Fred Casey No.8 Commando & 1st S.A.S.

An interesting Commando, 1st S.A.S. grouping.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8046473/WWII-archive-belonging-one-original-members-goes-auction.html

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 28/02/2020 17:10:33

6399326 Fred Casey, Royal Sussex Regt, was originally in No.3 Cdo but joined No.8 Cdo in Feb '41.

Nick

Nick what is the source of your information as he is not listed in the nominal rolls we have and the service number you provided appears wrong.

6399326 refers to a Pte G. Webb who got a MiD in 1940 with the Royal Sussex Regt. LG 35030, page 7189.
Casualty Lists and Prisoner of War Records 1944/5 also list 6399326 G. Webb, then a Sgt with the 2nd Bn. SLI being reported missing and found to be a Prisoner of War

His service number should read 6309236. It's on an SAS Certificate in one of the other Lots in this sale, and is also in the Nominal Roll for the SRS in Stewart Maclean's book about them SAS, The History of the Special Raiding Squadron 'Paddy's men'. I have spoken with Bosley's and they have his service record to confirm Commando service prior to SRS but were unable to explain why the service number on the 21st Army Group Cert is different to that on the SAS Cert.

In Stewart Maclean's book the author mentions that Fred Casey's nickname in the Squadron was 'Killer'.

Very nice collection.

My apologies - a typo - Fred Casey's number should read 6399236...

He saw action in France with the BEF and was evacuated from France on the 30th May 1940.
Back in the UK he volunteered for The Commandos and on completion of training and was posted to F Troop, No.3 Cdo on 10th July 1940. After further training in February 1941 he was posted to No.8 Commando...

Nick

Pete,

Please check the service number again you have 6309236, but I believe it should be 6399236.

The regimental numbers for R Sussex were 6390001 - 6446000.

The number you have would put him in East Kent Regiment (The Buffs).

Nick

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 28/02/2020 18:56:38

Part of the collection. There are quite a few different Lots. Check page 26.

https://www.flipsnack.com/bosleysauctions/4-march-militaria-catalogue/full-view.html

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 28/02/2020 23:42:23

If you look at the description for Lot 137 (page 25) you will see that his medals are listed.

Comprising: 1939/45 Star, Africa Star, France & Germany Star, Defence Medal, War Medal, Territorial Efficiency Medal (GVIR) "6399236 PTE F CASEY R. SUSSEX".

Unlike WWII Medals and Stars, the 'Territorial' Efficiency Medal had the recipient's service number, rank and name impressed on the edge of the medal - you will note that the auction house has noted Fred Casey's number, rank, name & unit as part of the description of his Efficiency Medal.

I think the service number on the hand written certificate is wrong.

He could quite possibly have been with 3 Commandos A Troop who replaced 8 Troop which was a composite Troop in 1941 before going to the Middle East.
This Troop was to hold the beachhead during an operation at Ain el Gazala designed to assist Battleaxe, the plan was to attack LG No. 1 but their Monitor HMS Aphis came under severe Air attack and after sustaining damage was eventually forced to return home.
The Troop was picked for Operation Walls and left for Tobruk but whilst forming up they were attacked from the air and sustained 3 kia's and the operation was duly cancelled.
Returning to Mersah Matruh this Troop again found its way to Tobruk and would take part in the Twin Pimples scheme and also the follow up several days later.
On disbandment several men were picked for the so called Rommel Raid although they were on board the Talisman and were unable to land.
The MEC patrolled the Sinai and Egyptian deserts and served also in Syria before working with theLRDG.
Once they were disbanded most of these men made up C Squadron of the SAS who would serve in the Mareth area from late 42 before returning to Kabrit in March 43. Many of these men were absorbed into the SRS.
Hope this will be of interest.
Alan

Excellent addition information, which all fits in and makes sense. Thanks Alan.

Nick