Gentleman Jim: The Wartime Story of a Founder of the SAS and Special Forces

Lorna Almonds Windmill

Pen and Sword Military

A story of love and danger, courage, drama and survival against the odds. Set in wartime England, the western desert, Italy and France, it seeks to capture the spirit of the young soldiers at war in the newly emerging SAS. "Gentleman Jim" Almonds, a sergeant in the Guards Commandos, sailed for the Middle East as part of "Layforce" in January 1941 with David Stirling and others destined to become SAS "originals". After intense training in the desert and action at Tobruk, Jolo Oasis, Nofelia and Benghazi, Almonds was captured and shipped to a Prisoner of War camp in Italy, from which he managed to escape. After 32 days on the run, he managed to reach US forces at the Benevento front line. Later, in 1944, he parachuted into France to disrupt road and rail links. He spent two months living in the Forest of Orleans - despite Hitler's edict that all SAS were to be shot rather than taken prisoner. This work is based on "Gentleman Jim's" diaries, which he kept to be sent to his wife should he fail to return.

Gentleman Jim

Constable

The true story of one of the SAS originals, "Gentleman Jim" Almonds' remarkable history is set in wartime England, the western desert, Italy and France and recounts his formative role in the birth of the SAS. Against a background of love, courage and survival against all the odds, this book captures the real spirit of the young soldiers in the new Special Air Service. Jim Almonds, a sergeant in the Guards Commandos, sailed for the Middle East in 1941 to become an SAS 'original'. After action at Tobruk and elsewhere, Almonds was captured and shipped to a POW camp in Italy, he escaped and later, in occupied France, won the Croix de Guerre. Based on his diaries, the action throughout is vivid and immediate.

Gentleman Jim : The Wartime Story of a Founder of the Sas

History

Military

Robinson Publishing M/D

Son of the victor of Jutland, George Jellicoe has enjoyed power and privilege but never shirked his duty. His war exploits are legendary and, as a founder member of Stirling’s SAS and first Commander of the Special Boat Service, he saw action a-plenty. A brigadier at 26 with a DSO and MC he liberated Athens as the Germans withdrew and saved Greece from a Communist revolution.After the war Jellicoe joined the Foreign Office and worked with spies Burgess, Philby and Maclean in Washington and on the Soviet Desk. His political life saw him in the Cabinet of the Heath Government and he is frank with his biographer over the issues and characters of his fellow ministers.Jellicoe’s Achilles heel is his weakness for, and attraction to, women. His resignation over an involvement with a prostitute was a national scandal but he is refreshingly honest and devoid of self-justification. He remained an active member of the Lords pursuing a top level business career.A British Achilles is a superb biography of a major public figure and exemplary wartime soldier.

A BRITISH ACHILLES: The Story of George, 2nd Earl Jellicoe KBE DSO MC FRS 20th Century Soldier, Politician, Statesman

Biographies & Memoirs

Historical

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Books by Lorna Almonds Windmill