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[Gil Boyd]

Operation Torch - North Africa - Use of SOE

Be good to hear back from Muffett whether they might have operated in North Africa as the powers that be, decided that they’d first pacify North Africa, where the British Eighth Army and the German Afrika Korps had been fighting back and forth since 1940.

After much disagreement, it was decided to invade Morocco and Algeria and establish a base where the supply lines for the Germans in the Mediterranean could be cut. This would open as Mr. Churchill called it the “soft underbelly of Europe.” But this first foray for the Americans into the war against Nazi Germany was a victory, not so much militarily but politically as the allies were treading on a slippery slope dealing with the Free French as well as Vichy and the inexperienced Americans.

[Flying10uk]

The book "Beaulieu: The Finishing School For Secret Agents" by Cyril Cunningham (Pen & Sword books) is very interesting and gives detailed information on the use of the Beaulieu estate by SOE and some background information on SOE.

There is a soft and hard cover version of this book available but I have the hardcover.

Beaulieu Finishing School Secret by Cyril Cunningham, Hardcover - AbeBooks

There is now a small SOE exhibition at Beaulieu next to Palace House.

[muffett.2008]

Got the good guts from my father in law who speaks 7 languages, two tours of SVN.
The girls were stationed in EGYPT at Tel El Kabir until that was sorted then to France.
Louise was Pacific Bn. (Marines) then with the Free French Brigade in Syria, Libya and with the Eight Army, later back to France.

[Gil Boyd]

Great that explains the AFRICA STAR then thanks, knew there would be an explanation for the medals. I am assuming the photo was taken at the end of the war after issue??

I have met a couple of SOE ladies who served prior to Op Torch in Morocco at the SF Club in London. Sadly they are all dead now. They worked very closely with the U.S - O.S.S ladies in bars as waitresses in the Kasba's where German troops hung out in Algeria/Libya etc, really interesting listening to these French speakers as they gleaned vital intelligence on troop numbers.
I like many up until then, thought they only operated directly out of F Section in France!

[muffett.2008]

No Gil, that photo was taken in 1944, the trio were together for what they thought might be the last time, before being moved back to the European Theatre.

John did give me a rundown on the medals earned, but I ran out of toes, the girls had a chestful that included French ones.

I had jotted down some notes, but John being a Frenchie speaks a bit quick for me, 39/45 Star, Afrika Star, War Medal, Defence Medal and a couple of Froggie medals that the names totally eluded me let alone try to pronounce.

Louise also had one for his Naval time in the Pacific.

[Flying10uk]

I like many up until then, thought they only operated directly out of F Section in France!

I did state that SOE agents could operate in another country to which they were assigned if operational reasons made it necessary.

My understanding is that SOE agents normally "worked" in the SOE section that they were assigned to. For example, SOE agents "working" in the Norwegian section would normally expect to work in Norway unless a specific operation demanded that they cross into another country.

One would assume that SOE agents could transfer between sections if operations made it necessary/desirable.

[muffett.2008]

The Thick Plottens….It seems Helene emigrated to OZ to marry a Fighter Pilot she met in Africa, Guess who acted as Character Referee.
Nancy Wake who's code name was..... "Helene".

Just love this story, gives me a different look at people that I wish I had got to meet before they passed.


…..and that just about wraps up those three, now on to the next.
I'm gradually putting together the stories of about 30 close relations that took part in actions from WW1 through to the present day, so far it has been an incredible ride.

[Flying10uk]

and that just about wraps up those three, now on to the next.

Wasn't the help given worth a "thank-you"?

[muffett.2008]

The icing on the cake looks like a trip to France soon, currently collating the info on War Cemetries where my family members lay.
So it will be a family get together that's been a long time coming.

So yes, thanks for your input, all comments are welcome, not just the helpful ones, but whatever keeps the forum active.

[30Three]

A very interesting thread Muffet. Some very brave people served SOE and the Resistance.
It's great that you can piece together the history of your relatives.
If you do get to France; let me know!