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The SAS in Wartime EssexWhen most people think of the SAS, they picture today’s elite soldiers based in Hereford. Fewer know the extraordinary story of how it all began: a daring experiment in the North African desert during World War II. The “original” SAS was a tiny band of around 60 men—bold, unconventional, and devastatingly effective. Popularised in the recent TV series "SAS: Rogue Heroes", their early exploits up to D-Day on 6 June 1944 have captured the imagination of millions.
But there is another chapter—less well known, yet equally compelling.
From late 1944, Essex became a crucial base for the rapidly expanded SAS Brigade, now more than 2,500 strong. Operating from airfields and camps across the county, these highly trained units launched some of their most important “behind the lines” missions into occupied Europe and Germany. Their work in the war’s final months helped disrupt enemy communications, gather vital intelligence, and hasten the collapse of Nazi Germany.
This remarkable local connection to one of Britain’s most legendary fighting forces is the focus of an illustrated talk by Gordon Brown, Chair of the Earls Colne Heritage Museum. Drawing on original research and first-hand sources, he brings to life the untold story of the SAS in Essex—the operations they mounted, the risks they took, and the men who carried them out from the heart of the county during the closing stages of the Second World War.
Discover how quiet corners of Essex became the launchpads for some of the war’s most daring missions.
Tickets £7.50 per person
Contact Paul: 07967 000280
Or see poster for QR Code
The Bar will be open for this event.
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Event Venue
Colchester Road, Wakes Colne, United Kingdom CO6 2BX, Colchester, United Kingdom
Tickets
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