It was the most secret unit operating in Britain during the Second World War, but former platoon members are now breaking cover to campaign for a medal for their services.
A contingent of up to 4,000 men was vetted and recruited to form underground guerrilla cells to prepare for a land invasion by German troops. Most hailed from the countryside — farmers, shepherds, gamekeepers and poachers — as well as target-shooting enthusiasts from market towns. They were chosen for their local knowledge and for their ability to use a weapon and to keep quiet about their role to wives and families.
The Auxiliary Units were created by Winston Churchill after the fall of France. With the 70th anniversary of their formation falling on July 4, and to coincide with today’s Armed Forces Day, the Ministry of Defence is being urged to recognise their role. Even though they did not see action, their supporters, who have formed the Coleshill Auxiliary Research Team, say they deserve an award as the Government has recognised the Women’s Land Army and Timber Corps.
A covert platoon was even assigned to protect George VI at Balmoral, because war chiefs feared a German plot to kidnap or kill the monarch. Those despatched to the estate recall that the Queen, as a young princess, and her sister, Princess Margaret, would play games trying to find the platoon’s secret den. If the men were rumbled they were forced to set up a new concealed base.
Survivors and military history enthusiasts are to celebrate the role of the units next Sunday at Coleshill House, near Swindon, where the men were trained. The new campaign is being driven by Tom Sykes, who lives near Coleshill, which is now owned by the National Trust.
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He said: “I really think it is time the men were properly recognised for what they did. Not even the infantry got the intense level of training they were given at Coleshill House. They were given a cover of a Home Guard uniform but sadly their highly skilled role was not known and many were victimised by the local community who thought they should be out fighting for King and Country.”
Each Auxiliary Unit member was also given an envelope, to be opened in the event of a German invasion, with a list of potential collaborators, including county chief constables, who had to be killed.
Mr Sykes said: “It was reckoned the police chiefs were the people who would have the information the Germans would want. So they had to go and the Auxiliary Units were the guys who had to do it.”
Bob Millard, 87, from Penrith, Cumbria, was recruited to a secret unit in Bath and even though he kept quiet about it for years he thinks it is time the Auxiliers got a medal.
He said: “Our job was to get behind the German advance and interfere with their supply lines of petrol and ammunition dumps. I was taught self- defence, how to clobber a sentry, where to hit him with a truncheon and where to stick a knife in him.
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“We were given the basics: a rifle with silencer, cartridges, a truncheon and knuckleduster. In 1941 were we also given a Smith and Wesson revolver. It was for us to kill ourselves because we were warned not to be captured alive or to leave a wounded colleague.”
Justin Tomlinson, Tory MP for Swindon North, who is raising the matter with Liam Fox, the Defence Secretary, said: “The courageous men who took part in this most vital wartime mission should not be forgotten.”
· All former Auxiliers are now being invited to declare their involvement and contact the Coleshill Auxiliary Research Team on 01865 600 045 or to consult the website www.coleshillhouse.com