French SAS Actions "Amherst" Holland

[Gary Jucha]

Possibly in the wrong category ?

But Has anybody any information concerning the French SAS actions at Amherst in Holland (April 1945) during WW2 ???

(Is there any info on the web ??)

Regards

Gary J.

[DJT]

Gary,

Why on earth are you interested in those silly Frenchies? Everyone knows the Belgian SAS was way better

www.belgiansas.com

[Gary Jucha]

Onions !!

So ... Des ...
From That reply I guess you don't have any of the special "exploding onions" in your collection ?


Gary ...

Gary,

Why on earth are you interested in those silly Frenchies? Everyone knows the Belgian SAS was way better

www.belgiansas.com

[DJT]

LOL They must be similar to Holy Hand Grenades. I do have one of the rare French SAS 2 inch mortar carriers craftily designed as a baguette

So ... Des ...
From That reply I guess you don't have any of the special "exploding onions" in your collection ?


Gary ...

[Gary Jucha]

Gateaux

No ... "Gateaux from the Chateaux "..... ??

Gary

LOL They must be similar to Holy Hand Grenades. I do have one of the rare French SAS 2 inch mortar carriers craftily designed as a baguette

[lnijherald]

Gary,

According to my info (Les paras du monde entier by Pierre Vandevoorde) the French SAS squadron (previously known as the 1re compagnie de chasseurs parachutistes) only took part in operations in Africa and Greece in 1942 and 1943. They were trained at the combined training centre at Kabret, and worked in close cooperation with Stirling's LRDG. In july 1943 they all returned to the UK, and joined the 1er bataillon d'infanterie de l'air.

It were the 2e and 3e regiment de chasseurs parachutistes that took part in operation Amherst: 55 sticks (676 men) were dropped to speed up the advance of Canadian forces. The commander of the Feldgendarmerie was killed, and numerous of his HQ officers.
In 6 days the 2e and 3e RCP lost 29 men, 35 were wounded. The Germans lost 269 men, 220 wounded and 187 were taken prisonner.

Not bad for a bunch of frogs armed with onions and baguettes!

Luc

[DJT]

On a serious note, I have read in different sources that the French SAS guys were a bit of a worry to the top brass. Apparently they tended to rush into situations when their blood was up without using their noggins first. This of course really goes against the whole SAS ethic. They apparently had quite a heavy casualty list as a result.

[WJW]

Here's one maybe

.4th French Paratroop, KIA 09/04/1945

[DJT]

Nice death card I bought one identical on ebay this year but swapped it with a friend

[lnijherald]

Indeed a great death card; Zuid Laren does seem to be where OP. Amherst took place. Just wondering why he carries his beret the wrong way, was that a French thing?

Just look at his age! What a very unlucky guy.

Luc

[DJT]

It might be Luc? or perhaps the photo was just flipped/reversed? What is typically French though is the cap badge.

Notice how the kings crown is "gone"

[lnijherald]

Notice how the kings crown is "gone"

Yep, the French seem to dislike monarchies. I believe they tested the guillotine with royal blood abundantly.

Cheers, Luc

[Jack Dutton-Roberts]

Yes Luc, you are quite correct. The French always wore their berets tipped over the left ear, so the badge would be over the right eye.

Interesting thread, thanks, from Jack.

[Gary Jucha]

Thanks

To all ..(Des, Luc, Jack, WJW)
Thanks for your input concerning the French SAS .....
Hopefully in a few weeks I will be able to expand on my reasoning for asking the original question !!!!
... Watch this space !!!!

Gary

Also a note concerning the French SAS cap badge ...
Originally, I believe they used one of the Polish Metal collar dog parachutists prior to taking up the standard French modelled Para cap badge.

[ROBB]

There is an French SAS grouping for sale on ebay BD Trousers et Beret .Rob.