. Label Colonel David Stirling, founder of the Special Air Service, with an SAS jeep patrol in North Africa, 18 January 1943. 1 SAS group 1943 Currently has... "taken 18.1.1943 by Captain Keating<br> far left Pte Frederick Briar<br>2nd left James McDiarmid (?)<br>3rd left ?<br>middle John Taylor<br> 3rd right Cpl W. Kennedy (see Awards)<br> 2nd right Lt E. McDonald (see Awards)<br> right Captain David Stirling (see Awards)<br> <br> photo source IWM E 21338" "taken 18.1.1943 by Captain Keating left to right Cpl W. Kennedy (see Awards) Lt E. McDonald (see Awards) Captain David Stirling (see Awards) photo source IWM E 21339" DESERT RATS IWM E 21339 : Object description - Lieutenant Colonel David Stirling officer commanding the SAS in the Middle East talking to Patrol Commander Lieutenant McDonald. --- x --- David Stirling: The Phantom Major | National Army Museum ‘Jock’ Lewes: SAS mastermind | National Army Museum ‘Paddy’ Mayne: An Irish Lion | National Army Museum
I was struck that whilst all are wearing shemaghs , none seem to have goggles round their necks - perhaps an availability issue, or perhaps to forestall reflection? Lt McDonald looks as if he has kept his Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knife. US style jerrycans seem preferred? I can only see one Howard sun compass in view. Perhaps stowed in the other vehicles to forestall damage? Henderson looks like he's got a .50 cal? Browning. A replicated vehicle is at: An SAS-Specificaton 1942 Ford GPW - A WW2 North African Desert Survivor Absence of visible sand tracks may mean that they slightly deflated tyres if troubled by soft sand. A 'trick' used to be to over inflate spares and use a bleed line for a quick restoration if necessary.
Interesting interview from 5 years ago with the last of the SAS originals, Major Mike Sadler SAS desert navigator.
Andsco, This thread exists too: 282465 (1095726) Willis Michael SADLER, MC, MM, Royal Artillery, Long Range Desert Group & 1 SAS
A good discussion with author Damien Lewis on the early SAS in which a few myths are dispelled. Regards ...
Someone asked about this pic in the "Rogues" thread. From the book "Stirling's Desert Triumph" by Gavin Mortimer. Regards ...
The opening post photo (shown also in Post 3) has been confirmed indirectly by a SAS historian as: Left to right. Jocky Henderson Jock McDiarmid David Goldie John Taylor William Kit Kennedy Edward McDonald Which is how they were identified in Post3!
Footage Have yet to run across official sources for SAS film footage but did chance upon a couple of short docs which contain what looks like genuine period clips. Linked below if you wish to watch on Youtube. SAS Airfield Raid 1942 WW2 SAS Jeeps Special Air Service. Modified Willys MB Jeeps Here are a few stills pulled from them that are hopefully legit. Regards ...
