'Small Scale Raiding Force'

MTB 344 off Beachy Head

The Small Scale Raiding Force (also known as 62 Commando) were trained in Commando style combat together with aspects of seamanship in the use of small craft such as Dory's. Formed at Fareham and commanded by Major Gus March-Phillipps, DSO, MBE, until he was killed during a raid in France in September,1942. They based themselves at Anderson Manor, Dorset, and recruited from units such as the SOE and the SBS, included foreign nationals, and were often supported by Commandos, in particular individuals from No.12 Commando. Their primary role was small raids along the Channel coastline of occupied France. Officers included Major John Geoffrey Appleyard DSO, MC, and Captain's Peter Kemp DSO and Graham Hayes MC 

Some SSRF raids

2/3rd Sep-42 Operation Dryad. Raid on Alderney - 8 raiders to the rocks beneath the lighthouse. When they returned later they had the enemy's code books and seven prisoners - the lighthouse keepers, radio operators and guards.
12/13th September - Operation Aquatint..raid on Saint Honorine .
3-Oct-42 Operation Basalt Sark Channel Islands. 
11-Nov-42 Operation Farenheit The Pointe de Plouezec - Raid on a signalling station French Coast.
1942 Foretop France (Foretop N Allied 1942 - 1943 NW Europe Plan to raid U-boat bases on French coast, abandoned as too impractical).

Early in 1943 the S.S.R.F. disbanded with many of the men forming the nucleus of the new 2nd Special Air Service.

View Photos of the SSRF.

IWM Interview with the CO of MTB 344 - Lt Cdr. Frederick William Parnell BOURNE.
 

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