Toehold in Europe (Combined Operations Book 5)
Page 27
The Hitler order
Top Secret
Fuhrer H.Q. 18.10.42
1. For a long time now our opponents have been employing in their conduct of the war, methods which contravene the International Convention of Geneva. The members of the so-called Commandos behave in a particularly brutal and underhanded manner; and it has been established that those units recruit criminals not only from their own country but even former convicts set free in enemy territories. From captured orders it emerges that they are instructed not only to tie up prisoners, but also to kill out-of-hand unarmed captives who they think might prove an encumbrance to them, or hinder them in successfully carrying out their aims. Orders have indeed been found in which the killing of prisoners has positively been demanded of them.
2. In this connection it has already been notified in an Appendix to Army Orders of 7.10.1942. that in future, Germany will adopt the same methods against these Sabotage units of the British and their Allies; i.e. that, whenever they appear, they shall be ruthlessly destroyed by the German troops.
3. I order, therefore:— From now on all men operating against German troops in so-called Commando raids in Europe or in Africa, are to be annihilated to the last man. This is to be carried out whether they be soldiers in uniform, or saboteurs, with or without arms; and whether fighting or seeking to escape; and it is equally immaterial whether they come into action from Ships and Aircraft, or whether they land by parachute. Even if these individuals on discovery make obvious their intention of giving themselves up as prisoners, no pardon is on any account to be given. On this matter a report is to be made on each case to Headquarters for the information of Higher Command.
4. Should individual members of these Commandos, such as agents, saboteurs etc., fall into the hands of the Armed Forces through any means – as, for example, through the Police in one of the Occupied Territories – they are to be instantly handed over to the SD
To hold them in military custody – for example in P.O.W. Camps, etc., – even if only as a temporary measure, is strictly forbidden.
5. This order does not apply to the treatment of those enemy soldiers who are taken prisoner or give themselves up in open battle, in the course of normal operations, large scale attacks; or in major assault landings or airborne operations. Neither does it apply to those who fall into our hands after a sea fight, nor to those enemy soldiers who, after air battle, seek to save their lives by parachute.
6. I will hold all Commanders and Officers responsible under Military Law for any omission to carry out this order, whether by failure in their duty to instruct their units accordingly, or if they themselves act contrary to it.
The order was accompanied by this letter from Field Marshal Jodl
The enclosed Order from the Fuhrer is forwarded in connection with destruction of enemy Terror and Sabotage-troops.
This order is intended for Commanders only and is in no circumstances to fall into Enemy hands.
Further distribution by receiving Headquarters is to be most strictly limited.
The Headquarters mentioned in the Distribution list are responsible that all parts of the Order, or extracts taken from it, which are issued are again withdrawn and, together with this copy, destroyed.
Chief of Staff of the Army
Jodl
FW 190 Courtesy of Wikipedia
The FW 190 had two 13mm machine guns with 475 rounds per gun. It also had two 20 mm cannon with 250 rounds per gun. It could carry up to 500 kg bombs. It usually had just one bomb in the centre of the aeroplane
Gabbiano class corvette Courtesy of Wikipedia
The Persefone was a real Gabbiano class Corvette. It brought Mussolini to Ponza under arrest after he was toppled from power.
Ju 88 courtesy of Wikipedia
Faith, Hope and Charity were the nicknames given to the three Gloster Sea Gladiators which, for a time, were Malta's only air defence. These ancient biplanes did sterling work In actual fact there were more than three but it suited the propaganda of the period to ascribe the success against the Italian bombers to just three aeroplanes. They were based at the Sea Air Arm base, H.M.S. Falcon.
The Royal Navy rum ration was 54.6% proof. It was an eighth of a pint. Senior ratings (Petty Officers and above) received their rum neat while junior ratings had it diluted two to one. 'Up Spirits' was normally between 11 and 12 each day.
Bristol Beaufighter- courtesy of Wikipedia
Mitchell Marauder B-26 courtesy of Wikipedia
Douglas C-47 Courtesy of Wikipedia
The Rangers under Colonel Darby were at Amalfi. The rocket launcher known as the bazooka was first used in North Africa. Italy was the first time it had a widespread use. It was limited to the Americans only at first but later was used by the Russians and the British. The Germans captured some and used them to make their own version, the Panzershreck.
M1A1 Rocket Launcher Courtesy of Wikipedia and the Smithsonian
The Commando attack at Vietri Sul Mare went according to plan and the only losses they suffered were when they attacked Salerno itself. Nine Commandos were killed and thirty seven wounded. The Commandos were opposed by the 16th Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion which they defeated before capturing Salerno. It was an impressive feat for a brigade of Commandos. Following this and Lord Mountbatten's departure for the Far East Major General 'Lucky' Laycock was appointed commander of Combined Operations. It was a position he occupied until the end of the war.
Reference Books used
The Commando Pocket Manual 1949-45- Christopher Westhorp
The Second World War Miscellany- Norman Ferguson
Army Commandos 1940-45- Mike Chappell
Military Slang- Lee Pemberton
World War II- Donald Sommerville
St Nazaire 1942-Ken Ford
Dieppe 1942- Ken Ford
The Historical Atlas of World War II-Swanston and Swanston
The Battle of Britain- Hough and Richards
The Hardest Day- Price
Griff Hosker March 2016
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