Two SAS lost Finland 1942
 

Hi guys

Two SAS were conveyed to Far North Russia by RAF Catalina August 1942 following agreement with Soviet Air Force to airdrop them over Norway.

However, following a delay, they were eventually erroneously dropped over Finland, where they were captured, tortured and then executed.

Has anyone additional details? Identities?

Cheers
Brian

Re: Two SAS lost Finland 1942
 

Hi Brian,

Has the Ex-Lance-corporal X, QGM (author of The SAS and LRDG Roll of Honour 1941-47) already been contacted ?

See this link http://www.sas-lrdg-roh.com/
(All copies of the book have been sold.)

Best regards

Luc

Re: Two SAS lost Finland 1942
 

What a curious tale.

Why SAS? I did not think there were any SAS units in UK in 1942, it was still a maverick, undisciplined rabble by late 1942 and didn't improve much afterwards. In Norway to do what, sabotage (two men?)? Why not SOE (trained intelligence operatives) rather than loud, aggressive door-kickers? Why not Kompanie Linge? :). If true it's a suicide mission from start to finish.

How did the Russians mistake Finland for Norway? Norway is much further. Were they drunk? Why insert them from Russia? Over hostile Finnish territory and Sweden? I have never heard of any collaboration efforts involving British commandos/SOE and the Soviets.

This sounds like a pub-story.

regards

Keith

Re: Two SAS lost Finland 1942
 

Something to keep in mind is that Russia borders Norway, as does Finland.

Re: Two SAS lost Finland 1942
 

Maybe a prelude to Operation Freshman?

Re: Two SAS lost Finland 1942
 

For all those interested: story in online book MI6: The History of the Secret Intelligence Service 1909-1949 by Keith Jeffery.

Two SIS agents were sent to Russia (Lake Lathka) in August 1942. Plan was that the Russians would drop them within days near Kirkenes, Norway, to monitor German fleet movements. Drop was only two months later (without winter equipment...), and in Finland instead. Agents were caught and brought to Oslo, to be interrogated and ultimately shot.

No names provided.


Regards,


Leendert

Re: Two SAS lost Finland 1942
 

Thanks guys for your positive input.

Keith, you should learn a lesson IMHO!

My reference came from Max Hastings' 'All Hell Let Loose', which was undoubtedly
extracted from Keith Jeffery's book.

Further investigation ongoing.

Cheers
Brian

Re: Two SAS lost Finland 1942
 

I think you may mean Max Hastings!

Re: Two SAS lost Finland 1942
 

Hi Nick

Oops! Thanks for that. Pass the water!

Cheers
Brian

Re: Two SAS lost Finland 1942
 

Brian,


Names are provided in the online book Secret Alliances: Special Operations and Intelligence in Norway 1940-1945 by Tony Insall.


They are Thor Sentzen and Hans Michael Skjervo. They were executed in April 1944.


Regards,
Leendert