The Auxillary Units: A Secret Force in World War II

In the thick of World War II, amidst the chaos and destruction, a clandestine force emerged from the shadows—the Auxillary Units. These secretive groups, often referred to as "stay-behind" units, were tasked with carrying out sabotage and guerrilla warfare behind enemy lines in the event of an invasion of Britain. Their mission was fraught with danger and required unwavering determination and resilience. This article delves into the history of the Auxillary Units, exploring their origins, training, operations, and legacy.

Origins and Formation

The seeds of the Auxillary Units were sown in the early days of World War II, when the threat of a German invasion loomed over Britain. In the aftermath of the Dunkirk evacuation, it became clear that the country needed a last line of defense in case of occupation. The Regular Army was stretched thin, and there was a need for a clandestine force to resist and harass the enemy.

Churchill's Underground Army: A History of the Auxillary Units in World War II

by John Warwicker

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
File size	:	4264 KB
Print length	:	320 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

In July 1940, the Special Operations Executive (SOE) was established to oversee the formation and training of the Auxillary Units. SOE was tasked with sabotage, propaganda, and guerrilla warfare in occupied territories. Within SOE, a new section, Section VIII, was created to handle the Auxillary Units.

Recruitment and Training

The Auxillary Units were composed of volunteers from all walks of life. Strict criteria were set, and only individuals with exceptional physical fitness, intelligence, and determination were accepted. The units were diverse, including farmers, athletes, engineers, teachers, and even members of the aristocracy.

Training for the Auxillary Units was rigorous and demanding. Members underwent intensive courses in sabotage, guerrilla warfare, weapons handling, and communications. They honed their skills in secret training camps tucked away in remote locations across the country. The training focused on developing self-reliance, teamwork, and the ability to operate independently in hostile territory.

Organisation and Structure

The Auxillary Units were organized into small groups, typically consisting of 15-20 members. Each group was led by a commander and divided into three sections: sabotage, intelligence, and communications. The groups were then organized into larger units, known as "areas," with each area covering a specific region of the country.

To maintain secrecy, the Auxillary Units were compartmentalized into small cells. Members only knew the identities of those within their own cell, and communication between cells was strictly limited. Each cell had a designated rendezvous point in the event of an invasion.

Equipment and Weapons

The Auxillary Units were equipped with a variety of weapons and supplies to carry out their missions. They were armed with pistols, rifles, submachine guns, and explosives. They also possessed radios, maps, and other equipment necessary for sabotage and guerrilla operations.

In addition to conventional weapons, the Auxillary Units also experimented with unconventional methods of warfare. They developed "sticky bombs," which could be attached to enemy vehicles or infrastructure to cause maximum damage. They also trained in unarmed combat and sabotage techniques.

Mission and Operations

The Auxillary Units' primary mission was to stay behind enemy lines in the event of an invasion and carry out sabotage and guerrilla warfare. They were tasked with disrupting enemy communications, destroying supply lines, attacking isolated German units, and gathering intelligence.

If the invasion occurred, the Auxillary Units were to activate and operate independently for as long as possible. They were instructed to avoid direct confrontations with the enemy and to blend in with the local population. Their aim was to cause as much disruption and damage as possible, making it difficult for the German occupiers to establish control.

Legacy and Impact

Although the Auxillary Units were never called into action during World War II, their existence and training served as a powerful deterrent to invasion. The fact that Britain possessed a secret force ready to resist made any potential invasion a risky and costly endeavor for the Germans.

The Auxillary Units left a lasting legacy in British military history. They demonstrated the importance of special forces and clandestine operations in modern warfare. The tactics and training developed by the Auxillary Units have influenced the development of special forces units around the world.

In addition to their military impact, the Auxillary Units also had a profound social and cultural impact. They embodied the spirit of resistance and resilience of the British people during World War II. Their story continues to inspire and fascinate, reminding us of the sacrifices made by those who fought in the shadows.

The Auxillary Units were a unique and enigmatic force in World War II. Their mission was fraught with danger and uncertainty, but they carried out their duties with unwavering determination and courage. Their legacy lives on today, influencing the development of special forces units and serving as a testament to the power of resistance and the indomitable spirit of those who fight for their freedom.

Churchill's Underground Army: A History of the Auxillary Units in World War II

by John Warwicker

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
File size	:	4264 KB
Print length	:	320 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE