Sas

[Vorontsov]

Sorry, if this theme already exists. People know many about this organization, someone could lay out the photographs of their outfit and rewards. Or say site.

[32Bravo]

Sorry, if this theme already exists. People know many about this organization, someone could lay out the photographs of their outfit and rewards. Or say site.


Are we speaking here of the Scandinavian Air Service, or the Hereford Rifle Club?

[Vorontsov]

Special Air Servise

[32Bravo]

Special Air Servise


Sorry, old man. I was just being silly.

Did you want to know something in particular, or were you just wanting to discuss?

Personally, wouldn't mind hearing more of these chaps:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spetsnaz

http://www.spetsnaztraining.com/view/spetsnaz

[pdf27]

I did ask one of THEM what colour the boathouse at Hereford was once...

[32Bravo]

I did ask one of THEM what colour the boathouse at Hereford was once...

DPM :D ....Foxtrot Oscar!!!

[pdf27]

DPM :D ....Foxtrot Oscar!!!
Nah, it's silver but used to be green. Or was it the other way around....?

[32Bravo]

Nah, it's silver but used to be green. Or was it the other way around....?

Oh, such wit, and soooooo original!

[pdf27]

No, seriously, that was the answer - it was once one colour and is now the other. I just can't for the life of me remember which way around it was!

Apparently it was a running joke in his unit for quite a while, and one of them phoned up directory enquiries to find out. But there definitely is one.

[32Bravo]

And there was I thinking you were being a merkin. :)

I used to know other yarns, but it's all in the distant past. Sadly, my memory isn't what it was, as one might discovered by the confusion in my posts.

[Winters]

google it my friend , google has all the answers :)

[Winters]

ok here we go ..............

The British SAS (Special Air Service) is one of the world's premier special forces teams. The history of the SAS dates back to WWII, when Captain David Stirling developed the concept while recuperating from a parachute accident. David Stirling attempted to propose his idea to the CO. The guards at the gate wouldn't let him into the building, so Stirling jumped the fence and proceeded to walk into the office.The SAS was initially created as a desert raiding force to weaken Rommel's North African logistics network as well as hinder aircraft operations. Their first successful raid happened in December of 1941, when two groups destroyed 61 aircraft at two airfields.When the force ran out of explosives, SAS soldiers began to use their personal weapons to shoot out the controls. One man, Paddy Mayne, proceeded to rip out the controls with his hands.Another raid was launched soon after; this time twenty seven airplanes were destroyed.

The SAS operated in Europe as well; in one operation (codenamed Houndsmith),144 men were parachuted with jeeps and supplies into an area close to Dijon, France. All told, the SAS inflicted 7,733 German casualties in Europe. 4,784 prisoners were captured and 700 vehicles were destroyed or captured. 164 railways were cut, seven trains were destroyed and thirty-three were derailed. The SAS was also used to "mop up" German war criminals. They hunted down head SS and Gestapo agents and brought them before the War Crimes Tribune.

David Stirling was knighted in 1990. He died a few months later at the age of 74. He was awarded the OBE and DSO for actions during WWII. He was nicknamed the "Phantom Major" by his peers. During World War II ,Sir David Stirling was captured by the Germans. Although Hitler had ordered all "special forces" (OSS and SAS) to be executed, David Stirling escaped executions by not saying anything about himself. He was held in various prisons. He proceeded to escape four times, each time being caught. He never gave up though. He was finally moved to Colditz for the rest of the war. His brother, William Stirling, took over his command while David was held prisoner.

[Winters]

the famous SAS Jeep .

[Cuts]

the famous SAS Jeep .

Did they only have the one then ?

[Rising Sun*]

Did they only have the one then ?

Yes.

But they also had another one, the infamous jeep.

Lonely nights in the cold desert being what they were, the famous and infamous jeeps got together.

In practically no time, the desert was full of jeepnies.

Being SAS vehicles they were rarely seen, but here is a classified DOD illustration for the Jeepny, SAS, Mk VI from 1943 tender documents in Vickers' files.

Note the unusually well concealed weaponry behind the innocent vehicle accoutrements.


.

[Winters]

well they didnt just have one jeep , that had several but they were all the same make and carried all the same equipment , armourment , and ammo , they made there debut on the famous raids at the tobruk airstrips in 1942

[32Bravo]

Yes.

But they also had another one, the infamous jeep.

Lonely nights in the cold desert being what they were, the famous and infamous jeeps got together.

In practically no time, the desert was full of jeepnies.

Being SAS vehicles they were rarely seen, but here is a classified DOD illustration for the Jeepny, SAS, Mk VI from 1943 tender documents in Vickers' files.

Note the unusually well concealed weaponry behind the innocent vehicle accoutrements.


.

Is that the one they loaned from the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers?

Check out the cannonball express:
http://www.freaknet.org.uk/pages01/p02/gl02.html

[Rising Sun*]

Is that the one they loaned from the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers?

Check out the cannonball express:
http://www.freaknet.org.uk/pages01/p02/gl02.html

The cannonball express looks like the famous ambulance in Ice Cold in Alex, and in about the same mechanical condition. John Mills looks a bit different, though.

Nothing to do with SAS. :D

[32Bravo]

The cannonball express looks like the famous ambulance in Ice Cold in Alex, and in about the same mechanical condition. John Mills looks a bit different, though.

Nothing to do with SAS. :D


You are absolutely correct - it's L.R.D.G. :D

[Rising Sun*]

You are absolutely correct - it's L.R.D.G. :D

Well spotted, old chap!

Missed by the rest of us.

A sterling job.

Or should that be Stirling? :D

[32Bravo]

Well spotted, old chap!

Missed by the rest of us.

A sterling job.

Or should that be Stirling? :D


It was a Kiwi job, methinks?

[Rising Sun*]

It was a Kiwi job, methinks?

Possibly, although sheep were scarce in the desert. And even scarcer, or at least the unattached ones were, after the Kiwis had come through. :D

Winters, old sport, in case none of this means anything to you and you're wondering what all these obscure comments by rude old men (Cuts and 32Bravo - I'm the nice one :D ) who have hijacked your posts are about, check out this link. http://www.militaryhistoryonline.com/wwii/articles/longrange/

[32Bravo]

(Cuts and 32Bravo - I'm the nice one :D )

And I'm the bad one - which just leaves the ugly one. :D

[32Bravo]

Possibly, although sheep were scarce in the desert. And even scarcer, or at least the unattached ones were, after the Kiwis had come through. :D




Perhaps,in the absence of sheep, they utilised the 'ships of the desert' ? :D

[Rising Sun*]

Perhaps,in the absence of sheep, they utilised the 'ships of the desert' ? :D

Kiwis have shortened vowels. With a V. So 'sheep' could sound like 'ship'.

Or maybe it's because the ships of the desert were so called because they were full of seamen.

I think I spelt the last word correctly. :D

[Winters]

ok this is just getting wierd !

[32Bravo]

ok this is just getting wierd !

Hey, come on - what could be more wierd than Damian Lewis dressed as some chap from the American Airborne? :D

Check this link for LRDG and SAS patrol vehicles:

http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/long_range_desert_group.htm

Note the sheep-farming back ground of the Kiwi (New Zealander) volunteers - not so wierd. :)

[Winters]

Hey, come on - what could be more wierd than Damian Lewis dressed as some chap from the American Airborne? :D

Check this link for LRDG and SAS patrol vehicles:

http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/long_range_desert_group.htm

Note the sheep-farming back ground of the Kiwi (New Zealander) volunteers - not so wierd. :)

oh come on , :D well sheep and SAS simply dont go together , so not wierd at all .

[32Bravo]

oh come on , :D well sheep and SAS simply dont go together , so not wierd at all .


No, the point - regarding sheep, that is - is that the LRDG (not the SAS) were recruited from New Zealanders, whom are renowned for the prowess with sheep-farming. :D

[Winters]

ah now i get it lol , fair enough .

[Rising Sun*]

No, the point - regarding sheep, that is - is that the LRDG (not the SAS) were recruited from New Zealanders, whom are renowned for the prowess with sheep-farming. :D


Winters

Substitute three other letters for "arm" in "sheep-farming" (try some letters here to see if you can make a sensible word :D - "sheep-f---ing") and that's what they're really noted for. :D

Except the blokes in the LRDG, because they could still be dangerous. :D

It's not a good idea to say anything to Kiwis about the sheep topic unless you're on good terms with them. Here's one of their rugby teams doing its traditional haka before a game, which makes Mike Tyson look rather restrained. You need audio for the full effect, plus try the other videos on the right hand side.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1263399859472240677

And what happens when they come up against Tongans, who are less impressed.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=906477228044775466

[32Bravo]

And what happens when they come up against Tongans, who are less impressed.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=906477228044775466

Sharks, and the Jets?

[Winters]

im sure the SAS would be impressed :D

[32Bravo]

im sure the SAS would be impressed :D

There are a number of Maories in the New Zealand regiment of the SAS.

[32Bravo]

Winters

Substitute three other letters for "arm" in "sheep-farming" (try some letters here to see if you can make a sensible word :D - "sheep-f---ing") and that's what they're really noted for. :D

Except the blokes in the LRDG, because they could still be dangerous. :D

It's not a good idea to say anything to Kiwis about the sheep topic unless you're on good terms with them. Here's one of their rugby teams doing its traditional haka before a game, which makes Mike Tyson look rather restrained. You need audio for the full effect, plus try the other videos on the right hand side.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1263399859472240677

And what happens when they come up against Tongans, who are less impressed.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=906477228044775466


What a game!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvMFHXcd0yQ&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsenPjjf32c&mode=related&search=

[Cuts]

What a game!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvMFHXcd0yQ&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsenPjjf32c&mode=related&search=

The first clip was misleadingly entitled "Big rugby tackles," but there wasn't a tackle to be seen unfortunately.
Body checks require more brawn than skill, and that little technique required is designed to hurt and injure.
Definitely not in the spirit of the game, but probably a direct result of turning the game 'professional.' Cheers for that France :(

The second video was excellent ! Magnificent rugby at it's very best.
Teamwork, comms, skill and speed combining to result in a (most entertaining) try.
I'm off to watch it again !

[Rising Sun*]

The first clip was misleadingly entitled "Big rugby tackles," but there wasn't a tackle to be seen unfortunately.


A bit of cultural confusion here.

We don't play rugby down here, being somewhat more refined than those people in the northern states who dabble in it, so I mistook Cuts' comment as being a funny reference to 'tackle' in the 'wedding tackle' sense.

Then I thought it was just another example of funny rugby buggery like Hopoate's finger in the pie http://wesclark.com/rrr/hopoate.html

Ooops!

So, utterly confused by rugby buggery, I'll stick to the man's game
http://afl.com.au/

[32Bravo]

So, utterly confused by rugby buggery, I'll stick to the man's game


That would be cricket, of coures! :D

[Rising Sun*]

That would be cricket, of coures! :D

No.

Cricket is a gentleman's game. :D

[32Bravo]

The first clip was misleadingly entitled "Big rugby tackles," but there wasn't a tackle to be seen unfortunately.
Body checks require more brawn than skill, and that little technique required is designed to hurt and injure.
Definitely not in the spirit of the game, but probably a direct result of turning the game 'professional.' Cheers for that France :(

Yes, it is not classic Rugby and it does serve to illustrate my my previous comments on playing the game for the game's sake - as opposed to the 'win' being everything. Not only is the spirit of the game lost, but also the art of the game, which, when played with style and finesse, ought to lead to a win for the better team.

The second video was excellent ! Magnificent rugby at it's very best.
Teamwork, comms, skill and speed combining to result in a (most entertaining) try.
I'm off to watch it again !

Classic Rugby at its best - not unlike small unit tactics. :D

[32Bravo]

I have just remembered why I'm not a soccer fan - on too many occassions the better team, playing the better game, can be beaten by a fluke goal of the other team. :(

[Walther]

Yes.

But they also had another one, the infamous jeep.

Lonely nights in the cold desert being what they were, the famous and infamous jeeps got together.

In practically no time, the desert was full of jeepnies.

Being SAS vehicles they were rarely seen, but here is a classified DOD illustration for the Jeepny, SAS, Mk VI from 1943 tender documents in Vickers' files.

Note the unusually well concealed weaponry behind the innocent vehicle accoutrements.


.

You forgot to mention that THEY were sent to the Philippines with the Jeepneys to help out Uncle Sam. Later they left the Jeepneys there... :-D

Jan

[Gen. Sandworm]

You forgot to mention that THEY were sent to the Philippines with the Jeepneys to help out Uncle Sam. Later they left the Jeepneys there... :-D

Jan

Sorry off-topic

WTF I thought you were MIA. Where have you been?

[32Bravo]

I did ask one of THEM what colour the boathouse at Hereford was once...


I'm somewhat Brahms and thingie, at the moment, however, I was speaking with Romeo Sierra Mike and a couple of others, today. Put the silver/green question to them - can you guess the response? :D

[pdf27]

Ummm... short, to the point and obscene?

[32Bravo]

Ummm... short, to the point and obscene?

Not at all, all three were gentlemen - with a sense of humour, of course. :)

[1000ydstare]

Would love to see the haka (and others) responded to by the traditional British pre-battle dance.

It would involve the team forming up in two ranks, the front rank kneeling, whilst the captain shouted "fire by volleys" :D

http://footguards.tripod.com/01ABOUT/volley.gif

Interesting sidenote. The Chinese, during their war with the British, accused us of not playing fair.

Basically in one of the first battles, the British formed up, and prepared for volley fire (front rank kneeling). When the Chinese saw the troops kneeling, naturally by their rules and opinions of themselves, they beleived the troops were kneeling before them, and thus didn't wish to enter combat.

The Chinese formed up to gladly, and honourably take the surrender (which would include things like killing people they didn't think worthy) and rode out in full ceremonial array.

Apparently the first few volleys were a bit of a shock to the Chinese, and devestatingly effective against the lines of troops.

After that the Chinese beleived the British were unscruplous and treacherous - hence some of the more dispicable Chinese acts of brutality in response.

The perils of the meetings of two different civilisations.... :s

PS. The professionlism of Rugby has eroded some of the skill and finer points in place of brawn and bruises.

Bring back the amateurs.

[Rising Sun*]

It would involve the team forming up in two ranks, the front rank kneeling, whilst the captain shouted "fire by volleys" :D

Anyone actually been drilled in a modern army in forming a British square, front rank kneeling? I have.

I think I posted something about this in another thread, or maybe I only PM'ed someone about it.

Around 1970 my CMF (=Territorial in UK) unit was to be given the freedom of a city, with the usual parade, speeches and march through. The anti-Vietnam protests were at their height, with the by then rare uniformed military parades often attracting unwanted attention with sheilas covered in wet red paint to symbolise blood rushing into parades and tackling officers etc.

Our RSM, a legend in the Armoured Corps and a real soldier with the campaign and bravery medals to prove it, made suitable preparations for such an eventuality. His primary aim was to ensure that the colours were protected. So he drilled some of us near the colour party in forming a British square around the colours with bayonets fixed, from the review or the march. It would have been the first and only time in that era that protesters encountered any resistance, and very determined resistance at that. Fortunately for all concerned nothing happened.

[pdf27]

Not at all, all three were gentlemen - with a sense of humour, of course. :)
So what was the answer then? :twisted:

Anyone actually been drilled in a modern army in forming a British square, front rank kneeling? I have.
Not drilled, but the order has become something of a tradition at one of the places I train. If the guy in the Platoon Commander's role has cocked things up royally and you're out in the open getting slaughtered, the cry goes up "form square, form square". If you're going to die, do it in style!

[32Bravo]

So what was the answer then? :twisted:






They swore me to secrecy! ;)

[32Bravo]

Anyone actually been drilled in a modern army in forming a British square, front rank kneeling? I have.




Used to from square as a part of anti-riot drills way back when. :D

As I underrstand it, changing formation right/left at the halt/on the march were drills which evolved from forming square and other tactical deployments dating back to Prussian style drill which was introduced to the Army sometime about the 18th Century?

[Rising Sun*]

Used to from square as a part of anti-riot drills way back when. :D

For civilian riots in Britain, or somewhere else? I suspect somewhere else.

More importantly, was it front rank kneeling?

Were the preliminaries in 1950's - 1960's for dealing with civilian riots in Britain much the same as in Australia? Under the heading of regs dealing with 'aid to the civil power'. Which involved a magistrate under protection of the army reading the riot warning to disperse or ?be fired upon?.

After which orders might be "Sergeant. Man in red jumper in front row ...."

[32Bravo]

After which orders might be "Sergeant. Man in red jumper in front row ...."


That was him....the bastard was everywhere! :)

[windrider]

Nice pictures of long range patrol vehicles
and other assorted desert waefare for your enjoyment

[pdf27]

Just finished reading Eastern Approaches by Fitzroy McLean, one of the original SAS officers in the Western Desert. If you can get your paws on a copy, do so. It's one of the best books I've read in years.

[STOEB]

Hello,

I am French and I first ask you to excuse my bad English.
I’m very interesting in WW2 S.A.S troups (not only Free French 4th .SA.S !)
I am looking for a picture I yet found on the Web showing a S.A.S soldier equiped with a GB tanker holster (for a Webley probably)
One again, sorry for my English hoping it is more or less understandable.
Thanks to use a simple English as possible to reply.
Best regards from France

[Panzerknacker]

There is already a topic a bout The SAS, you better give a look before open new topic in the future.

[Nickdfresh]

Anyone have any information on SAS operations against the Imperial Japanese? Where they in that theater?

[32Bravo]

Anyone have any information on SAS operations against the Imperial Japanese? Where they in that theater?


Not certain about the SAS, but think not. There was Z Force, which if I remember was Australian and other elements of the Marines and Paras operatng along the rivers of Burma. Some divers/swimmers (SBS types) were used to swim the Iriwady and Chindwin rivers to recce and mark the landing points of the beachheads.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Z_Special_Unit

Of course, the other special units were the Chindits and Merryl's Marauders.

[Firefly]

No, seriously, that was the answer - it was once one colour and is now the other. I just can't for the life of me remember which way around it was!

Apparently it was a running joke in his unit for quite a while, and one of them phoned up directory enquiries to find out. But there definitely is one.

I have actually spent a lot of time in Hereford. A big bloody river flows through it and Ive seen a few boats there. Never seen a boathouse, but then, never looked so I assume there may be several of them. The place used to be a dive and there local night club was called the Crystal Rooms, never seen any Crystal but there used to be plenty of glass on the floor at the nights end. As I remember there was a Nursing College there too and we always used to rush not to get stuck with an ugly one, often I failed.

Went on a visit with Mrs FF last year and when she asked where I used to go and what I used to get up to I showed her the Cathederal and said, cultural stuff...... I'm not sure she believed me though.

I know, off topic......

[Firefly]

There is already a topic a bout The SAS, you better give a look before open new topic in the future.

Chill my little Modlett!

STOEB, welcome to the site. It is a good idea to read before jumping in, but we understand that enthusiasm for answer sometimes overtakes patience to read everything.

Cheers...

[pdf27]

I have actually spent a lot of time in Hereford. A big bloody river flows through it and Ive seen a few boats there. Never seen a boathouse, but then, never looked so I assume there may be several of them. The place used to be a dive and there local night club was called the Crystal Rooms, never seen any Crystal but there used to be plenty of glass on the floor at the nights end. As I remember there was a Nursing College there too and we always used to rush not to get stuck with an ugly one, often I failed.
Not one of THEM are you? :shock:

[Firefly]

Not one of THEM are you? :shock:

Yeah right. There used to be an RAF Base called RAF Credenhill and it was a training unit. It was handed over to them a few years back. Strange thing is, even they must be skint and deprived of money as when I visited it last year not much had changed, same old buildings etc.

[32Bravo]

Official motto; "Who Dares Wins"

Unofficial motto: "Who Cares Who Wins"

What we used to say: "Who Cares Who Dares - We Always Win!"

[jarradnat]

the british sas are the best in the world a lot of the yanks base there counter stuff on what the poms do, the australian sas is based on the poms a good book on the australian sas is phontoms of the jungle this tells about the australian sas in nam when i can find the good one i read about hte poms i will post its name.

[pdf27]

Jarradnat:
1) Welcome to the forum!
2) Spelling and punctuation are your friend. One long sentence with no capital letters or punctuation is very painful to read. Furthermore, a number of people on this site do not have English as a first language. As a courtesy to them, please try to use proper English spelling when you write as random words may confuse them. If you have trouble, there are a number of embedded spellcheckers available for download.

[Nickdfresh]

Try the Firefox Browser with the "Google Toolbar!" ;)

And Jarr, the Aussie SAS is quite good, but the US Navy SEALS, Army Special Forces, and LRRPs were no slouches in the 'Nam either...I doubt they bothered to compare themselves with the SAS...

[32Bravo]

This is a good book http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stealth-Patrol-Making-Vietnam-1968-70/dp/0306812738

The problem, as the author sees it, was that the success of the LRRP's led to mere units being created to the extent that they lost their abiity to operate clandestinely.

I read Charlie Beckwith's book about twenty years ago. He spent a year seconded to the SAS in the early sixties, serving in Malaya. Even though he was American Speical Forces, in the beginning he had a problem wiht the SAS's lack of militatry formality. However, he became so impressed by the SAS that he was determined to raise a similar force in the U.S. and finally got the go ahead during the Carter Administration.

http://www.answers.com/topic/delta-force-game?cat=entertainment

[32Bravo]

Facilities and equipment. Little is known about the inside of the Delta Force compound, though it reportedly has extensive training facilities that include numerous shooting areas (both for battle at close proximity, and for sniping at longer range), an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a dive tank, and a three-story wall for climbing.

I wonder if they have a boathouse - perhaps we could discover its colour? ;)

[32Bravo]

Formations of the British 22nd Special Air Service Regiment did not serve in Vietnam, but did any of its memebers?

[Firefly]

Not unless they were seconded to the Aussie SAS. Even then Im not sire they would be allowed.

[Rising Sun*]

See British entry here.
http://www.britains-smallwars.com/Vietnam/SP.htm

580 Oz SAS served in Vietnam, but that doesn't mean some Brits weren't included there, either on exchange or as direct enlistments in Oz after British SAS service.

SAS in Vietnam ops here http://www.hotkey.net.au/~marshalle/sas/sasops.html

You might find more detail here. For some reason I'm able to get the whole book in the preview where normally you get only a few pages. http://books.google.com/books?id=0Qs4sTnGeewC&pg=PA309&lpg=PA309&dq=british+sas+who+served+in+vietnam&source=web&ots=U7MxqAEilq&sig=v9kgPimu_PJOyQxXZv_BhnysB50#PPA593,M1

[Rising Sun*]

Actually, the Brits infiltratred the Oz SAS with great success, but backwards.

Our current Governor-General (i.e. Queen's representative and Oz head of state) is a former commander of the Oz SAS.

His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery, AC, CVO, MC
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia

Major General Michael Jeffery, AC, CVO, MC was born in Wiluna, Western Australia in 1937, and educated at Kent Street High School and the Royal Military College, Duntroon.

He graduated into Infantry and served operationally in Malaya, Borneo, Papua New Guinea and Vietnam, where he was awarded the Military Cross and the South Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. After command of all combat elements of the Army from platoon to division—including the Special Air Service Regiment—he retired in 1993 to assume the appointment of Governor of Western Australia, which he held for almost seven years.http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/handbook/41stparl/governor-general.htm



I'm no war hero, says Jeffery
June 23 2003

Military Cross holder Major-General Michael Jeffery today played down claims he was a war hero and said he would target youth issues during his time as Australia's new Governor-General.

Major-General Jeffery said he wanted to champion literacy and numeracy issues, especially for young people.

He said he hoped to reflect the role outlined by former Governor-General Sir Zelman Cowan, who said the job entailed reflecting the nation unto itself.

He has also followed the precedent set by Sir William Deane, who gave up some of his salary because he already received a pension as a former High Court Judge.

Maj-Gen Jeffery today said he would donate his military pension to charity while serving as Governor-General over the next three or four years.

But he strongly rejected suggestions his medals from the Vietnam war made him a military hero, and said the word hero was overused by Australia's media.

"I'm not a hero," Maj-Gen Jeffery said in an interview for Australia's television networks.

"I just hope to be me doing the best I can in this tremendous job to which I've been appointed."

Maj-Gen Jeffery was awarded the Military Cross for his actions in operations in Phuoc Tuy province in 1970.

But he said his medal was more recognition of the 120 soldiers in his rifle company in Vietnam.

"If I could have cut my MC into 120 pieces and given a little bit to each of the fellows I'd much prefer to do that," he said.

"But I guess it came to me as recognition of having a fine company of great young men who performed sterling service for 13 months."

Jeffrey's citation, with a bit of other stuff from a speech.

How well known though, are John Sanderson’s achievements in Cambodia or the story of your most recent governor, Major General Michael Jeffrey, who was awarded the Military Cross for his service in Vietnam in 1970.

Before relating that, let me say again that very few soldiers are delighted to be singled out for a high award. A soldier in the Vietnam conflict, a national serviceman no less, married shortly before he left to serve there. He regularly wrote gentle letters to his wife. ‘There is nothing doing here’ he said, ‘we spend most of our time in the base and I am rarely on patrol’. Then the Sydney Morning Herald announced that he had been awarded the Military Cross, prompting an angry letter from home. ‘If you have been idling your time away in the base’, his anxious wife wrote, ‘are you telling me that they are handing out decorations to all and sundry’. It was only then that he had to own up to at least a bit of the truth.

Another young officer wrote to me recently about receiving a bravery award for service in East Timor. Let me quote: “I was astonished to have been selected for such an award. It was an extraordinary privilege for an ordinary bloke, I am not so sure that such awards are meant for people like me. In any event it is, of course, not a reflection of my achievements but a testament to the efforts of all soldiers of the Regiment. Recognition of the sheer hard work, commitment and, at times, courage of those tremendous Australians.”

This admirable combination of modesty, self-deprecation and appreciation of others’ efforts seems to me to capture an essential part of our ethos.

Let me turn now to Mike Jeffrey’s citation: During Operation Hamersley in Phuoc Tuy Province, his Company was engaged in reconnaissance and ambush operations against a tenacious enemy in heavily mined terrain. “On 18 February 1970, the company came into heavy contact with enemy firing from well entrenched positions. After a fierce fire fight the company rolled the enemy killing six of them. On 16, 22, 25 and 28 February, ambushes by the company accounted for 13 enemy dead. The light casualties suffered by the company and the heavy losses inflicted on the enemy during this period were attributable to Major Jeffrey’s courage and professional competence”.

“Throughout a year of active service, Major Jeffrey’s Company has displayed outstanding morale and efficiency…(his) leadership, drive and professionalism have ensured that this high standard has been achieved and maintained. His actions reflect great credit on himself and are in the highest traditions of the Australian Army”. http://www.defence.gov.au/media/2000/250500.doc

[32Bravo]

It occurs to me, rather late in the day, that I ought to have posted this on the Vietnam forum - still, I never was the brightest light on the street! :)

I know of at least one 22 officer that transferred to the Oz SAS in order to serve in Vietnam. This was a transfer, as opposed to secondment.

It worked the other way around in Borneo, where Oz men on secondment to 22, operated alongside them against the Indos. This was prior to Oz SAS commitment to Borneo.

[Rising Sun*]

It worked the other way around in Borneo, where Oz men on secondment to 22, operated alongside them against the Indos. This was prior to Oz SAS commitment to Borneo.

Any idea what year(s)?

I'd guess that this represented a realistic assessment by the Aussies that they had a good chance of conflict with the Indos and were glad to get the experience with the Brits?

[32Bravo]

Any idea what year(s)?

I'd guess that this represented a realistic assessment by the Aussies that they had a good chance of conflict with the Indos and were glad to get the experience with the Brits?


Without rummaging through the book, I believe it was 1964, but could be wrong. When I have the time, I'll flip through it and get back to you.

[32Bravo]

'A' Squadron June to October 1964.

"...The patrol still comprised four men without Tudor because they had a visitor from Ausralia. That country naturally kept a close eye on Confrontation and Woodhouse strove to enlist the help of her SAS company, so far, unsuccessfully. But it happened that one of their number on attachment to the British Army in Malaya met Woodhouse at a party and, like calling to calling, jumped at the chance of trying his hand in Borneo. So here was Lieutenant Geoff Skardon.....


..Oblivious of the Shoot-and-scoot drill and of his own safety, Skardon ran to White, diving beside him and pulling him behind a big tree, which at least afforded some protection from th closest enemy to the old front. Those to the flanks, however, had the pair still in view and poured in fire. They missed only through incompetence and because of the undergrowth, thin though it was. Skardon saw blood in huge quantities spurting under pressure from White's upper thigh and knew that a tourniquet must be applied within seconds. Expecting a handgrenade at any moment, he grabbed White's collar and with all his strength dragged him a full ten yards to a shallow depression that looked as though it might offfer some protection, but it did not. Their movement was seen. The firing continued to break down branches and thud into the earth around them, and with his hand still on his friend's shoulder, Skardon said:

'I think we've had it, Chalky!'
'I know Skipper, thanks for trying!'..."

Soure: Secret War in South-East Asia - Peter Dickens ( Grandson of Charles Dickens).