Jerry O'Neill wrote:
The second question I have is during Lysander agent drops/pick-ups, they mentioned the "L-shaped, three hand torch landing system" that could only be seen in one direction. Does anyone have a photo of what these hand torches looked like? Were they special made or just regular torches with in field modifications?
Hi Jerry. No pics, but they were a standard electric battery torch [US flashlight]. Training was undertaken in the UK, and the SOE and SIS operatives were taught how to choose and prepare a field. A normal reception committee would use three or more people, but it was possible to do with one, with the butt end of the torches screwed into the ground. All operations were undertaken on moon-lit nights, so during the full moon quarter, and that meant there would normally be a degree of ambient light.
The other question on the torches would be if they were European or British makes - the latter being difficult to explain if an agent was searched by the Germans, so I
presume they would be European or fake European types.
Captain W.E. Johns, the author of children's aviation hero 'Biggles' describes the process, and IIRC, it pre-dates in his accounts to before W.W.II; he was a DH-4 pilot in 55 Squadron in 1918, so probably knew of it from the Great War.
There's a demonstration of the landing process, by two
real SOE agents "acting" their role in the film on the SOE '
Now It Can Be Told' featuring the last real Special Duties Lysander (now in the RAF Museum in Army co-op colours, strangely).
HTH!
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