My copy arrived today. Haven’t fully read the book yet, but the book’s website suggests the Kommandobefehl was Hitler’s reaction to SAS operations which is incorrect, it was instituted after operation Basalt, the Commando raid on Sark in September 1942. Unfortunately the Kommandobefehl did however lead to war crimes committed against SAS personnel.
The AAC badge as disguise makes sense. 2 SAS AAC badge on maroon beret and 1SAS RTR, or was it RAC? I seem to recall reading somewhere, badge on black beret. RE badge on maroon beret in France?
The photo of Druce’s beret (p. 86) looks unworn and certainly not 70 plus years old, it also seems a post war smaller beret. If he was recruited in May 1944 (by Brian Franks when they met on a train), after the SAS became part of the Airborne forces, wouldn’t he have been issued a maroon beret?
The photo of Druce’s FS knife (p. 89) seems an engraved presentation FS knife. Apart from that, photographic evidence from north-west Europe suggests a preference for the much more versatile American Ka-bar knife.
A pity the Druce top hat and corduroy photo is only described but not shown. Years ago I handled it when contemplating a publication on the SAS in the Netherlands, but wasn’t given permission to use it as the Deelen museum was reserving it for their own publication. With this book out I don’t see the need for another publication on Keystone. A very worthwhile addition to my library and highly recommended.
Rgds, Thomas
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