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Multimedia Special Boat Service

Page Created
March 17th, 2024
Last Updated
April 9th, 2024
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Special Boat Squadron
Captain Roger Courtney (centre), No 2 Special Boat Section, 1943.
Captain Roger Courtney (centre), No 2 Special Boat Section, 1943.
A rare shot of the of the Special Boat section in 1941 when it was still under the command of Roger Countney.
A rare shot of the of the Special Boat section in 1941 when it was still under the command of Roger Countney.
Captain Walter Milner-Barry stands at the forefront, exuding confidence and leadership. Despite his older age compared to the average SBS recruit, he proves to be an efficient and popular officer. Surrounding him are SBS trainees, reflecting the diverse training they've undergone in preparation for upcoming operations.
Captain Walter Milner-Barry stands at the forefront, exuding confidence and leadership. Despite his older age compared to the average SBS recruit, he proves to be an efficient and popular officer. Surrounding him are SBS trainees, reflecting the diverse training they’ve undergone in preparation for upcoming operations.
Operation Albumen
While on Crete the Special Boat Squadron ate what little food they had, all the while trying to remain hidden from the German Occupiers.
While on Crete the Special Boat Squadron ate what little food they had, all the while trying to remain hidden from the German Occupiers.
The terrain on Crete made the approach to the target airfields arduous and exhausting.
The terrain on Crete made the approach to the target airfields arduous and exhausting.
The inquisitive Turks who came to examine the Special Boat Squadron at anchorage could be easily bought off with food or, as here, a spare rifle.
The inquisitive Turks who came to examine the Special Boat Squadron at anchorage could be easily bought off with food or, as here, a spare rifle.
One of the two Germans captured on Crete by the Special Boat Squadron and brought back to Cairo, Egypt.
One of the two Germans captured on Crete by the Special Boat Squadron and brought back to Cairo, Egypt.
The raiders are transported back across the Mediterranean from Crete for their trip to Groppi's.
The raiders are transported back across the Mediterranean from Crete for their trip to Groppi’s.

Lebanon
Athlit Castle a former Crusader Castle.
Athlit Castle a former Crusader Castle.
The coastline close to Athlit where the Special Boat Squadron trained in the early summer of 1943.
The coastline close to Athlit where the Special Boat Squadron trained in the early summer of 1943.
A Special Boat Squadron Patrol during training in the Transjordan mountains and hills, early 1943.
A Special Boat Squadron Patrol during training in the Transjordan mountains and hills, early 1943.
Lance Sergeant Jack Nicolson.
Lance Sergeant Jack Nicolson.
Lieutenant Kenneth Lamonby (left) is guided back to the SBS base by a young boy at the end of a hard day’s march. The backpack he has on is an Italian one with which the Special Boat Squadron experimented.
Lieutenant Kenneth Lamonby (left) is guided back to the SBS base by a young boy at the end of a hard day’s march. The backpack he has on is an Italian one with which the Special Boat Squadron experimented.
Passing the Source d’antillias on return from one week’s exercise in the hills in May 1943 are Duggie Pomford, Grainger Laverick and Marine Watson.
Passing the Source d’antillias on return from one week’s exercise in the hills in May 1943 are Duggie Pomford, Grainger Laverick and Marine Watson.
Swimming in Athlit. Part of the camp is seen in the background.
Swimming in Athlit. Part of the camp is seen in the background.
Boating training.
Boating training.
Lieutenant Kenneth Lamonby (centre) was a skilled sailor who instructed the Special Boat Squadron in basic seamanship in the spring of 1943.
Lieutenant Kenneth Lamonby (centre) was a skilled sailor who instructed the Special Boat Squadron in basic seamanship in the spring of 1943.
Boating training.
Boating training.
Waiting for lunch in Athlit.
Waiting for lunch in Athlit.
Lunch in Athlit.
Lunch in Athlit.
The Special Boat Squadron didn’t like skiing; they saw no point in it, not when they were a boat squadron and they made it patently clear to their instructors.
The Special Boat Squadron didn’t like skiing; they saw no point in it, not when they were a boat squadron and they made it patently clear to their instructors.

Port Deremen, Turkey
David Sutherland (far left), the Commanding Officer of S Detachment, checking supplies off the Turkish coast in the spring of 1944.
David Sutherland (far left), the Commanding Officer of S Detachment, checking supplies off the Turkish coast in the spring of 1944.
Small vessels ferrying supplies from the mainland towards the Special Boat Squadron vessels Tewfik and Takiarkis.
Small vessels ferrying supplies from the mainland towards the Special Boat Squadron vessels Tewfik and Takiarkis.
Caïque LS 31 or AHS 31, Tewfik of the Levant Schooner Flotilla, a 180-ton schooner that served as the Special Boat Squadron officers’ mess and Headquarters.
Caïque LS 31 or AHS 31, Tewfik of the Levant Schooner Flotilla, a 180-ton schooner that served as the Special Boat Squadron officers’ mess and Headquarters.
A group of Special Boat Squadron men aboard the Takiarkis, the schooner that served as their floating base during operations in the Aegean in 1944.
A group of Special Boat Squadron men aboard the Takiarkis, the schooner that served as their floating base during operations in the Aegean in 1944.

Dodecanese Islands
Dick Holmes, seen here on one of the Dodecanese Islands, likened the campaign of warfare carried out by S Squadron against the Germans in May 1944 as ‘terrorism’.
Dick Holmes, seen here on one of the Dodecanese Islands, likened the campaign of warfare carried out by S Squadron against the Germans in May 1944 as ‘terrorism’.
Dick Holmes
Dick Holmes
The Special Boat Squadron accept the surrender of the Italian garrison on the island of Samos in September 1943.
The Special Boat Squadron accept the surrender of the Italian garrison on the island of Samos in September 1943.
On November 13th, 1943, the Germans attempted an airborne reinforcement of Leros. As the Junkers 52 came in low over Alinda Bay they came under fire from British Bofors guns.
On November 13th, 1943, the Germans attempted an airborne reinforcement of Leros. As the Junkers 52 came in low over Alinda Bay they came under fire from British Bofors guns.
Some men of the Special Boat Squadron men who took part in the raid on the Nazi garrison at Villa Punta on Lussino, a Croatian island in the Adriatic in late 1943.
Some men of the Special Boat Squadron men who took part in the raid on the Nazi garrison at Villa Punta on Lussino, a Croatian island in the Adriatic in late 1943.
British Special Boat Squadrontrooper Corporal. Aubrey, armed with a M1 Carbine, knife and Webley revolver in the Aegean in 1944.
Special Boat Squadron trooper Corporal. Aubrey, armed with a M1 Carbine, knife and Webley revolver in the Aegean in 1944.
British Special Boat Squadrontrooper Corporal. Aubrey, armed with a M1 Carbine, knife and Webley revolver in the Aegean in 1944.
Special Boat Squadron trooper Corporal. Aubrey, armed with a M1 Carbine, knife and Webley revolver in the Aegean in 1944.
1ST SPECIAL BOAT SERVICE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN AND AEGEAN, 1943-45 (HU 71397) 'Billy Whitehead and Dick Holmes' No other caption information. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205027360
1ST SPECIAL BOAT SERVICE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN AND AEGEAN, 1943-45 (HU 71397) ‘Billy Whitehead and Dick Holmes’ No other caption information. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205027360
Whitehead on the left and Dick Holmes on the right during a mission.
1ST SPECIAL BOAT SERVICE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN AND AEGEAN, 1943-45 (HU 71398) 'Group of the boys and Cretans'. No other caption information. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205027361
1ST SPECIAL BOAT SERVICE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN AND AEGEAN, 1943-45 (HU 71398) Sergeant Jack Nicholson. No other caption information. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205027361
K Patrol. Informal group portrait. Patrol photographed holding a portrait of Adolf Hitler.
K Patrol. Informal group portrait. Patrol photographed holding a portrait of Adolf Hitler.
1ST SPECIAL BOAT SERVICE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN AND AEGEAN, 1943-45 (HU 71409) SBS and RN personnel posing on an MTB. Some are wearing items of German clothing taken from POWs. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205027388
1ST SPECIAL BOAT SERVICE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN AND AEGEAN, 1943-45 (HU 71409) SBS and RN personnel posing on an MTB. Some are wearing items of German clothing taken from POWs. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205027388
1ST SPECIAL BOAT SERVICE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN AND AEGEAN, 1943-45 (HU 71436) Papa Captain Milner-Barry and Earl Jellicoe. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205302737
1ST SPECIAL BOAT SERVICE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN AND AEGEAN, 1943-45 (HU 71436) Papa Captain Milner-Barry and Earl Jellicoe. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205302737
1ST SPECIAL BOAT SERVICE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN AND AEGEAN, 1943-45 (HU 71426) Joe Jarrell taking a bath. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205302725
1ST SPECIAL BOAT SERVICE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN AND AEGEAN, 1943-45 (HU 71426) Joe Jarrell taking a bath. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205302725
1ST SPECIAL BOAT SERVICE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN AND AEGEAN, 1943-45 (HU 71424) Duggie Pomford being treated for a grenade wound. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205302723
1ST SPECIAL BOAT SERVICE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN AND AEGEAN, 1943-45 (HU 71424) Duggie Pomford being treated for a grenade wound. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205302723
SHOCK TROOPS RAID AEGEAN ISLES (E 29088) Original wartime caption: The men have to live hard and so do the officers. This picture shows a number of officers laying plans by the means of maps for a raid on important military objectives on the island of Coss. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359231
SHOCK TROOPS RAID AEGEAN ISLES (E 29088) Original wartime caption: The men have to live hard and so do the officers. This picture shows a number of officers laying plans by the means of maps for a raid on important military objectives on the island of Coss. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359231
1ST SPECIAL BOAT SERVICE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN AND AEGEAN, 1943-45 (HU 71430) 'A Levant Schooner', a typical Greek caique, naval crew of 3, carying a Special Boat Service patrol of approximately 12 men. Vessel armed with one PAK 38 (Panzerabwehrkanone) forward and two .303 Browning Medium Machine Guns amidships. Fitted with a Valentine tank diesel engine with a maximum speed of approximately 8 knots, typically used for island raids. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205302732
1ST SPECIAL BOAT SERVICE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN AND AEGEAN, 1943-45 (HU 71430) ‘A Levant Schooner’, a typical Greek caique, naval crew of 3, carying a Special Boat Service patrol of approximately 12 men. Vessel armed with one PAK 38 (Panzerabwehrkanone) forward and two .303 Browning Medium Machine Guns amidships. Fitted with a Valentine tank diesel engine with a maximum speed of approximately 8 knots, typically used for island raids. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205302732
THE SPECIAL BOAT SERVICE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN, 1941-1945 (E 29080) Trooper R. S. Bullock of the SBS offering a titbit to a cat named Wolf, the mascot of the base ship in the Kastellorizo harbour, which doesn't seem to be very interested, 28 July 1944. Holding the cat is Marine Ralph Bridger of Shoreham, Sussex. Trooper Bullock was a native of Prestwich, Manchester (36 Polefield Grange). Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205409421
THE SPECIAL BOAT SERVICE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN, 1941-1945 (E 29080) Trooper R. S. Bullock of the SBS offering a titbit to a cat named Wolf, the mascot of the base ship in the Kastellorizo harbour, which doesn’t seem to be very interested, 28 July 1944. Holding the cat is Marine Ralph Bridger of Shoreham, Sussex. Trooper Bullock was a native of Prestwich, Manchester (36 Polefield Grange). Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205409421

S Detachment in the Dodecanese Islands
Dick Holmes, left, and George Miller, of S Detachment, Special Boat Squadron.
Dick Holmes, left, and Sergeant Douglas “Duggie” Pomford of S Detachment, Special Boat Squadron.
Men from S Detachment off the Turkish coast. Hank Hancock, back row right, was the unit’s unofficial war artist and a keen amateur photographer.
Men from S Detachment off the Turkish coast. Hank Hancock, back row right, was the unit’s unofficial war artist and a keen amateur photographer.
Ray Jones, back row third from left, and Leo Rice front row right of S Detachment, Special Boat Squadron.
Ray Jones, back row third from left, and Leo Rice front row right of S Detachment, Special Boat Squadron.

Leros
German Fallschirmjager assault on leros.
German Fallschirmjager assault on Leros.
Special Boat Squadron, S Detachment in Leros in fall 1943. back row: Duggie Pomford, Jack Nicholson, Ray Jones and Hank Hancock. Front row: Sergeant Patsy Henderson and Private Leo ‘Digger’ Rice.
Special Boat Squadron, S Detachment in Leros in fall 1943. back row: Douglas Pomford, Jack Nicholson, Ray Jones and Hank Hancock. Front row: Sergeant Patsy Henderson and Private Leo ‘Digger’ Rice.
Italy
Castelrosso,Italy, was an important stopping off point for the Special Boat Squadron on many of their operations in the Aegean, and a chance for them to unwind.
Castelrosso, Italy, was an important stopping off point for the Special Boat Squadron on many of their operations in the Aegean, and a chance for them to unwind.
In the spring of 1945, the Special Boat Sqaudron (SBS) established their base at Monte St. Angelo, strategically situated to take advantage of the Adriatic Sea for training purposes. This location provided the Special Boat Squadron operatives with the ideal environment to practice and refine their swimming abilities, a crucial skillset for their amphibious operations and maritime missions.
In the spring of 1945, the Special Boat Squadron established their base at Monte St. Angelo, strategically situated to take advantage of the Adriatic Sea for training purposes. This location provided the Special Boat Squadron operatives with the ideal environment to practice and refine their swimming abilities, a crucial skillset for their amphibious operations and maritime missions.
M Squadron with the spoils of war at Castelrosso, July 1944: top row: Ray Iggledon, John Johnson, Henry Smith and Albert May. Bottom row: Jim Horsfield, Ben Gunn, Jimmy Lees, Bill Mayall and Tommy Tucker.
M Squadron with the spoils of war at Castelrosso, July 1944: top row: Ray Iggledon, John Johnson, Henry Smith and Albert May. Bottom row: Jim Horsfield, Ben Gunn, Jimmy Lees, Bill Mayall and Tommy Tucker.
THE SPECIAL BOAT SQUADRON [SBS] IN THE AEGEAN AND DODECANESE DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR (HU 71358) SBS personnel with their canoes after the raid. Duggie Croydon sitting, centre. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205026688
THE SPECIAL BOAT SQUADRON [SBS] IN THE AEGEAN AND DODECANESE DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR (HU 71361) Major Andy Lassen (facing camera) in conversation with another officer during his last few days. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205026691
THE SPECIAL BOAT SQUADRON [SBS] IN THE AEGEAN AND DODECANESE DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR (HU 71360) An island on Lake Comacchio, Italy, which was held by SBS personnel. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205026690
Prisoners from the 162nd Turkoman Division at Comacchio, Italy, the soldiers responsible for the death of Anders Lassen.
Prisoners from the 162nd Turkoman Division at Comacchio, Italy, the soldiers responsible for the death of Anders Lassen.
A group of No. 1 Special Boat Section personnel from M Squadron who were wounded in the Comacchio Raid. Back row (left to right): Unknown, E R Hancock, Mick Conby, Randel. Front: Unknown, Cpl Pollock, Sgt Waite DCM, Sgt Reilly MM, Sgt Henderson MM.
A group of No. 1 Special Boat Section personnel from M Squadron who were wounded in the Comacchio Raid. Back row (left to right): Unknown, E R Hancock, Mick Conby, Randel. Front: Unknown, Cpl Pollock, Sgt Waite DCM, Sgt Reilly MM, Sgt Henderson MM.

Entry into Athens
ENTRY INTO ATHENS (NA 19460) Original wartime caption: Men of the Special Boat Service board a Greek Caique on 13th October for their journey to Athens. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205533741
ENTRY INTO ATHENS (NA 19461) Original wartime caption: The caique approached Athens late in the evening. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205533742
ENTRY INTO ATHENS (NA 19462) Original wartime caption: Early on the morning of 14th October, the camerman walked through Athens. The streets were almost deserted, and no -one was aware of the presence of the British troops. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205533743
ENTRY INTO ATHENS (NA 19463) Original wartime caption: A few early workers and shoppers carrying on as normal are the only signs of life in Athens early morning 14th October. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205533744
ENTRY INTO ATHENS (NA 19464) Original wartime caption: A soldier walks through a deserted street in Athens. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205533745
ENTRY INTO ATHENS (NA 19465) Original wartime caption: This man carried on unconcernedly with his job of washing steps without recognising the British uniform of the cameraman. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205533746
ENTRY INTO ATHENS (NA 19475) Original wartime caption: Cheering crowds stretch as far as the eye can see as trucks carrying British troops pass through the city. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205533751
ENTRY INTO ATHENS (NA 19473) Original wartime caption: Cheering crowds greet the trucks carrying British troops as they approach the centre of Athens. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205533750
ENTRY INTO ATHENS (NA 19474) A coach carrying British troops is mobbed by the excited crowd of Athenians Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205230234
ENTRY INTO ATHENS (NA 19469) Cheering girls of E.A.M. line the roads as our transport passes into Athens Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205230232
ENTRY INTO ATHENS (NA 19476) Original wartime caption: Cheering crowds stretch as far as the eye can see as trucks carrying British troops pass through the city. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205533752
ENTRY INTO ATHENS (NA 19472) Original wartime caption: A coach loaded with British troops is clapped and cheered as it passes through Athens. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205533749
Sergeant Herbert Chambers with fellow Special Boat Service soldiers in Athens, 1944.
Sergeant Herbert Chambers with fellow Special Boat Service soldiers in Athens, 1944.
ENTRY INTO ATHENS (NA 19479) Original wartime caption: From a wall in the Acroplois, troops look out over the city of Athens below. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205533755
Members of the Special Boat Squadron at the Pantheon in Athens in 1944.
Members of the Special Boat Squadron posing in front of the Pantheon in Athens in 1944.
ENTRY INTO ATHENS (NA 19471) This little Greek girl, was very shy at first, but as usual Tommy soon won her over. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205230233
ENTRY INTO ATHENS (NA 19478) Original wartime caption: British troops enter the Acroplois Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205533754
ENTRY INTO ATHENS (NA 19480) Original wartime caption: Once inside the Acropolis, the troops take time off to examine these famous ruins of a former civilisation. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205533756
Members of the Special Boat Squadron at the Acropolis in Athens in 1944.
ENTRY INTO ATHENS (NA 19482) Original wartime caption: Once inside the Acropolis, the troops take time off to examine these famous ruins of a former civilisation. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205533758
THE BRITISH ARMY IN GREECE 1944 (NA 19483) Men of ‘L’ Squadron SBS (Special Boat Squadron) investigate the ruins of the Acropolis in Athens, 13-14 October 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205204707
ENTRY INTO ATHENS (NA 19484) Original wartime caption: Once inside the Acropolis, the troops take time off to examine these famous ruins of a former civilisation. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205533759
ENTRY INTO ATHENS (NA 19481) Original wartime caption: Once inside the Acropolis, the troops take time off to examine these famous ruins of a former civilisation. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205533757