Overview
A British SAS operation in July 1942, led by Major David Stirling, attacked a German airfield deep in North Africa, facing fierce resistance, significant danger, and heavy losses, ultimately marking a pivotal moment in special forces history.
Mission Preparation and Approach
- Stirling leads 18 jeeps from British and French SAS units on a covert raid behind enemy lines.
- The target is a German airfield 230 miles northwest of Cairo.
- Tension mounts as the team approaches the airfield under cover of night.
Initial Attack on the Airfield
- The team opens fire on the airfield and approaching planes using twin Vickers machine guns.
- Massive gunfire and tracer rounds devastate the German aircraft on the runway.
- German defenders cut the lights and attempt to regroup.
Advancing and Engaging the Enemy
- Stirling signals the charge onto the airfield, leading a coordinated assault.
- SAS jeeps systematically destroy parked German planes, facing minimal initial resistance.
- German defenders eventually return fire with anti-aircraft guns and mortars, causing chaos.
Encounter with Resistance and Casualties
- SAS gunner John Robson is fatally wounded; Stirling narrowly escapes injury.
- The unit regroups, suppresses enemy positions, and resumes destruction of aircraft.
- After a recheck, Stirling decides on a final pass attacking remaining targets.
Retreat and Aftermath of the Raid
- The SAS signals a retreat; Paddy Mayne destroys a remaining transport aircraft before withdrawal.
- Jeeps split into four groups to evade German air pursuit during the retreat.
- Mather’s group hides from enemy planes and narrowly avoids detection.
Challenges During Escape
- The French group, exposed, is attacked by Stuka bombers; Zirnheld is critically wounded.
- Stirling's group buries Robson and narrowly avoids further air attack.
- Many jeeps are damaged; navigation difficulties, lack of supplies, and exhaustion threaten survival.
Return and Losses
- Mather and Mayne’s groups reach the rendezvous point; Stirling's unit struggles but eventually arrives.
- Aspirant Andre Zirnheld succumbs to his wounds during the retreat.
Legacy and Recognition
- Stirling receives major military honors for his leadership and bravery.
- The success of the mission contributes to the formal establishment of the Special Air Service (SAS).
- Zirnheld’s poem, “Paratrooper’s Prayer,” becomes the French airborne forces' official poem.
Decisions
- Final attack on dispersal area: Stirling orders another assault before retreating.
- Split into four groups for escape: SAS units divide to evade enemy search efforts.
Action Items
- TBD – Survivors: Regroup, resupply, and debrief after returning from the mission.
- TBD – French SAS: Honor Zirnheld’s legacy and disseminate his “Paratrooper’s Prayer.”