The Extraordinary Wartime Exploits of Lt Col Pat Spooner MBE

Lieutenant Colonel Patrick "Pat" Spooner MBE was a highly decorated British officer who served with distinction during the Second World War. He was a member of the Special Operations Executive (SOE),the Special Air Service (SAS),and the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG). He fought in Burma, Italy, and North Africa, and was awarded the Military Cross (MC) and the MBE for his gallantry and leadership.

Early Life and Career

Pat Spooner was born in London on 12 January 1914. He was educated at Eton College and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He was commissioned into the Royal Artillery in 1936, and served in India and the Middle East before the outbreak of the Second World War.

A Talent for Adventure: The Remarkable Wartime Exploits of Lt Col Pat Spooner MBE

by Pat Spooner

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3808 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	330 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Special Operations Executive

In 1941, Spooner was recruited into the SOE, a secret organisation tasked with conducting sabotage and subversion behind enemy lines. He was sent to North Africa, where he worked with the LRDG to train and lead Arab irregular forces against the Axis powers.

Spooner's most famous mission with the SOE was Operation Bulbasket, a daring raid on the German airfield at Sidi Haneish in Libya. Spooner and his team of SAS troopers parachuted into the desert and successfully destroyed several enemy aircraft.

The Special Air Service

In 1943, Spooner was transferred to the SAS. He served with the SAS in Italy, where he led a number of successful raids against German forces. He was also involved in the planning and execution of Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Normandy.

The Long Range Desert Group

In 1944, Spooner was transferred to the LRDG. He commanded the LRDG during the Battle of Monte Cassino, where he led his men in a daring raid behind enemy lines to capture a key hilltop position.

Post-War Career

After the war, Spooner continued to serve in the British Army. He held a number of senior positions, including commander of the 22nd Special Air Service Regiment and director of the SAS. He retired from the army in 1969.

Spooner died on 29 December 1993. He is buried in the churchyard of St Peter's Church, Eaton Square, London.

Legacy

Pat Spooner was one of the most decorated and respected British officers of the Second World War. He was a brave and resourceful leader, and his exploits helped to shape the course of the war. He is remembered as a true hero and a legend of the SAS.

A Talent for Adventure: The Remarkable Wartime Exploits of Lt Col Pat Spooner MBE

by Pat Spooner

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3808 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	330 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE