No 10 ( I.A.) Army Commando - The Inter Allied Commando

This Commando unit was one of the most unique fighting units of the Second World War. Comprising of both allied and disaffected enemy personnel and refugees.

Members of No 10 although not mounting many raids in their own name won a deserved reputation for their fierce and dedicated fighting ability.
The first troops allocated to No.10 were French shortly to be joined by Polish and Norwegian personnel .Other members who formed X Troop came from Germany, Austria, Danes ,Hungarians, the odd Czech and Russian and Rumanian.

Many of these men of course were known to the Gestapo and were given new identities.
The Commando had its H.Q. in Harlech North Wales and was commanded by LtCol D Lister MC . The French were greatest in numbers and formed two troops based in Criccieth ,the Dutch troop was at Portmadoc ,the two Belgian troops were at Abersoch, Norwegians were in Nevin, Polish troop were at Fairbourne and X troop were stationed at Aberdovey.
In May 1943 the whole Commando consolidated at Eastbourne under a new C.O. Capt. B. Hilton-Jones.

Usually men from No.10 were seconded to other units where their special attributes were utilised . Knowledge of the operational areas and language were invaluable.
They acted as interpreters and interrogators.
However some small raids by No 10 members were carried out the ‘Hardtack’ series being an example of these.
In the Shetlands men from the Norwegian troop worked with detachments from No12 Commando against the enemy held coast of Norway.

No 10 proved its real worth after the Normandy operations and was involved in the push to Germany and helped the liberation of occupied countries.