Operation Loyton

Allied Forces

• 2 Special Air Service

Axis Forces

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Operation

Operation Loyton is conceived as an offensive against enemy road and railway communications along the eastern frontier of France. The operation aims to disrupt major rail lines running westward from Strasbourg, specifically, the Strasbourg–Zabern line, which branches towards Metz and Nancy, the Strasbourg–Saint-Dié line, and the Strasbourg–Mulhouse–Belfort line. Additionally, the plan includes harassment of soft-skinned vehicles operating along road networks complementing these railways.

The original intent is to launch the operation shortly before or soon after D-Day, when enemy troop concentrations in the area remain relatively light. At that time, widespread partisan activity elsewhere in France is expected to divert German attention from the presence of Special Air Service units in this strategically sensitive region, situated astride their primary communications route to the Reich.

However, it is discovered too late that No. 38 Group is unable to deliver personnel or supplies to the area until the onset of longer hours of darkness in August. This results in significant delay. By the time Captain Druce’s reconnaissance party drops on the night of August 13^th, 1944, the Allied beachhead in Normandy has expanded to reach the Loire. German forces, increasingly convinced that a major retreat is unavoidable, begin to reorient their defensive posture.

Operation Loyton, Phase 1 Captain Druce’s Reconnaissance Party

Captain Druce leads a reconnaissance party into the Vosges region to assess its suitability for Operation Loyton. The party includes Captain Hislop (Phantom), Captain Goodfellow (Jedburgh “Jacob” team), Lieutenant Dill, Serjeants Hay, Lodge, Davis (Phantom), Seymour, and Privates Crossfield, Hall, Sullivan, Stanley, and Johnson, some of whom are from Phantom. Captain Gough and Captain Barreaux are also attached.

The primary objectives are to reconnoitre the Vosges area for operational suitability, identify secure bases, and locate suitable new Drop Zones for resupply and personnel insertion. In addition, a further Drop Zone is to be located further south towards Belfort. The ultimate aim is to disrupt key railway lines, Strasbourg to Saarburg, Strasbourg to Saint-Dié, and Mulhouse to Belfort, thereby hindering German logistics. As these railways become disabled, the party also intends to prepare to cover alternate road routes likely to be used by the Germans.

Captain Druce has limited familiarity with the Vosges, though he has previously passed through. Ground photographs provide a reasonable understanding of the terrain. The team carries arms for approximately 200 men. Colonel Franks authorises Captain Druce to distribute these as he deems appropriate, with the proviso that their recipients and their intended use are clearly identified. A Jedburgh team, codename “Jacob” led by Captain Gough, is assigned to accompany the mission and assist in arming local Maquis forces, who have arranged lighting at the Drop Zone.

Two Stirling aircraft depart Fairford aerodrome at approximately 22:00. Although Captain Druce expresses concern that Captain Goodfellow should be using either his real name or a French alias, it is too late to make the change. Major Power is also aboard one of the aircraft.

August 13th, 1944

The aircraft arrive over the Drop Zone near La Petite Raon between 01:45 and 02:00. The Drop Zone is lit with bonfires, visible for kilometres, posing a risk from both Allied and German aircraft. This method, although used for the first time here, is noted as unsuitable for future operations due to the lack of control.

The drop is executed in two sticks of seven and six men respectively, with a fifteen-minute interval. Captain Druce sustains a mild concussion during landing when his leg bag slips down and impedes movement. He speaks incoherently until around 04:30 to 05:00. Meanwhile, Captain Goodfellow establishes contact with Colonel Maximum, the local Maquis leader, and organises the retrieval of containers. Several leg kits are damaged, but most equipment is recovered. Some cigarettes are looted. All Special Air Service personnel are able to move independently, except Sergeant Seymour who sustains a twisted ankle and requires assistance. Captain Goodfellow remains behind, while the rest of the party proceeds to Maquis Camp B in the woods.

Around midday, Captain Goodfellow, Colonel Maximum, and his staff, Captain Jean, Captain Marks, Lieutenants Felix and Jean Serge, rejoin the main group for a conference. Captain Gough is found to speak little French; Lieutenant Felix is the only French officer with some English.

All containers are accounted for. The French Maquis assume the arms are theirs in exchange for providing the Drop Zone. Captain Goodfellow confirms this arrangement had been made in advance. The Maquis agree to feed, house, and defend the party as long as needed. A further meeting is arranged with Planet, the regional Maquis controller, from whom Captain Druce hopes to obtain critical intelligence. Guides appear useful at this stage, although this proves later to be false.

Still experiencing symptoms of concussion, Captain Druce avoids making formal requests or statements until the next conference.

The team moves to Camp A under Lieutenant Felix. It consists of rudimentary wooden huts on a hilltop, well-positioned for defence. The camp houses approximately 80 men, previously armed with 10–15 obsolete rifles. A second camp under Lieutenant Jean Serge holds a similar number and includes about 15 former Russian prisoners of war, led by Captain Marks. The party receives a good meal and rests.

August 14th, 1944

Planet is unable to attend, reportedly still in Nancy. This provides an opportunity to consolidate their position and allow Captain Hislop to transmit to London. He also begins instructing the Maquis on their new weapons. Colonel Maximum insists on radio transmissions being made at least eight kilometres from the camp to avoid direction-finding, a precaution that is respected. One Phantom operator is assigned to assist Captain Gough, as Sergeant Seymour remains immobile.

Lieutenant Felix proves amiable, though not particularly effective with his men. Military discipline is minimal, enforced only by a small core of ex-regular soldiers.

August 15th, 1944

A Canadian pilot, Fiddick, joins the group. He has been shot down and suffers from a leg injury, making walking difficult.

Planet, the regional Maquis controller, still fails to appear. One of Captain Hislop’s sets goes missing, though this causes little concern given the expectation of imminent resupply.

August 16th, 1944

Planet, the Maquis controller, finally arrives. Captain Druce and others meet with him and Colonel Maximum at the second camp. Captain Goodfellow leads the discussion, his bilingual skills making him the natural liaison. However, before the British side can make their proposals, Planet departs, he has travelled by train and is pressed for time. Captain Druce is frustrated by the lack of progress and decides to continue working through Lieutenant Felix.

Upon returning to their camp, the team hears reports of significant German troop presence in the Valley of Celles, estimates range from 1,000 to 5,000 men. No activity is reported in the Valley of Senones. The villagers of Allarmont flee into the hills, joining the Maquis. However, there are no weapons to arm them. Captain Druce doubles the guard and prepares for contingencies.

Colonel Maximum plans to visit the camp the following morning. There is rumour of a new Drop Zone near Celles. Colonel Maximum is focused on container drops for arms; Captain Druce, however, requires Drop Zones suitable for personnel. Although the Chatras area is suggested, it is considered too exposed. Captain Druce concludes that the base must remain in the wooded high Vosges, using Drop Zones further afield as needed. German troops have already visited the original Drop Zone, indicating their awareness of Allied activity.

August 17th, 1944

A French group attempting to escort Colonel Maximum is ambushed by a German patrol and suffers one fatality. The French report inconsistencies in the incident. Rifle fire is heard close to camp. With German patrols nearby and exaggerated reports circulating, Captain Druce orders the evacuation of Camp A and movement to Camp B under Lieutenant Jean Serge. Unarmed men from Allarmont and Vexaincourt are used as porters.

Captain Goodfellow and a small party remain behind to cover the withdrawal but lose contact. An Rendez Vous area is set. After a difficult two-hour march, the main group encounters a German patrol eating beside a path. They withdraw quietly, but a German soldier spots the last man and raises the alarm. He is shot immediately.

Later it emerges that their location has been betrayed by a member of the Maquis. The German patrol is estimated at 30–40 men, with reinforcements close by. The British position, on a slope between two paths, becomes untenable. Captain Druce orders dispersal to the Rendez Vous in small parties. Serjeant Seymour, still unable to walk, is left behind and captured. Attempts to recover radios fail as the porters flee. A timed explosive charge is attached to a Bergen; a subsequent explosion is heard.

Captain Druce, Lieutenant Dill, Lieutenant Felix and several Frenchmen escape south towards Moussey, where they are sheltered by Père Georges and given food at a nearby house. Along the way, many Maquis discard their weapons. German strength in the area is significant, with a general believed to be headquartered at Château Belval.

August 18th, 1944

Lieutenant Felix and his sergeant depart to inform Colonel Maximum and send a message to London explaining the situation and the delay in calling for further reinforcements. Four Frenchmen with valid papers disperse independently. Captain Druce remains with Lieutenant Dill and three Frenchmen. They are hidden and fed by M. Douit, who also collects intelligence. A concealed hide is prepared in a barn adjacent to the main road, from where they observe German traffic for four days.

German troops continue sweeping the woods north of their position. Movement to the RV is deemed impossible. Approximately 5,000 German troops are reported in the area.

August 19th, 1944

The party remains in hiding. The weather is hot, and the situation unchanged, no civilian movement is permitted, and German patrols remain active. The group is well-fed. A guide from Moussey, who promises to lead them to the Rendez-Vous Area, fails to appear. They decide to wait one more day before attempting to reach the Rendez-Vous Area independently. Forty-three men from Moussey have been deported by the Germans to Schirmeck and other locations.

August 21st, 1944

Captain Druce is awoken by the sound of Germans in the garden. The team prepares to resist but soon realises the soldiers are only installing a telephone line.

The guide once again fails to arrive. However, news comes of a Colonel Marlier, who is reported capable of assisting them out of the region and back to the new Maquis headquarters. M. Douit and his future son-in-law escort Captain Druce’s party to an Rendez-Vous Area where they meet Colonel Marlier’s contacts, three policemen from Senones. The French make considerable noise during movement, and the party is forced to sleep in straw within a house in Senones, despite the presence of approximately 100 Germans in the local school, believed to be from the Todt Organisation or a motorised unit.

August 22nd, 1944

Lieutenant Felix returns and informs Captain Druce that a new camp has been established, occupied by both French and British elements, including Captain Hislop, Privates Sullivan, Stanley, Johnson, Captain Barreaux, and Captain Gough. Captain Druce, concerned about the Rendez-Vous Area, urges Lieutenant Felix, who still has valid papers, to inspect the location and post a sentry. Felix complies, but without result. He is distressed to report that Colonel Maximum has demoted him to private for abandoning the previous camp, although he had acted under Captain Druce’s direct orders. Captain Druce vows to resolve the matter.

A new guide, Étienne, is assigned to escort them across the valley to join the new camp at Moyenmoutier. Though considered competent, Étienne becomes disoriented, and Captain Druce concludes his own map-reading skills are more reliable.

They reach their destination around 20:00. Captain Druce meets Clement, leader of one of the local Maquis “centuries”, essentially an unarmed, prospective hundred-man unit. Clement claims to know Colonel Maximum’s location, and, in civilian attire, Captain Druce insists on being taken there. The meeting results in a heated exchange over Clement revealing Colonel Maximum’s hideout, but the tension subsides. Colonel Maximum and his staff sharply criticise both Captain Druce and Lieutenant Felix for abandoning their camp.

Captain Druce reiterates that his mission is not to fight pitched battles but to establish conditions for the deployment of more Special Air Service personnel. Colonel Maximum initially claims the Germans know nothing about their camp, but then contradicts himself by stating that it has been betrayed by one of the Maquis. Captain Druce remains sceptical.

With confirmation that Captain Hislop has no radio, Captain Druce realises Colonel Maximum’s set is now his only contact with London. As the area appears to be stabilising, and provisions are adequate, Captain Druce decides to request the deployment of seven sticks to a Drop Zone at Veney, with aircraft loaded with arms to appease Colonel Maximum. The plan is to have these men disperse to sabotage railway and road targets, while Captain Druce moves south towards Belfort to complete the reconnaissance mission. Colonel Maximum promises to confirm the Drop Zone once Captain Druce verifies it.

He is informed that Captain Goodfellow, Sergeant Hay, Private Crossfield, and Flying Officer Fiddick have safely arrived. The situation begins to improve. Lieutenant Dill continues to offer valuable and steady support throughout.

Despite the curfew beginning at 19:00, Captain Druce risks returning to Moyenmoutier at 20:30, armed only with a pistol. He successfully evades German patrols on the road.

August 23rd, 1944

After several navigational errors by Clement, the group encounters a German patrol and observes a search at La Presle. They eventually reach the camp and reunite with the remainder of their stick. Individual accounts are shared.

Captain Goodfellow’s party had attempted to move south over the watershed, but encountered enemy patrols on August 18^th, 1944. Private Hall is killed. The survivors, minus Sergeant Lodge (who becomes separated en route to Allarmont), reach Pierre-Percée and are led by the French to Camp C.

Captain Hislop’s group, separated during the August 17^th, 1944, contact with the enemy, had crossed the Valley of Celles, found the RV empty, and returned to Senones, from where they are guided to Camp C. There are unconfirmed sightings of two Englishmen heading towards Saint-Dié, possibly Sergeant Lodge and Sergeant Davis. A sentry is placed at the Rendez Vous Area in case of further arrivals.

Morale is affected by conflicting and often gruesome rumours surrounding Sergeant Seymour’s fate, including claims of suicide, execution, or bayoneting. Captain Jean’s reports, however, remain relatively reliable.

Camp C, under Captain Jean Serge, is exposed and cold at night, but food is satisfactory. Captain Barreaux continues his work for Special Ooperations Executive.

August 24th, 1944

Captain Druce reconnoitres the Drop Zone at Veney and finds it suitable. They now await confirmation from London.

August 25th, 1944

A Jedburgh Team, comprising Captain Marseil and Major Denny, is dropped during the night.

News arrives that Colonel Maximum’s radio has been captured by the Germans at Neufmaisons, and the operators arrested. Captain Druce’s message had already been sent to Nancy for onward transmission via Planet. However, with all communications with Nancy now severed, no changes, cancellations, or replies can be received. In light of this, Captain Druce sends Captain Goodfellow through the lines to England to report the situation and the lack of communications.

Although not in good physical condition, Captain Goodfellow is chosen because his liaison duties are temporarily redundant. Felix accompanies him as guide. Captain Druce expects their crossing to take no more than 48 hours. However, Captain Goodfellow delays departure by two days to prepare papers, an action that disappoints Captain Druce. He notes that Goodfellow’s divided identity, being seen by the British as a Frenchman and by the French as a mere English speaker, hampers his effectiveness, unlike the respected Captain Barreaux.

August 26th, 1944

Aircraft are heard flying low at night. Flying Officer Fiddick identifies them as Stirlings. There is no coded BBC signal, so no drops are expected. Nevertheless, the presence of Allied aircraft is suspected.

August 29th, 1944

A Special Air Service party, comprising Major P. le Poer Power, Lieutenant J.A. McGregor, Corporals Arnold, Robinson, and Mikolayczak, and Privates Sutton, McQueen, Green, Marchand, and Weaver, departs Fairford during the night. Their intended drop zone is signalled earlier by Maquis leader Planet. However, two Drop Zones are received from Planet on the same day. One of these, is chosen, although it lies further from Captain Druce’s reported location.

August 28th, 1944

During the night, the entire available team of Captain Druce assembles at Drop Zone Veney but nothing arrives. Spirits are low. Sergeants Lodge and Davis remain missing and are presumed lost. The party is demoralised and tempted to engage enemy units out of frustration.

Meanwhile, the drop takes place at 00:30 from 210 to 240 metres, but the actual Drop Zone turns out to be, approximately 13 kilometres east-south-east of the intended location. The mistake is attributed to the presence of lit markers on the incorrect Drop Zone. Lieutenant McGregor and Major Power land on the Drop Zone’s edge while the rest of the party is scattered through nearby woods. Within 45 minutes, the group is recovered with help from surprised but cooperative Maquis using torches and loud calls.

No containers are found. Instead, a second aircraft drops Major Brown and his Jedburgh team, confirming the Drop Zone mix-up. It is revealed that the Maquis reception committee is newly formed and unaware of the Special Air Service or Planet’s arrangements.

The party of Major le Poer Power is moved by truck to woods by 02:30. They separate from Major Brown’s group, who subsequently disappear. Later, Maquis officers escort the Special Air Service to a larger, better organised Maquis unit of about 230 men, albeit poorly armed. Their commander, Captain Marseil, promises contact with Major Denny’s Jedburgh team in the Foret de Charmes.

August 29th, 1944

A camp move is undertaken due to the threat of a German attack. Numerous volunteers arrive, driven from nearby villages by German sweeps. Most are unarmed and untrained, highlighting once again the danger posed by an influx of poorly equipped fighters. Maquis leaders are reportedly executing Milice collaborators. Two young Milicien prostitutes, aged 15 and 16, are brought to camp and kept under lax supervision. They later escape and begin denouncing suspected Maquis sympathisers to the Germans, compromising local security. Food shortages arise due to the swelling numbers.

Captain Marseil and Major Denny arrive Major le Poer Power Headquarters. While awaiting developments, Major le Poer Power gathers intelligence on German troop dispositions and bombing targets, including an SS Headquarters at Vincey and a petrol dump at Nomexy. Both are later bombed with confirmed success.

Major Denny reports having been dropped four days earlier and confirms Planet’s unreliability. With no clear aid from Planet, now inaccessible in German-controlled Nancy, Major Denny attempts to arrange a parachute drop for the Maquis using the Special Air Service wireless set.

August 30th, 1944

A German patrol is spotted near the Veney–Bertrichamps road and opens fire without effect. A Frenchman named Fouch, allegedly foraging for mushrooms, is apprehended and brought in for interrogation. At 19:00, a runner delivers word of an expected parachute drop that night. With enemy activity nearby, Captain Druce leads the British element swiftly to the Drop zone, with Captain Barreaux and the French to follow after striking camp. By 22:30, the party is assembled.

At Major le Poer Power’s Headquarters, the American operator Major Denny sends another message. Intelligence warns of 300 German troops advancing toward the Foret de Charmes. Major le Poer Power’s Party stands by to withdraw.

August 31st, 1944

Major le Poer Power’s group relocates after dark, later moving to larger woods. The day is marked by poor weather and lack of food.

Operation Loyton, Phase 2

September 1st, 1944

At 03:00, aircraft arrive. Containers and two men land in the trees. Rumours of German troop concentrations near Pexonne intensify the urgency to clear the Drop Zone swiftly. One container explodes, and a pannier ignites upon landing. Captain Druce attempts to evacuate the reinforcements immediately, but no secure camp is available.

During the collection of supplies, the prisoner Fouch seizes a Sten gun and attempts escape. His Russian guards, speaking German, shout “Achtung”. Mistaking the alert for an enemy attack, the Maquis open fire or flee in panic. Fouch is recaptured and executed on Captain Druce’s orders by Captain Barreaux at close range. The next morning, the body has vanished. It is later suggested he had worn a bulletproof vest.

Colonel Franks withdraws into the woods. Captain Druce searches but fails to locate him. He assembles approximately 14 British personnel and decides to withdraw from the Drop Zone before daylight. Most containers are looted by the Maquis. One Frenchman dies from over-eating, another suffers a fatal stroke after consuming plastic explosive, and a third is wounded in the chaos.

Lieutenant Colonel Franks and his party, depart Fairford Aerodrome shortly after midnight in two Stirling aircraft. The flight is uneventful. All sticks drop successfully on the designated Drop Zone near Veney. Some personnel land in trees and all experience difficulty with leg bags. The party quickly assembles around the Drop Zone lights. Containers are dropped simultaneously, one of which explodes and ignites on the ground. Captain Druce greets the party upon arrival, along with a number of noisy French personnel. Despite the confusion, Captain Druce manages the situation, and the removal of equipment from the Drop Zone begins in an orderly manner.

After approximately ninety minutes, gunfire and shouting erupt. Lieutenant Colonel Franks is informed that the Germans have attacked, which he finds plausible given the level of noise. He and Lieutenant Dill flank the firing to assess the situation but find no enemy presence; the firing has ceased. They withdraw to lie low in the woods south of the Drop Zone.

At daybreak, Captain Whatley Smith, Squadron Sergeant Major White, Sergeant Hay, most of Lieutenant Marx’s stick, and Captain Druce cross the Veney–Bertrichamps road. Shelling is later heard targeting the old camp. The burden of overloaded packs forces them to abandon excess equipment. By nightfall, they are above Celles, cross the valley, and bivouac in the woods. The absence of sleeping bags makes rest difficult.

During the day, sporadic small-arms fire and shelling overhead is heard, which later proves to have been directed at a recently evacuated Maquis camp.

In the evening, Lieutenant Dill reports that Maquis leaders are at a nearby farmhouse. Lieutenant Colonel Franks visits the farm after dark and meets Captains Marks and Barreaux (Jedburgh). Captain Gough (Jedburgh) has remained with him throughout the day. The farm hosts some of the British party, but the whereabouts of others remain unknown. The confusion on the Drop Zone is later attributed to Russian Maquis personnel who speak only German and are mistakenly identified as enemy troops. One of them dies after consuming a stick of plastic explosive, exacerbating the chaos.

Meanwhile, a planned parachute drop for Major Le Poer Power’s party is scheduled south-west of St. Rémy. On the Drop Zone, Major Le Poer Power meets Major Denny, who reiterates Planet’s indifference and failure to assist. Major Power arranges a truck via Captain Moran for travel to the Vosges.

The parachute drop is successful, arms for 200 men are received. An ammunition dump is reported as a bombing target, but no confirmation is received.

September 2nd, 1944

Captain Whatley Smith, Squadron Sergeant Major White, Sergeant Hay, most of Lieutenant Marx’s stick, and Captain Druce reach the former Maquis headquarters at La Trouche, where they receive food and shelter. While the men rest, Captain Druce meets Colonel Franks. The unit is reunited. Captain Druce briefs Colonel Franks on events since his arrival.

Lieutenant Colonel Franks meets Colonel Maximum, Forces Françaises de l’Intérieur representative Reciproque, and Captain Jean. Colonel Maximum is displeased, believing the Drop Zone compromised and lamenting the lack of weapons for his 400 unarmed men. Lieutenant Colonel Franks promises to request arms resupply. Colonel Maximum agrees to provide reliable guides and porters.

Captain Miller and Lieutenant Marx are dispatched to reconnoitre the Baccarat, Raon l’Étape road and attempt to acquire a vehicle.

Captain Moran proves unreachable for Major Le Poer Power’s party. The party relocates to Saint Rémy and resides there. The Maquis seize Charmes that afternoon.

September 3rd, 1944

Captain Miller reports vehicular traffic, mostly horse-drawn and eastbound, on the Baccarat – Raon l’Étape road. They secure a vehicle later that day in Bertrichamps.

Captain Druce arrives at the farm with the remaining personnel. He, Colonel Maximum, and Lieutenant Colonel Franks confer on future operations. Only plastic explosives and ammunition from the initial drop remain intact.

Major Le Poer Power and Marchand visit Captain Moran’s Headquarters, situated in a chateau. A German mortar attack begins shortly after arrival; Captain Moran is killed. Attempting to return, the party encounters advancing Germans but withdraw without incident. German half-tracks are later seen, prompting further evasion. On return, it is reported that Maquis fire caused two German tanks to withdraw from Saint Rémy.

September 4th, 1944

Captain Druce is sent to reconnoitre the Pierre-Percée area for a potential base where he meets Mrs. Myrhiam Le Rolland. Lieutenant Colonel Franks and Captain Sykes reconnoitre Baccarat and observe a gunsite near the town. That afternoon, they hear small-arms fire from the direction of Veney. It transpires that Maquis have destroyed a German lorry, killing eight. In retaliation, a large German force surrounds and attacks, resulting in approximately 250 Maquis casualties.

Captain Druce returns, confirming the suitability of Pierre-Percée as a base. He contacts the Mayor, M. Michel, who reports no German presence for a month. Druce attempts, unsuccessfully, to seize a vehicle belonging to a known collaborator, Fouch. At dusk, approximately one German company is sighted approaching the farm. The entire party, including unarmed Maquis and civilians, evacuates through the rear. The farm is later burned.

Meanwhile Major Le Poer Power’s party secures ten bicycles from Charmes. Corporal Arnold travels in a Maquis truck due to equipment failure. The group regroups in the Foret de Sainte Barbe and selects houses as a lay-up position, resting in woods behind the settlement.

September 5th, 1944

Lieutenant Colonel Franks leads his immediate party to Pierre-Percée, arriving at V 398854. Captain Druce follows with the remainder. Jojo, a Frenchman, is appointed aspirant to oversee the twenty French brought with them. A re-supply signal, codeword “Wren”, is sent. That night, two aircraft deliver supplies near the base. One plane carries arms for 100 men. Some containers and panniers land in trees. Contents include food and explosives, stored in two separate cache sites. Two containers with candles are damaged.

Major Le Poer Power enlists a local forest guard gather food and intelligence. That evening, Jean, a former Maquis member, agrees to supply food and a guide across the River Meurthe.

September 6th, 1944

The day is spent organising the base and arranging food supplies through a local inhabitant. Captain Druce recovers a pannier in the village and is then sent, with Captain Whatley Smith, to a Drop Zone near Neufmaisons for the arrival of Major Reynolds and reinforcements.

Former Maquis member, Jean returns to Major Le Poer Power’s party with Simone, a female Maquis member. She reports an Machine Gun post covering the river crossing. Jean offers to guide the party to a more secure section of the forest.

September 7th, 1944

The first aircraft arrives with Major D.B. Reynolds Party onboard. Fog obscures the Drop Z lights, delaying collection. All personnel are eventually accounted for except Sergeants Fitzpatrick, Conway, and Elliott. Reports later indicate three British soldiers, including one with both legs broken, are captured in Pexonne. The second aircraft, carrying Captain Scott’s stick, aborts due to visibility.

Lieutenant Colonel Franks and Captain Druce meet Lieutenants Henri and Jean Serge at La Jus, a forester’s house, to arrange arms distribution. To maintain operational security, a separate Rendez-Vous Area is set. En route, they reconnoitre Celles, where few Germans are present but the population is fearful.

During the day, Major Le Poer Power’s party sets two ambushes on the Sainte Barbe to Thiaville and the Saint Benoît to Raon l’Étape roads. No contact is made. Jean scouts footbridges near Saint Blaise.

Lieutenant Marx’s party consisting of nine other ranks, and two Maquis operatives depart on a mission with two Bren guns and eighteen tyre bursters. Private Griffin is left behind due to medical unfitness. The party departs at 11:00 and reaches the area west of Allarmont, by 18:45. The Maquis secure provisions locally.

September 8th, 1944

A German force of approximately 150 men discovers several parachutes from Major Reynolds’ drop.

Lieutenant Marx’s stick is assigned to target soft-skinned transport on the Celles – Allarmont and Badonvillers, Allarmont roads near a junction. Commandant Derringer is dispatched to liaise with Captain Jean of theMaquis intelligence, and Lieutenant Black is tasked with observing the Celles to Raon l’Étape road.

Desertions among the 25 Maquis prompt Lieutenant Colonel Franks to begin searching for a new base. Arms for 100 men are transferred to the Maquis at a crossroad. Here, Captain Miller discovers a pannier in a tree. Captain Druce reports German activity near Neufmaisons and the discovery of parachutes from Major Reynolds’ drop. No resupply occurs due to weather.

Sergeant Terry-Hall and Lieutenant Marx reconnoitre the roads from Celles-sur-Plaine to Brouville, and from Badonvillers to Celles. Traffic is minimal, and ambush positions are unsuitable. Due to heavy rain, the group shelters in a blockhouse. At 20:30, Privates Cowing and Garth depart to lay tyre bursters, three clusters of on vrious roads within the same grid. They return at 00:20 the nest day.

September 9th, 1944

Major Reynolds and Captain Whatley Smith are sent to reconnoitre a new base. At 11:00, German troops arrive and fire on Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant Taylor near the secondary supply cache. Approximately 120 Germans, transported in lorries, occupy an unassailable position 600 metres away. Enemy troops are also reported to the rear.

Captain Druce confirms a possible escape route. The main base is evacuated without further contact and the unit regroups. Captain Druce, in civilian attire, scouts Celles and encounters a platoon of German foragers. He also meets Jean Serge, who confirms that the Maquis unit has disbanded and concealed their arms.

Separated from the main party, Major Whately-Smith and Major Reynolds are engaged by a German patrol. Major Reynolds sustains a gunshot wound to the left forearm, which prevents them from reaching their scheduled rendezvous.

One Maquis member of Lieutenant Marx’s Party departs unwell, absconding with Lieutenant Marx’s belt, compass, and Colt pistol, though leaving behind a Bren gun. At 10:00, Private Ferrandi and the remaining Maquis go for food. A farmer’s wife reports that two German vehicles were allegedly disabled by explosions but had been towed away. At 10:45, the party relocates. Bren guns are cleaned, a light meal is taken, and Lieutenant Marx reconnoitres ambush positions with Sergeant Terry-Hall and Corporal Iveson. Privates Cowing and Young are lost; Sergeant Terry-Hall searches but fails to locate them.

At La Chapelotte, the team unexpectedly encounters six Germans and a blonde woman. They find cover in a nearby slit trench. After ten minutes of shouting and sporadic fire, the Germans withdraw. The patrol regroups, and the party is split into two ambush sections:

Ambush Party 1:

• Lieutenant Marx and Private Pritchard (Bren)
• Sergeant Terry-Hall and Private Crozier (Bren)
• Chanson (Maquis), Private Ferrandi, Corporal Iveson

Ambush Party 2:

• Private Garth (Thompson SMG) and Private Lewis (carbine), positioned to counter any German patrols.

The ambush is laid at La Chapelotte. A 5-ton lorry appears; Private Pritchard fires an entire magazine through the windscreen, halting the vehicle. Sergeant Terry-Hall’s Bren misfires, and he retreats. Lieutenant Marx attempts to reposition but the Germans flee into the woods. He sends men to retrieve the rear guard. As the party begins to move, German fire erupts from the valley. Sergeant Terry-Hall, Corporal Iveson, and Private Crozier are seen fleeing along the track, pursued by dogs. The rest of the party, Lieutenant Marx, Garth, Pritchard, Ferrandi, Lewis, and Chanson, retreat to high ground.

Simone brings word of a possible German encirclement, which Major Le Poer Power deems unlikely. The group hides in dense undergrowth.

Jean receives conflicting instructions from a Maquis lieutenant, he is told to report to Pierre-Percée but not to bring the Special Air Service Party. Jean reports the footbridges in Saint Blaise are unguarded.

September 10th, 1944

At 03:00, the unit crosses the Celles valley and establishes a new base. Captain Miller reconnoitres new Drop Zones but finds out that none are suitable. The new position, though easy to defend and equipped with a strong Bren gun emplacement, proves vulnerable due to undisciplined French personnel manning the weapon. Lieutenant Colonel Franks broadcasts a message to Major Reynolds, Captain Whatley Smith, and Lieutenant Marx directing them to a new map reference.

German voices are heard below by Lieutenant Marx’s Party. Pierre-Percée is bustling with German vehicle movement. The party moves and halts. At 18:30, Privates Chanson and Ferrandi are sent for food. They return with Private Bennett but no rations. A second attempt yields only potatoes.

An urgent wireless message from Brigade orders Major Le Poer Power’s party to destruct the railway line from Lunéville to Saint-Dié. Lacking explosives, Corporals Arnold, Mikolayczak, and Private Sutton are sent to Charmes to obtain them. Lieutenant McGregor and Signaller Green remain with the set to await their return. Major Le Poer Power instructs McGregor to carry out the sabotage if possible. That night, Major Power, Corporal Robinson, Private Weaver, and Marchand cross the Meurthe.

September 11th, 1944

A German patrol of approximately 30 men advances up a gully between 09:30 and 10:30. French personnel abandon the Bren gun post. Despite enemy proximity as close as 5 to 10 metres, no engagement occurs. Lieutenant Black is ordered to ambush the enemy but fails to do so in time. With the base compromised, Lieutenant Colonel Franks withdraws the party (excluding Lieutenant Black’s stick) to the Rendez-Vous Area at Lac de la Maix. A resupply request is sent to Drop Zone Anatomy.

Captain Druce retrieves food from a forester and reunites with Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant Taylor, Lance Corporal Webb, Corporal Redhead, and Jojo. He makes a second food run to Vexaincourt. Due to increased German patrols, the base is relocated near Moussey.

Squadron Sergeant Major George White is sent to locate Major Reynolds, Captain Whatley Smith, and Lieutenant Marx. Unknown to the Squadron Sergeant Major, is that from that afternoon on until October 30th, 1944, Major Whately-Smith and Major Reynolds are sheltered by Mr. Freddy Le Rolland and Mrs. Myrhiam Le Rolland, a Parisian couple who have retired to Pierre-Percée. Mrs. Le Rolland, a former senior nurse with 25 years of service in Paris hospitals, treats Major Reynolds’ wound, halts the onset of gangrene, and prepares for potential amputation. The Le Rollands hide the two officers in a remote cavern within walking distance and provide them with food and care. They come to love the officers as sons.

A Wireless Transmission message instructs Lieutenant Marx to attend an Rendez-V at Vous daily at 11:00 at an instructed site. The party obtains food that evening.

The crossing party from Major Le Poer Power’s party contacts a forest guard. Reports of British in the area prove contradictory.

September 12th, 1944

A new base is established by Lieutenant Colonel Franks.

Lieutenant Marx’s Party departs at 05:00, crosses the road, and reaches the Drop Zone by 07:30 hrs. The 2^nd in Command and adjutant do not appear. At 14:00 hrs, a new Wireless Transmission message cancels the Rendez-Vous, promising further instructions. Locals report that one Special Air Service man has been captured, possibly Private Griffin. The party waits overnight on Drop Zone Anatomy for resupply, but only one Special Forces aircraft appears. No drop is made.

Three escaped Russian Prisoners Of War join Major Le Poer Power’s party.

Lieutenant McGregor’s party moves toward the Saint-Dié area to sabotage the railway line. The route passes through Saint-Benoît, road junction. At a certain point, they encounter a Hindu ex-prisoner of war from Épinal, who joins the group and performs sentry duty despite proving a significant nuisance. He is nicknamed “Rastus” and later crosses the lines with the party.

September 13th, 1944

Lieutenant Colonel Franks Party spends the day sheltering in a barn. Poor visibility again prevents the resupply.

Lieutenant Marx’s Party recieves a new Wireless Transmission message arrives at 14:00 instructing the party to Rendez-Vous at new designated area. The party departs at 14:50.

An officer from Colonel Marlier’s Maquis confirms to Major Le Poer that British troops are located near Senones and preparing to move to Moussey. He promises to facilitate contact. Le Poer Power’s party moves to a sawmill.

Here, a message is sent requesting a supply drop at Drop Zone Anatomy for Colonel Marlier. London replies, reporting Lieutenant Colonel Franks’ presence in Pierre-Percée, conflicting with local accounts stating British troops were driven out five days earlier.

September 14th, 1944

Lieutenant Colonel Franks establishes contact with Colonel Marlier’s Maquis. In return for promised arms, Colonel Marlier agrees to provide Drop Zone support personnel. Two Drop Zones are identified: Le Rain de la Vierge for standard resupply, and another for personnel and jeeps.

Colonel Marlier’s liaison arrives late but lacks knowledge of Special Air Service positions of Lieutenant Colonel Franks’ troops. Major Le Poer Power resolves to investigate personally. That night, the team crosses the Celles valley and contacts a forester, who claims the Special Air Service have vacated Pierre-Percée. He mentions Captain Druce had visited the previous day and another group of 25 had been in nearby woods.

Lieutenant Marx’s Party reach the Rendez-Vous area at 13:45 and successfully rejoin the main base.

September 15th, 1944

A successful drop is received durin the night. Etienne and thirty Maquis personnel assist; Etienne later dies of heart failure.

The patrol of Lieutenant Marx returns to Headquarters.

Lieutenant Colonel Franks learns from Etienne that Major Le Poer Power has arrived in the area. Corporal Robinson from Power’s party is located by a French runner and sent to guide the remainder to base.

The forester Major Le Poer Power’s party contacted, one day earlier, returns late without new intelligence. Several locals provide food and limited information.

Lieutenant McGregor’s party contact two Maquis who had previously worked with Lieutenant Colonel Franks. These guides lead the party through German-held areas to the railway bridge. That night, a charge is laid with a pull switch at 21:30, and the party lies in wait for trains over the following three nights, none appear.

September 16th, 1944

A resupply operation delivers 18 containers overnight. Unfortunately, no tyre bursters or grenades are included, despite earlier requests.

No German forces are present in Moussey; only occasional transient activity occurs nearby. It appears increasingly feasible to establish a more secure base.

A broadcast message is sent to Lieutenant Black, instructing him to Rendez-Vous at a designated area.

A local chemist brings a man to Major Le Poer Power’s party willing to deliver a note to the British, with an expected two-day delay for a reply. Two parties, one of five, another of eight, are reported nearby. A note is dispatched. At 14:00, Major Le Poer Power returns to check on Corporal Robinson and Private Weaver. There he finds that a messenger has collected Corporal Robinson to bring him to Lieutenant Colonel Franks.

Sergeants Fitzpatrick, Conway, and Elliott from Major Reynolds Party, are captured in a farmhouse in Pexonne.

September 17th, 1944

Lieutenant Colonel Franks meets Colonel Maximum, who admits his Maquis are now dispersed and ineffective. He provides valuable intelligence on German positions. Lieutenant Colonel Franks promises to request a wireless set and operator for him via Special Forces Headquarters.

Corporal Robinson returns in the evening to Major Le Poer Power, confirming contact with Lieutenant Colonel Franks. The party is cleared to join headquarters the following day. He is accompanied by Private Robb, an additional guide. Several Special Air Service parties remain unaccounted for, including Major Reynolds’.

Agent 162200 reports four trains loaded with tanks and ammunition are stationary at Saint-Dié station due to a blocked line. This intelligence is passed on, but the trains remain undamaged two days later.

That evening, Colonel Marlier confirms his willingness to support Allied efforts. Another scheduled resupply fails to arrive.

September 18th, 1944

Privates Marchand and Robb are sent back to the Celles valley to await a response to the dispatched note. Major Le Poer Power, Private Weaver, and Corporal Robinson proceed to Colonel Franks’ Headquarters, arriving at 14:00. They are guided in by Robinson and Private Robb. Power reports that Lieutenant McGregor remains east of the Meurthe.

Captain Druce reports contact with Rossi Millelire, who claims to have worked in Berlin on a weapon capable of disrupting wireless transmissions. A signal is sent offering to extract him, but London instructs that he remain until the American advance.

Colonel Marlier expresses concern over two Arab agents suspected of working for the Milice. After a lengthy search, Captain Druce captures both, and they are executed.

Captain Miller is sent to sabotage the Celles to Allarmont railway line.

Inclement weather leads to the cancellation of another planned drop of reinforcements overnight.

September 19th, 1944

Lieutenant Marx departs with Lance Corporals Garth and Pritchard, and Privates Ferrandi and Salthouse. Each carries five pounds of plastic explosive, one dozen tyre bursters, four pressure switches, fog signals, detonators, primers, and two 24-hour rations. The party heads for the Saint-Blaise area as base of operations.

That night, three jeeps, six men, and nine containers are successfully dropped. Remaining aircraft are recalled due to deteriorating weather.

After waiting for three days, Lieutenant McGregor’s party places a new charge with fog signals on the railroad. When a train finally appears, its cowcatcher clears the fog signals without detonating the device.

Sergeants Fitzpatrick, Conway, and Elliott from Major Reynolds Party, are executed by the Gestapo.

September 20th, 1944

Lieutenant Colonel Franks, Major Power, and Lieutenant Dill conduct a jeep reconnaissance of the Senones area. Several ambushes are set but yield no targets.

Lieutenant Marx’s party departs at 10:10 hrs, arriving in the operational area by 11:15 hrs. A reconnaissance of the Belval to St. Blaise La Roche road is conducted. At night, three tyre bursters with ¼ lb plastic each are laid.

Captain Miller’s party returns. They report planting charges on the light railway line, using time pencils and fog signals. A train passes half an hour before the explosion is heard. Intense small-arms fire follows, suggesting success.

September 21st, 1944

Captain Miller, equipped with a bazooka, engages a staff car on the Moyenmoutier, Senones road at 100 metres. The projectile passes through the vehicle without detonating (it proves to be a training round), immobilising the car and halting a convoy for over two hours.

At 05:30 hrs, Lieutenant Marx’s party retrieves the bursters due to no traffic. At 09:15, Pritchard and Salthouse are dispatched with a message to the Lieutenant Colonel Franks. At 21:30, three tyre bursters are relaid.

Lieutenant Colonel Franks, Major Power, and Lieutenant Dill identify camouflaged German tanks, four kilometres south of Senones. That evening, both jeeps are positioned close to the tanks and use their headlights to illuminate potential targets, but no movement is detected.

Three additional jeeps and fourteen men, including Captain McGibbon Lewis, are dropped. One jeep lands in trees and is difficult to retrieve.

September 22nd, 1944

Following a briefing by Lieutenant Colonel Franks, Sergeant Thorpe departs with Corporal Larley, Crossfield, Robb, and Lance Corporal Marchand during the night for a patol in the Provenchères area. They reach their lay up and bivouac for the night.

At 07:25, a truck detonates one tyre burster of Lieutenant Marx’s party. The vehicle loses a wheel, and crashes. Two men return from base with a message. At 19:15, Ferrandi and Salthouse lay a charge with plastic and pressure switch.

A signal from London indicates American forces are expected to reach the area by September 19^th, 1944. Lieutenant Colonel Franks deploys his force accordingly:

• Captain Miller, Lieutenants Silly and Swayne, and six men are assigned to the Senones to Moyenmoutier road.
• Six jeep teams are organised under Lieutenant Colonel Franks’ overall command and sent out in pairs, with designated crews (see original list).

All six jeeps depart at 17:00 hrs via Moussey, reaching the wood by nightfall.

September 23rd, 1944

At dawn, Captain Druce and Lieutenant Manners set up an ambush. French civilians compromise their position. The only vehicle engaged is an electric brougham driven by Mayor Pi of Moyenmoutier, who emerges unscathed. He later gifts two bottles of champagne with a note thanking the British for the “volley fired in his honour.”

Also at first light, Sergeant Thorpe’s patrol encounters a concentration of German troops at Au Renclos. A wide detour is made via Menil–Chatas road, reaching a lay up, where contact is made with the Maquis. They report the Battant-de-Bourras – Denipaire road is under heavy German guard. The patrol stumbles upon a German-guarded French working party. The Germans retreat on sight after which the patrol lays up for the night. Intelligence confirms the Germans are heavily mining and fortifying the road.

At 05:55, a half-track triggers the pressure switch set by Lieutenant Marx’s party and is destroyed. The group moves to Champanay. Locals report Maquis Colonel and liaison officer arrested.

Jeep teams under Lieutenant Colonel Franks begin reconnaissance of the Celles valley. Major Power and Captain McGibbon Lewis are dispatched to ambush a road. Shortly after, gunfire is heard and the two jeeps return, reporting the destruction of three staff cars and one troop transport.

Unable to cross the road, Lieutenant Colonel Franks and Lieutenant Dill proceed cross-country to set an ambush. The road is too close to enemy-occupied Allarmont. While exploring a potential exit route, they are spotted by a German patrol. An engagement follows. The first jeep overturns and is abandoned; the second is trapped by roadblocks. Both officers escape on foot and hide overnight in Père Georges’ barn.

September 24th, 1944

Sergeant Thorpe’s patrol advances. Corporal Larley and Marchand reconnoitre the area and report favourable conditions for enemy traffic. A night reconnaissance confirms long lulls in road traffic.

Meanwhil, Lieutenant Marx and Private Ferrandi attempt to secure food but narrowly evade a German patrol. The household had betrayed them. Local sources report that approximately 600 members of the Hitler Jugend are fortifying positions near the Col du Hantz. The patrol relocates to another shelter.

German troops arrive in Moussey early. The unit retreats. Torrential rain over four days has lowered morale. Lieutenant Colonel Franks disperses the force into civilian dwellings for shelter, establishing headquarters at Père Georges’ barn.

September 25th, 1944

Major Le Poer Power returns with three jeeps. Captain Druce has already arrived with a damaged jeep. He reports multiple successful engagements in La Petite Raon, Le Puid, Le Vermont, and Moussey, with an estimated 15–20 enemy killed from over 400 rounds fired.

Major Le Poer Power, having regrouped with Captain Druce, shelters overnight near Coichot. Poor terrain prevents further jeep movement across the valley. During the day, they ambush a staff car on the Senones to Moyenmoutier road. Results are unconfirmed. The attack provokes heavy German fire. Major Le Poer Power returns to base before dusk and brings the 21^st Panzer Division’s order of battle, obtained from Commandant Marcel.

Sergeant Thorpe’s patrol relocates during the day, charges are laid between road junction and Frapelle just after midnight.

Meanwhile, Pritchard and a French civilian of Lieutenant Marx’s party secure food and return with a captured German sergeant major. The prisoner is executed by Ferrandi and Salthouse in a nearby wood. Marx reconnoitre but finds the area heavily patrolled. The group withdraws.

September 26th, 1944

Sergeant Thorpe and Marchand, in borrowed civilian clothing and bicycles, conduct a reconnaissance. They confirm four enemy vehicles were damaged or destroyed, including one with a broken axle. Another vehicle was driven off the road, resulting in one German fatality. Intelligence indicates German units are retreating from the Saint Dié sector. The group refrains from operating due to increased German patrols.

Captain Miller, Lieutenants Swayne and Silly return from patrols. The day is spent refitting. Lieutenant Silly’s improvised mines destroy two staff cars and a three-ton lorry. Lieutenant Swayne engages a German patrol and brings back valuable intelligence.

Lieutenant McGregor’s party relocates and lodges in a farm owned by a courageous local Madame. Despite frequent German activity, she regularly provides food and even hosts the group upstairs while Germans occupy the lower floor. She supplies cigarettes and valuable information about the American front line.

September 27th, 1944

During the night, Sergeant Thorpe’s Patrol, lays charges on the road near Neuvillers-sur-Fave. At 05:00, a charge is triggered, killing a horse. The area is thoroughly searched by German forces.

Lieutenant Colonel Franks and Major Power reconnoitre a new jeep base and relocate their vehicles there.

Using three 1 lb plastic charges and fog signals, Lieutenant Marx’s party Lieutenant Marx’s party sabotages both railway lines in their operational area. At 22:15, a train is derailed as it passes over the charges.

September 28th, 1944

Crossing the Fave River, Sergeant Thorpe’s Patrol lays charges on the railway line using a fog signal pressure switch and a time pencil as a backup. At 04:25, the delayed charge detonates. Subsequent noise suggests a train derailment. Captain Druce later confirms the Royal Air Force observed a derailment at this location.

Lieutenant Colonel Franks and Captain Christopher Sykes set out around midday for Pierre-Percée, following reports that Major Reynolds and Major Whately-Smith may be at a farm in the vicinity. Ambushed en route, they are forced to withdraw, though they kill at least one German soldier. They divert, where they find Captain McGibbon Lewis and two German prisoners. The prisoners falsely claim that the Americans are in Badonvillers.

The remainder of the day is spent on billeting and food arrangements. Captain Druce is selected to cross into American lines to deliver intelligence and documents obtained by Major Power.

That night’s resupply is successful but scattered due to high-altitude release.

Food is secured by Lieutenant Marx’s party. Locals confirm that the derailed train was subsequently bombed by the Royal Air Force. The frontier guard force has increased due to the unexplained disappearance of one of their number. The group relocates. A wireless message is received that evening: “Do not return base. Further instructions later.”

September 29th, 1944

Sergeant Thorpe and his team begins its return at 06:00, retracing its route. They cross a heavily trafficked main road and report to Lieutenant Colonel Franks headquarters at approximately 12:30. They confirm four trucks destroyed with tyre bursters and report sabotage of the Saales to Saint-Dié railway line.

Captain Druce wakes at 03:00 feeling better and prepares to depart for the American lines to deliver intelligence on the defences around St. Dié, along with a captured German document. Flying Officer Fiddick accompanies him. They reach Saint Prayel by 19:00, where they encounter two Milice members. Outgunned by Druce’s Tommy gun, the Milice flee.

After dark, they almost walk into a two-man German patrol. The patrol passes within a metre, unaware of their presence. Druce and Fiddick refrain from opening fire due to their close proximity to the river Meurthe. The Raon l’Étape – Saint Dié road is heavily patrolled, with German patrols passing every fifteen minutes. They cross the Meurthe via an unguarded bridge, then head to a point west, where they rest until dawn.

Two foot patrols are launched by Headquarters: Lieutenant Silly leads a patrol to the Belval to Col du Hantz road, unaware that Lieutenant Marx’s patrol is already operating there. Lieutenant Swayne leads a patrol to the Celles valley.

Lieutenant Marx’s patrol relocates to another hide annd arrives there by 16:00 hrs. Local civilians report that the village has been evacuated of its male population and that six lorry-loads of German troops are billeted nearby.

Major Le Poer Power is tasked with deploying the remaining three jeeps to the Saint-Dié sector.

September 30th, 1944

Lieutenant Colonel Franks meets Colonel Maximum and Captain Gough. Captain Gough departs for American lines. Colonel Maximum confirms his Maquis will remain inactive until the Americans arrive, at which point he hopes for a large-scale arms drop.

With no news of Lieutenant Colonel Franks, Lieutenant McGregor’s party shifts focus to ambushing and obstructing the roads Rambervillers to La Salle, Housseras to La Bourgonce, and Autrey to La Bourgonce. Large pine trees are felled with professional help, despite heavy traffic averaging 30 vehicles per hour. During one ambush, the party kills a high-ranking German officer and his entourage with precision carbine fire. Private MacQueen falls seriously ill with malaria and faints during a patrol. The party has no quinine.

Captain Druce and Flight Officer Fiddick travel west-northwest, they reach an area dotted with slit trenches and occupied by German forces. Convinced they are near the front line, they lie up and wait until dark before continuing. That night they successfully pass through the German lines without incident and take cover in woodland north of Domptail to confirm their safe passage.

Meanwhile, as German patrols search the surrounding woods, Lieutenant Marx and Lance Corporal Garth proceed to a nearby road, laying three tyre bursters, three pressure switches, and 6 lbs of plastic explosive. Pritchard and Salthouse lay an additional six tyre bursters and 6 lbs of plastic. A wireless message is received instructing the group to Rendez-Vous at a designated area. At 22:30, a German truck detonates all six bursters, scattering debris over a wide area.

October 1st, 1944

Major Le Poer Power, Squadron Sergeant Major White, and Lieutenant Colonel Franks reconnoitre the Belval area, which now hosts a German artillery unit. Numerous German troops are billeted in the surrounding villages. An attack is planned north-east of Belval.

At 05:15, a car triggers the mines laid by Pritchard and Salthouse of Lieutenant Marx’s Party and is destroyed. The patrol moves another location, while hearing Germans conducting searches in their previous location.

In the morning, Captain Druce encounters the 1^st Spahis Regiment of General Leclerc’s Division. He is escorted to Division Headquarters, where he delivers the intelligence and captured documents to staff officers. Lieutenant Colonel Franks Headquarters recieves a signal confirms that Captain Druce has successfully reached American lines.

October 2nd, 1944

In the morning, Captain Druce reports to Moor Park, delivering the latest situation report and receiving letters for Lieutenant Colonel Franks, a new wireless set and crystals for Captain Hislop, a Jojo set for his own use, and mail and clean clothing for Operation Loyton personnel and any Special Air Service stragglers. Private Pendli accompanies him with the new stores.

Lieutenant Silly returns, having destroyed two half-tracks and a staff car near Belval. He reports that traffic is diverting along a minor road towards Col du Hanz. Sergeant Neville and two others are sent to reconnoitre and potentially interdict this route.

Lieutenant Castellain and his party from Operation Pistol arrive at the base after sabotaging the railway near Sarreguemines.

Lieutenant Marx’s patrol proceeds to the Rendez-Vous point. Lieutenant Marx and Lance Corporal Garth reconnoitre a nearby sawmill, where they are informed that a British officer is expected at 20:00. Captain Miller arrives on schedule, bringing food and cigarettes. All watches are adjusted to British Summer Time.

Lieutenant McGregor, Corporal Mikolayczak, and a French guide attempt to contact American forces. Intelligence from Madame places them at Autrey. During the approach, they stumble onto a camouflaged German machine gun post. Lieutenant McGregor’s cap is shot off, and Mikolayczak’s sleeve is torn by gunfire, but no injuries occur. Believing the Americans are not in Autrey, they return to base.

October 3rd, 1944

Captain Druce and Private Pendli return to France but encounter administrative resistance: the G2, Colonel Quinn of the U.S. 7^th Army, declines further intelligence reports from Captain Druce, and G3 refers them back to G2. Captain Druce carries a letter of authority from Lieutenant Colonel Franks addressed to the Army Commander.

Lieutenant Marx reports to the Lieutenant Colonel Franks. His party derails a train and engages German transport near Belval en route back. At 10:50 hrs, German activity forces a hasty withdrawal. The patrol regroups at the former base. The Germans attack the house used by Captain McGibbon Lewis and the jeep base. Three jeeps are successfully hidden, while one defective jeep is booby-trapped with grenades.

In a firefight involving twenty men and the use of Bren guns, several Germans are killed. It is reported that an Special Air Service captain and four men have been captured near La Petite Raon. Captain McGibbon Lewis and Marchand are sent to investigate. They confirm that five British personnel were captured on September 30th, 1944, and are being held with their hands bound.

October 4th, 1944

Captain Druce resolves to return to Colonel Franks to brief him on the operational situation and deliver the new wireless crystals and equipment.

The Lieutenant Colenels Franks’ party departs Père Georges’ barn at 05:00 and returns to the previous mountain base. Lieutenant Swayne returns with his party and transmits gathered intelligence via signal. Two strong German patrols approach the base from opposite sides but do not engage.

German forces occupy the farmhouse’s ground floor where Lieutenant McGregor’s party is staying. Guard changes and shouting disturb the occupants. With Madame growing anxious and food supplies vanishing, the decision is made to evacuate to the woods, leaving Private MacQueen behind due to his condition. The party remains concealed, observing German troops digging Machine Gun positions just twenty metres away.

October 5th, 1944

At first light, the base is dispersed with orders to regroup at 18:00. Three ambush parties are dispatched. Lieutenant Marx encounters a German unit searching for containers and kills five. The other ambush parties do not engage.

During the evening, Captain Druce and Private Pendli depart with a French patrol escort, reaching the edge of the woods. A nearby German machine gun post does not engage. They move a 1.5 kilometres into the forest and conceal themselves until daylight.

October 6th, 1944

Captain Druce and Private Pendli follow Druce’s original exfiltration route. Burdened by 30-35 kilograms packs, they progress slowly and by 05:00 are just south of Raon l’Étape. There, they meet two Maquis boys who escort them to Captain Jean. He reports that the Special Air Service camp has been attacked and Moussey is now full of German troops. Druce and Pendli remain in Raon l’Étape overnight.

German forces locate the previously hidden jeeps and stores. Enemy activity increases significantly. Lieutenant Colonel Franks orders a move to Coichot in the woods south of Celles, with a Rendez-Vous Area set for 18:00 on October 7^th, 1944. Lieutenant Dill remains behind to await Captain Druce’s expected return on foot and to carry out an attack on a German in order to suggest continued operations in the Moussey area.

Colonel Marlier arrives at dusk, seeking a guide. He is escorted by Captain Sykes and last seen heading towards an agent’s residence in Moussey.

With rations depleted, the men of Lieutenant McGregor’s party resort to Benzedrine to maintain alertness.

October 7th, 1944

Captain Druce dispatches agents to investigate the status of their original camp. Reports confirm it has been abandoned and Père Georges’ house destroyed. Meanwhile, Captain Jean provides critical intelligence that three new German divisions have arrived near Saint Dié, where U.S. forces are believed to be preparing an offensive. Captain Druce concludes that Lieutenant Colonel Franks will have likely ordered a full withdrawal and decides to relay this new intelligence to the Americans immediately. Captain Jean agrees to accompany him to brief French General Leclerc.

Lieutenat Colonel Franks’ party relocates to Coichot and regroups at 18:00. All arrive except for the Phantom detachment, who are reported missing. Captain McGibbon Lewis is dispatched to reconnoitre the area and reports extensive German presence, severe food shortages, and an unwillingness among the local population to assist.

Lieutenant McGregor’s party moves to a farm. Surrounded by enemy-occupied buildings and suffering from malnutrition, Lieutenant McGregor decides the time has come to cross the lines.

October 8th, 1944

Captain Druce sets out for the third time along his exfiltration route and meets French liaison forces at Fontenoy at 22:00.

The Phantom team reappears. Lieutenant Swayne and his party return from the north-west, reporting the destruction of two staff cars south of Neufmaisons.

Lieutenant Colonel Franks attempts to reach Major Reynolds in the Celles valley, having received a message from him earlier. A return message is sent. En route, a sheep and potatoes are acquired for future retrieval. Upon returning, they find that the forester’s house and the mill at Coichot have been destroyed by the Germans.

Lieutenant McGregor’s party, now joined by 15 Frenchmen, crosses the German lines via Jeanménil to Rambervillers.

October 9th, 1944

In the morning, Captain Druce delivers his report to the French authorities, who are alarmed by the confirmation of German reinforcements. The information is passed to U.S. forces, who initially refuse to believe it. Subsequent combat reports confirm its accuracy. Captain Druce remains with Major Miller-Mundy to support the retrieval of any remaining Special Air Service personnel still attempting to cross the lines.

Rations are critically low, reduced to approximately one 24-hour ration pack per man. There are no explosives available, and prospects for resupply appear bleak. Allied lines remain static, and worsening weather further complicates the situation.

Lieutenant Colonel Franks decides to terminate the operation. In view of intelligence received, Lieutenant Colonel Franks determines that the most feasible route to contact American forces is to cross the River Meurthe near Saint Blaise into the Forêt de Sainte Barbe, then through the Grand Bois de Glonville to Domptail, which is believed to be under American control. Reports also suggest that French armoured elements are present in the woods south of Baccarat. All parties are ordered to proceed independently to American lines. A Rendez-Vous Area is established, near the Celles valley.

At approximately 09:00 hrs, the Lieutenant Colonel Franks’ party departs and reaches a lie up by 18:00 hrs. Lieutenant Marx and his party have remained concealed throughout the day. At 19.00, they rendezvous with Lieutenant Colonel Franks and receive orders to make their way back through the lines. Franks and Major Le Poer Power conduct a reconnaissance and decide to lie up in a ditch until midnight.

At 12.00 hours, Captain McGibbon-Lewis’ party, ten men in total, sets off.

They descend to the Celles road. Lieutenant Silly and Captain McGibbon-Lewis carry out a reconnaissance before bringing the group forward. The road shows considerable activity, including German bicycle patrols and soldiers working on timber piles. Timing their move carefully, they manage to cross during a lull in movement, then traverse the railway, river, and road once more without incident.

Captain McGibbon-Lewis leads the group on a north-west bearing for two kilometres, then adjusts to a south-west course towards Bertrichamps.

The Foret de Reclo bears signs of recent German transport activity, though no enemy troops are encountered. The party’s fieldcraft continues to improve, they come within 25 metres of wild deer before being detected.

At approximately 18.00, they reach and cross the La Petite Raon–Pierre Percée road. The road teems with traffic, with an estimated five vehicles passing per minute. The Germans have cleared undergrowth up to 100 metres from the verge, forcing the party to take evasive action nearly ten times during the crossing. This activity is later reported to U.S. 2^nd Armoured Division.

They proceed through dense woodland, following a compass bearing onto a forest road obstructed by felled trees and marked with a sign prohibiting entry. This road leads into Bertrichamps. The group follows it past several houses but halts when they hear Germans shouting nearby, it is now dark.

To bypass the village, they move north across open fields in single file. All proceeds smoothly until they encounter a sunken road. While attempting to cross it, Sergeant Thorpe falls headfirst some 4.5 metres just as a German truck passes. Fortunately, they remain undetected. The group establishes a temporary leaguer position beside a stream on the far side.

After leaving Lieutenat Colonel Franks and walking during the evening, Lieutenant Marx’s group takes shelter at 22.00 hours. They stay in the cellar of a burning house to stay warm during the night.

October 10th, 1944

At 01:00, Lieutenant Colonel Franks’ party reaches the river’s edge but are unable to locate a bridge. Major Le Poer Power recalls some lock gates used on a previous crossing, but they cannot be found. Eventually, they discover a railway bridge but are spotted by a sentry who delays long enough to fetch a grenade, allowing the party to escape. Despite concerns for Squadron Sergeant Major White, who cannot swim, the group wades across at a breast-high ford.

On the far bank, they avoid a sentry near large buildings and continue upriver, crossing a road and ascending into the hills of the Forêt de Sainte Barbe. By 16:00, they cross the Baccarat–Rambervillers road, seen by a single German cyclist, and proceed into the Bois de Glonville.

They encounter a deserted network of dugouts. While considering whether they are occupied, two Germans emerge. The patrol flees under fire, avoids a second position, and takes cover briefly. While trying to pinpoint their location at the wood’s edge, a German patrol stumbles upon them and opens fire. Pursued through open ground, they take cover in a potato field behind German front-line positions.

Seeing that the area is compromised, the party retraces their path, re-entering the Bois de Glonville and resting briefly. At dawn, they cross the Rambervillers–Baccarat road again into the Forêt de Sainte Barbe, proceeding through the narrow woodland north of Bru.

By 17:00 hrs, they again encounter Germans. The group splits: Franks, Sykes, and White head one way; Power, Hislop, and Owens another. Franks’ party hides in bramble until enemy movements cease.

A small American attack elsewhere diverts German attention, allowing Franks’ group to move to a safer area by 18:30. At 21:00, they proceed south toward Bru, then west toward Rambervillers. Entering woodland north of Bru, they lie up overnight.

Meanwhile, Sergeant Thorpe and Marchand of Captain McGibbon-Lewis’ group are sent to gather information from a nearby house. Captain McGibbon-Lewis assesses the property as safe due to the occupants’ audible laughter and conversation. The civilians inform them of a small bridge further upstream suitable for crossing, warning that the main bridge is guarded. They also report a fluctuating German presence in the village, currently numbering around 130 troops.

The party relocates to a small wood and consumes the last of their rations. They then proceed behind the house, passing through vegetable gardens and reaching a small road that runs approximately 45 metres from the main Baccarat route. This road is also in use; three German trucks pass every five minutes. Using an ‘A’ Force knife, Captain McGibbon-Lewis cuts through wire barriers, a tool that has proven essential throughout their mission. They successfully cross the road and the adjacent railway, continuing on a bearing towards the river where it nears the western woodlands.

By midday, they reach the river, and difficulties begin. The river is approximately 18 metres wide at its narrowest point, with a noticeable current and considerable depth. They spend three hours searching for bridges, but recent rainfall has washed away all footbridges, and they are unable to locate the main crossing. Private Robb cannot swim, and others lack confidence in their ability to make it across.

Captain McGibbon-Lewis decides to test the crossing himself. He strips, wraps his uniform, weapons and equipment in a gas cape, and enters the water. It is freezing, but he only needs to swim half the distance; the remainder can be waded. He reaches the far bank and returns, utterly drained from the cold. Sergeant Thorpe repeats the effort. They complete one additional trip transporting equipment but conclude they are physically unable to make further crossings.

Marchand manages to swim across. The remaining group members, under Lieutenant Silly, determine they must search south for a bridge. Captain McGibbon-Lewis, Sergeant Thorpe, Marchand, and Lieutenant Manners, who decides to join them, cross to the far bank. The smaller party dresses and continues into the forest.

Lieutenant Silly and the rest of the party opt to search for a bridge.

Two trucks pass along the forest track. Some isolated houses display Red Cross insignia. Rain continues to fall heavily, further sapping morale. The group proceeds on a south-west bearing for two kilometres, then veers north-west. Movement is difficult in the dark but improves with daylight.

Meanwhile, at 05.45, Lieutenant Marx’s party marches until they reach the skirt the edge of the woods and encounter a German patrol consisting of approximately 15 soldiers. Both parties immediately take cover behind trees and engage in a brief exchange of fire. Lance Corporal Pritchard successfully shoots two of the enemy, enabling the group to withdraw up the hillside.

Midway up, the party halts and removes their rucksacks. However, they are surprised by a larger German patrol. Forced to retreat quickly, they abandon their rucksacks to avoid capture.

With their ammunition nearly exhausted, Lieutenant Marx instructs those without any remaining rounds that they may discard their weapons if they wish. During their withdrawal, the group comes across a set of German signal cables, presumably leading to an observation post, and Lieutenant Marx cuts the lines.

German troops continue searching the woodland into the night.

At midnight, under the cover of darkness, the party leaves the forest and reaches the River Meurthe. They attempt a crossing but find the river impassable at that point.

October 11th, 1944

At 07:00, Lieutenant Colonel Franks’ party continues toward Rambervillers but are fired on while crossing open ground. Lieutenant Colonel Franks is wounded in the leg, and they seek cover. Mortar fire continues for two hours.

At 09.00 hours, Captain McGibbon-Lewis’ group reaches a road running east–west between the Forêt de Saint-Barbe and the Bois de Glonville. They hear artillery firing nearby and observe one gun positioned in a clearing. They attempt to cross the road but encounter several Germans loitering nearby. A car and a cyclist pass. A German hears them but does not see them. They withdraw 45 metres and try further west but are spotted by a German in the undergrowth, just 25 metres away. He waves cheerfully. Captain McGibbon-Lewis returns the gesture, and the group withdraws a further 140 metres into the woods.

Captain McGibbon-Lewis assesses the situation: if American forces are located as indicated at Point 385, there must be at least minefields and listening posts between their position and the artillery observed in the woods. Dense forest makes these defences hard to spot. He concludes they must wait until nightfall before proceeding and listens to gunfire to estimate the distance of the American lines based on the interval between firing and shell impact.

He begins to doubt the accuracy of intelligence received from the United Kingdom. He also concludes that the best course is to head west, where they are more likely to encounter American forces, and to exit the forest, which presents a high risk of ambush.

Sergeant Thorpe and Marchand reconnoitre the Sainte-Barbe road and return, reporting they reached within 90 metres of it without issue. Captain McGibbon-Lewis decides to proceed in that direction.

Unable to locate a suitable bridge, Lieutenant Silly’s party returns to the same point on the river for a second attempt. Lieutenant Silly, Private Herbert, Private Lewis, and Corporal Larley swim across successfully.

As Private Robb is unable to swim, Private Crossfield remains with him.

Once across, they proceed due west without incident until they encounter a German patrol and are surrounded. In the confusion, Lieutenant Silly and Private Lewis become separated from Private Herbert and Corporal Larley as the group is forced to scatter.

Corporal Larley and Private Herbert take cover and lie up near Menarmont, where they remain concealed for the rest of the day.

That very same day, Lieutenant Marxés group continues along the riverbank and, at 04.30, successfully crosses a bridge. Both the road and railway bridges are found to be unguarded.

At 14.30, the party advances. The crossroads in the area are being shelled by American artillery, with a German battery known to be positioned nearby. At 18.30 hours, the group crosses the busy road and takes cover in the woods to the north-west.

October 12th, 1944

During the night, Lieutenant Colonel Franks’ party follows the Monseigneur stream to outlying houses near Rambervillers, which prove to be American-held. They provide the U.S. 45^th Infantry Division with valuable intelligence, including enemy gun positions.

Throughout the day, Captain McGibbon-Lewis’ group monitors gunfire and visually identifies six artillery pieces concealed within the woods. They also note considerable activity on the Sainte-Barbe road and a strong enemy presence in Sainte-Barbe itself.

At approximately 14.00, a direct hit lands on Sainte-Barbe, prompting German shouting and panic.

At 17.30, as the group prepares to move, they observe renewed activity near the road to their left, about 180 metres from their intended crossing point. They approach to observe and see a gun recently repositioned.

The party moves north, crosses a clearing, and follows a track parallel to the road towards Domptail. Progress is slow due to felled trees blocking the path. They turn north, and Captain McGibbon-Lewis decides to move into open ground to reduce noise.

As they cross the road and enter a field, they hear Germans approaching. They lie flat. Three soldiers pass within five metres. One trips and notices them, exclaiming, “What’s that?” Another replies, “Oh, it’s nothing that moves, just some logs,” and they continue on.

The group returns to the woods and detours a further 800 metres before heading directly west. They hear more enemy activity on the road, slowing their progress. Captain McGibbon-Lewis, now feverish, can no longer see the luminous dial of the compass and hands navigation over to Lieutenant Manners.

From that point, progress improves. They stick to open fields, avoiding woods, buildings, hedgerows, and similar obstacles. Enemy voices and lights are heard in small wooded areas on either side, where intelligence reports had previously placed American positions.

At dusk, Corporal Larley and Private Herbert set off again and reaches some woods, where they take shelter. During daylight hours, Allied artillery begins shelling the wood in which they are hiding.

That night, they continue westward, though progress is slow due to Private Herbert’s condition—he is wounded in the buttocks and suffering from exposure.

At first light, Private Robb and Private Crossfield make contact with a local French civilian who offers them shelter in his home for three days. The civilian supplies them with civilian clothing and hides their weapons in a box.

Early that morning, at 06.00, Lieutenant Marx’s group sets out westward. As they move, they observe the village of Sainte-Barbe under French artillery bombardment. They stumble upon what appears to be a German battery headquarters, but are fortunate to remain undetected. They remain concealed near this location throughout the day.

At 20.00 hours, they move approximately 270 metres north-west to exit the woods, then proceed on a compass bearing of 300 degrees across open fields. Intermittent machine-gun fire is heard in the distance.

At 22.55 hours, the group is challenged by a French sentry near Doncières. During the encounter, the sentry fires and the shot passes through Lieutenant Marx’s sleeve. He manages to convince the sentry that they are friendly forces. The group is subsequently escorted to Roville-aux-Chênes, where they are provided with food and shelter.

October 13th, 1944

Captain McGibbon-Lewis’ group advances rapidly. By approximately 13.30, they hear artillery shells passing overhead and detect the movement of tanks about 800 metres ahead. They are uncertain of the tanks’ allegiance. Although Captain McGibbon-Lewis believes they belong to friendly forces, his faith in the earlier intelligence has waned.

Lieutenant Manners and Sergeant Thorpe attempt to cross a bridge over a canal and are challenged by a sentry with “Halte là”. They retreat, uncertain whether the sentry is German. Captain McGibbon-Lewis expects they are approaching French forces and moves forward to identify himself. As he climbs onto the bridge, a sentry opens fire from approximately nine metres away with an automatic weapon. The group retreats under fire. Captain McGibbon-Lewis, recognising that the weapon is not a Schmeisser, instructs Marchand to shout that they are French and not to shoot. Marchand complies, but a second burst follows, even closer.

Convinced they are facing French troops but unwilling to risk another approach, the group withdraws and moves north along the canal in search of a crossing. After an hour’s detour, they find a suitable location and wade across. They later learn the canal bank is heavily mined.

Roughly 800 metres beyond the canal, they are again challenged with “Halte”. This time, they drop to the ground and prepare for engagement. Marchand calls out, “We are French parachutists returning through the lines.” The sentries request a password. The group explains they do not know it but can provide an explanation. Marchand approaches the sentry, who invites them forward. As they do so, the sentry inexplicably fires at Lieutenant Manners, narrowly missing his foot.

Despite the incident, they are eventually received without further conflict.

At Company Headquarters, the men are told that a password had been established for their return, but none had ever been communicated to them. They are disarmed and sent back to Brigade Headquarters.

Just after midnight, Corporal Larley and Private Herbert reach the road between Gerbévillerand Rambervillers. Corporal Larley decides to head north along the road towards Saint-Pierremont, in hopes of finding a barn where Private Herbert can rest and recover some warmth.

Upon entering the village, Larley is challenged by a French sentry. Initially suspecting him to be from the Milice, he quickly realises after a brief exchange that the sentry is from a forward platoon of the 2^nd French Division.

Lieutenant Swayne sets out with Privates Perrin, Kubiskie, and Daines, two of whom are unable to swim. The group moves in the direction of Neufmaisons, where Kubiskie receives news that an officer and three men have been captured the previous day in the Celles valley. Civilians warn the party to avoid Baccarat due to increased German activity. As a result, Lieutenant Swayne alters course and heads for a railway bridge over the River Meurthe at Thiaville.

While crossing the bridge, the group is challenged and fired upon by German sentries. The three men behind Lieutenant Swayne, Perrin, Kubiskie, and Daines, immediately descend the embankment and flee into nearby undergrowth. Swayne observes that none are hit. He himself falls down the embankment and conceals himself in the undergrowth while German sentries conduct a torchlight search. After remaining hidden for approximately half an hour, he makes his way back to a previously established rendezvous point, where he waits until dawn in the hope that the others will return. They do not, and he has no further contact with them.

Corporal Kubiskie leads Privates Daines and Perrin into the Forêt de Petit Reclos, where they remain for the rest of the night.

October 14th, 1944

Private Robb and Private Crossfield later depart from Baccarat, where German forces are ordering civilians to evacuate within 36 hours.

The pair moves in a north-westerly direction. Near the village of Flin, Private Crossfield assists Private Robb in crossing the River Meurthe by pulling him through the current.

They continue westward and eventually enter a village where they make contact with American forces.

At first light, Lieutenant Swayne proceeds alone in a north-westerly direction through the Bois de Granmon, east of Baccarat He finds shelter in a farmhouse and remains hidden there throughout the day and night.

Corporal Kubiskie’s Group decides to attempt a passage through Baccarat and the group proceeds along the road between Bertrichamps and Neufmaisons.

En route, they lay two tyre-bursting charges, each containing approximately 1.6 kilograms of plastic explosive. A convoy of three ambulances bearing Red Cross markings passes along the road toward the front. The first vehicle strikes one of the charges, causing a severe explosion that destroys all three vehicles. No bodies are found, only scattered fragments, leading the men to suspect the ambulances were carrying explosives.

Later, the group encounters several children from whom they seek information and food. One child brings their uncle, a member of the Maquis active in the Bertrichamps area. This man supplies the group with provisions and introduces them to a woman named Madame Leblanc. She provides them with civilian clothing and escorts them at nightfall to an abandoned house for shelter. Madame Leblanc informs Kubiskie that their officer, believed to be Lieutenant Swayne, has been killed. When questioned further, she explains that a group of five, including an officer, attempted to cross the Meurthe at the same location, and were seen the previous evening receiving a meal from a local in the forest. Although Corporal Kubiskie clarifies that their own group consisted of only four, Madame Leblanc insists the party in question numbered five. She states that the officer has been buried on site, and that the Germans have erected a cross bearing his name. No information is available regarding the fate of the remaining four men from that group.

A separate local woman reports that two Americans were shot in Neufmaisons two days earlier, though she is unable to describe their appearance.

Later that evening, Madame Leblanc returns from Raon-l’Étape, where she has been developing photographs of the group for use in forged identity documents. She is aided by a gendarme who supports the Maquis. The gendarme informs her that Captain Druce is expected to pass through Raon-l’Étape the following day. Kubiskie travels to Raon-l’Étape with Madame Leblanc. Using one of the forged identity cards, he passes a German sentry without difficulty and spends the night at her residence.

October 15th, 1944

At 19.00 hours, Lieutenant Swayne crosses the River Meurthe and makes contact with French troops from Division Leclerc at Glonville.

Madame Leblanc reports to Corporal Kubiskie that the gendarme and three others have been arrested by the Gestapo, making it impossible to produce further identity cards.

Later that day, a baker from Baccarat finds Daines and Perrin in Bertrichamps and offers to guide them through the lines. Madame Leblanc hears of this and returns with Kubiskie to meet the guide, but they are unable to locate him again.

That evening, the group sets off for Raon-l’Étape in pairs: Kubiskie walks ahead with Madame Leblanc, followed by Daines accompanied by the Maquis contact, and Perrin with a local girl. Along the route, they encounter German troops who, unaware of their true identities, escort them part of the way, easing their passage through security checks.

October 16th, 1944

Madame Leblanc plans to assist in crossing the lines via La Haute Neuville. She conducts a reconnaissance but reports that passage is impossible due to German withdrawal following the American occupation of La Chapelle.

In the following days, she returns to Bertrichamps and retrieves the group’s uniforms and weapons using a perambulator. Food remains plentiful, as Suzanne Coffe, who lives with Madame Leblanc and cooks for German troops, regularly brings them tinned provisions.

The group elects to remain in hiding and wait for advancing American forces.

Several days later, a woman informs Madame Leblanc that two British officers are in Pierre-Percée and wish to cross the lines at any cost. One is reportedly recovering from a serious hand wound sustained two to three weeks earlier, and cared for by a French nurse. Madame Leblanc agrees to help and departs to collect the officers. Kubiskie gives her a note written in English by Daines, along with his pay book, and instructs her to send them along forest paths to a rendezvous point near Raon-l’Étape. However, the plan is not followed. The officers are dressed in civilian clothes, and all three proceed down the road together. They are stopped by a German sentry near La Trouche and taken to the Gestapo in Celles.

Madame Leblanc is tried and executed by the Gestapo despite pleading for mercy for the sake of her two young children. Corporal Kubiskie receives no reliable information regarding the fate of the two officers but believes that had they been executed, local civilians would have informed him.

Following her execution, the group conceals its uniforms and arms in anticipation of a Gestapo raid. They also prepare an escape route over nearby rooftops into the forest, but no search is carried out.

Suzanne Coffe continues to care for the group. As the American artillery bombardment of Raon-l’Étape intensifies, civilians begin to take refuge in cellars.

A week later, the Germans begin to withdraw. Corporal Kubiskie observes approximately 30 tanks, including Tigers and Panthers, passing through the town, many marked with red crosses, accompanied by some 50 additional vehicles.

The following day, Perrin moves to a quieter part of the town, while Kubiskie and Daines remain. The next morning, German forces demolish a bridge just 45 metres from their shelter, rendering the house uninhabitable. Heavy rain floods the cellar to over a metre deep.

At this point, German troops begin rounding up all men under 50 years old and detain them in a factory in the Celles valley. The Maquis member who had been staying with Madame Leblanc’s children attempts to travel there with them but is intercepted by the Germans and taken to the Kommandantur. Their fate remains unknown.

During the German round-ups, Corporal Kubiskie and Daines remain hidden in the flooded cellar, which is ignored by search parties.

Eventually, the two men relocate to an abandoned house and begin venturing out disguised in women’s clothing. Kubiskie uses rouge borrowed from Suzanne Coffe, while Daines hides his beard under a scarf.

That same day, it is reported that the Germans have ordered the evacuation of Raon-l’Étape within two hours, from 16.00 to 18.00. The civilian population complies and begins evacuating towards Baccarat and Bertrichamps. Once beyond the town, however, German troops open fire with machine guns, killing many. Survivors return and are told by Vichy authorities that the order was issued independently by an SS officer and was not valid.

Three days later, two German soldiers arrive at the house requesting food, stating they have had nothing to eat in four days. They consume some of the group’s German rations and report that American forces are just outside the town.

The next day, German forces begin their final withdrawal. Still dressed in women’s clothing, Kubiskie and Daines make contact with American troops, who express astonishment at their appearance. Private Perrin also succeeds in crossing the lines.

October 30th, 1944

Major Whately-Smith and Major Reynolds attempt to escape via Bertrichamps. Freddy Le Rolland introduces them to a local guide known to have successfully crossed the lines, but when the issue of payment arises, they hesitate. Le Rolland sends word of their location to Lieutenant Colonel Franks through Marcel Cherrier, a forest warden. Lieutenant Colonel Franks advises them to lie low and await the American advance. Eager to return to action, Major Whately-Smith and Major Reynolds prepare a renewed escape.

They depart at 17:00. Madame Le Blanc of Raon-l’Étape offers to guide them safely past German positions. She had previously assisted Corporal Kubiski and Privates Perrin and Daines of Operation Loyton. Despite her efforts, Major Whately-Smith and Major Reynolds are captured that same day near the Wehrmacht headquarters at La Trouche. She diverts attention by feigning hysteria, but they refuse to abandon her.

October 31st, 1944

At dawn, the Germans arrive at the Le Rollands’ home, demanding the whereabouts of the British. Freddy Le Rolland is arrested and taken to Celles for interrogation. Later that morning, Major Whately-Smith and Major Reynolds are brought in and briefly see Mr Le Rolland. Meanwhile, Myrhiam Le Rolland is evicted and her home ransacked.

All three are taken to Allarmont. Mr Le Rolland is separated to prevent communication. Major Whately-Smith intervenes during his brutal treatment, leading to improved conditions for Mr Le Rolland. The group is transferred via Badonviller to Cirey, where Mr Le Rolland finds Madame Le Blanc already detained. Major Whately-Smith and Major Reynolds are held there under the control of the Sicherheitsdienst (SD) Einsatzkommando led by SS-Sturmbannführer Dr Ernst. This unit is known for executions and war crimes.

Major Reynolds is tortured, his abdomen crushed under the boots of his captors, but refuses to speak. Major Whately-Smith later receives word that Freddy Le Rolland is not to be executed and tells him he believes he and Major Reynolds will be sent to an English prisoner-of-war camp.

November 4th, 1944

Major Whately-Smith and Major Reynolds are transported to Schirmeck Gestapo prison camp and placed in solitary confinement. Freddy Le Rolland remains in Cirey.

That day, an order is received for the immediate execution of the two British officers following one final interrogation. The execution is not carried out.

November 5th, 1944

Major Whately-Smith is taken by SS-Sturmscharführer Schossig to Dr Ernst’s headquarters at Maison Barthlemy in Saales . Eyewitnesses, including Armand Souchals and Mrs Claudel, later confirm that he is severely beaten. He is returned to Schirmeck. Dr Ernst reports directly to SS-Standartenführer Dr Gustav Adolf Heinz Isselhorst, regional commander of the Sicherheitspolizei and Sicherheitsdienst.

According to Abbé Hett, a fellow prisoner, Major Reynolds is beaten so severely that bone is visible through his wounds. He later confides that he did not believe a man could survive such pain.

November 13th, 1944

As Allied forces approach, Freddy Le Rolland is transferred to Schirmeck. An American Red Cross official sees Major Whately-Smith and Major Reynolds there on the same day. Freddy Le Rolland later learns they are imprisoned with another Special Air Service officer, likely Lieutenant David Dill. The group plans to return to Pierre-Percée to celebrate liberation. That night, all prisoners are gathered for a headcount; with the guards distracted and few in number, an escape would have been possible had the situation been understood.

The prisoners are loaded onto lorries. Freddy Le Rolland ends up in Niederbühl camp but notes the absence of Major Whately-Smith and Major Reynolds.

November 23rd, 1944

By mid-November, Dr Isselhorst instructs Camp Commandant Karl Buck to execute all British and American prisoners remaining in Schirmeck. Buck delays. During the night, the final transport leaves Schirmeck. Major Whately-Smith and Major Reynolds are among the ten Allied prisoners included. Several attempt escape en route by cutting the canvas and jumping. Major Whately-Smith remains with Major Reynolds, who is too wounded to move unaided.

The convoy passes through Strasbourg at 06:00 and arrives at Rotenfels later that morning. Major Whately-Smith and Major Reynolds are housed in hut three. Lieutenant Dill is in hut one.

November 25th, 1944

Camp Commandant Buck visits the camp and orders the execution of the prisoners. Lagerkommandant Wünsch passes the order to Police Lieutenant Nussberger.

That afternoon, Major Whately-Smith and Major Reynolds, together with 12 others, are transported to the woods behind the Mercedes-Benz factory, shot, and buried in a bomb crater. Among the dead are six members of 2 Special Air Service, four American airmen, and four French civilians, including three priests.

December 8th, 1944

Freddy Le Rolland is transferred to Gaggenau, near Rotenfels, where forced labourers are required. The Rotenfels camp, adjacent to the Mercedes-Benz factory producing lorries for the Wehrmacht, becomes the site of the final war crime. They are exhumed and properly buried on 13 May 1945 in the Gaggenau town cemetery. Major Whately-Smith is later reinterred at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery in Durnbach.

Aftermath

Camp Commandant Buck and ten others are tried by the British Military Court at Wuppertal from 6 to 10 May 1946. Five are sentenced to death by shooting. Five receive prison terms between two and ten years. One is acquitted. Three men—Wachtmeister Ostertag, Zugwachtmeister Ulrich, and Oberwachtmeister Neuschwanger—confess to the executions.