Why I became an X-Troop Commando by Helen Fry

A fascinating and moving biography of Colin Anson, the German refugee who became an elite British commando
Born in Germany in 1922, Colin Anson’s (Claus Ascher) childhood was marked by the trials of Nazism. His father was arrested by the Gestapo in 1937 and transported to Dachau, where he died shortly after. Colin, aged just 17, escaped to Britain in the Kindertransport. As soon as he was old enough, Colin volunteered in the Pioneer Corps. Then, in 1942, he was recruited for the elite commando unit X-Troop.
Colin took part in the invasions of Sicily and Italy in 1943, where he sustained a near-fatal injury. But just months later, he returned to duty. He fought in the Yugoslav islands, became the first Allied soldier to liberate Corfu, and was stationed in post-war Frankfurt.
In this unique biography, Helen Fry traces the remarkable story of Colin’s life. Drawing on extensive interviews, Fry recounts his actions in X-Troop and beyond in his own words―and sheds new light on the experience of refugees in the British forces.

Historian and biographer Helen Fry is the author of The Walls Have Ears, Spymaster, MI9, and more than twenty books on intelligence, prisoners of war, and the social history of World War II. She appears regularly in media interviews and podcasts and has been involved in numerous documentaries.

Helen will talk for approximataly 40 mins followed by a 20 mins Q&A

Hosted by Company of Makers' co-founder Steve Bomford.

The talk will be followed by an Q&A session, so you'll have the opportunity to get involved and ask as many of your questions as we can squeeze in.

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Company of Makers are funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund, Arts Council England and the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity.

Event Venue

Online