Introduction
The daring exploits of the Special Air Service (SAS) during World War II have captivated generations, inspiring numerous books and television shows. However, one remarkable mission remained hidden from history for nearly eight decades—an operation that involved a daring prison break deep behind Nazi lines.
Discovery of the Mission
Damen Lewis, while researching his latest book, uncovered this previously unknown British operation that took place in September 1943. It involved the SAS executing a bold rescue mission to free concentration camp inmates in Italy, coinciding with the Allied invasion of the country.
In September 1943, the Allies had landed in southern Italy at Taranto. Amidst the chaos, a prisoner who escaped from a concentration camp approached Allied headquarters, revealing that hundreds of inmates were about to be transported to Nazi Germany. Recognizing the urgency and the need for a daring operation, the SAS was called upon, given their reputation for audacity and effectiveness.
The Concentration Camp Raid
Just days after the Allied invasion began on September 3, 1943, the SAS launched a raid to free the prisoners. The operation commenced with an assault on a train station at Ciano, near Taranto. Two SAS squadrons, including a French squadron made up of French Foreign Legion troops, swiftly commandeered a locomotive to reach the Nazi concentration camp.
Execution of the Plan
The plan was audacious: hijack a train, navigate through 100 kilometers of enemy territory, storm the concentration camp, and return with the inmates. Upon arrival, the SAS stormed the camp, catching the guards by surprise. They swiftly overwhelmed the camp’s defenses, capturing the commandant and loading 180 inmates onto the train—the maximum capacity.
The Mastermind Behind the Operation
Major Oswald Kyriacou, who had been recruited into the SAS by its founder David Stirling, masterminded the operation. While the train was en route to the camp, Kyriacou led a separate patrol of jeeps through both Allied and enemy lines to secure a crucial junction, ensuring the train could pass unhindered.
Secrecy and Historical Abandonment
Incredibly, this bold mission remained a secret for 80 years. Lewis stumbled upon a brief mention of the operation in a report from Colonel Paddy Main’s archive, which piqued his curiosity. As he delved deeper, he found corroboration in two additional reports, confirming the mission’s authenticity.
Reasons for Concealment
The absence of recognition for this daring raid raises questions about why it was hidden from history. The operation, which freed nearly 200 inmates, did not receive any decorations or mention in dispatches. Publicizing such missions could have demonized the enemy and prolonged the war, leading to a strategic decision to keep the operation under wraps.
Conclusion
The remarkable raid to free concentration camp inmates is a testament to the bravery and ingenuity of the SAS. This chapter of their history, now finally recognized, highlights the regiment’s famous motto: “Who Dares Wins.” As more stories like this come to light, they enrich our understanding of the complexities and heroism present during World War II.