One of the SAS tasks in August 1944 was to be a bl**dy nuisance behind enemy lines in Normandy and Operation Trueform, LtCol BM Franks MC comprised of troops from No.1 SAS, No.2 SAS and Belgian Indep. Para.Coy. was mounted to destroy petrol suuplies and harass the enemy.
On the night 16/17 Aug 44 the first 11 men were dropped (inc. Capt Holland) and 1901238 Sapper Erlis, H precisely on their DZ. 4 more landings took place overnight on 17/18 Aug 44. The report by Capt Holland (in the PRO, WO218) speaks of a successful mission, Harry Erlis his mate Private Bintley and Private Burke lay tyre bursters on the roads on 19 Aug and then went for German transport in a nearby farm yard. They captured the 4 German guards and then 16 more of the elite SS trooper with their officer. Suddenly more SS arrived and there was a gun battle. Private Burke and a French agent killed a German before escaping but Private Bintley was wounded in the head and Harry Erlis remained with him.
The remainder of the team carried on laying tyre bursters and they later shot up a truck convoy after avoiding a column of Tiger tanks.
No further was heard of Harry Erlis, I believe that he was shot by the SS because he is buried in St.Sever War Cemetery in Rouen, his date of death s given as 19 Aug 44 aged 25. He came from Liverpool.
On the night 16/17 Aug 44 the first 11 men were dropped (inc. Capt Holland) and 1901238 Sapper Erlis, H precisely on their DZ. 4 more landings took place overnight on 17/18 Aug 44. The report by Capt Holland (in the PRO, WO218) speaks of a successful mission, Harry Erlis his mate Private Bintley and Private Burke lay tyre bursters on the roads on 19 Aug and then went for German transport in a nearby farm yard. They captured the 4 German guards and then 16 more of the elite SS trooper with their officer. Suddenly more SS arrived and there was a gun battle. Private Burke and a French agent killed a German before escaping but Private Bintley was wounded in the head and Harry Erlis remained with him.
The remainder of the team carried on laying tyre bursters and they later shot up a truck convoy after avoiding a column of Tiger tanks.
No further was heard of Harry Erlis, I believe that he was shot by the SS because he is buried in St.Sever War Cemetery in Rouen, his date of death s given as 19 Aug 44 aged 25. He came from Liverpool.
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