National Archives catalogue number AIR 2/7450 and AIR 2/7760.

Abbreviations

Bn C-in-C CLE i/c OC Pt Qty RASC RE Ref RV SAS Sigs W/T

Battalion Commander-in-Chief Central Landing Establishment In-Command Officer Commanding Part Quantity Royal Army Service Corps Royal Engineers Reference Rendezvous Special Air Service Signals Wireless Telegraphy

MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL.
OPERATION INSTRUCTION NO.1.

OPERATION "COLOSSUS".

25th January, 1941.

APPENDICES

INTENTION

        1.  It is intended to destroy an important bridge in ITALY by means of a demolition party dropped by parachute, operating from MALTA.

METHOD

The Plan in Outline.

        2.  The operation is to take place during the February moon, i.e. between the 9th and 16th February.  A ground force of 36 officers and other ranks will be employed, to be known as 'X' Troop, and consisting of a demolition party R.E. and a covering party from No.11 Special Air Service Battalion.  These will be carried in Whitley aircraft and will be dropped from a low height in the neighbourhood of the bridge.

        3.  After the operation the troops will make their way to the coast where the C.-in-C. Mediterranean is being asked to provide a submarine on the night of D5 and again on D9 night if necessary.

        4.  Preliminary air action in the neighbourhood will be necessary (see para. 12), as will subsequent bombing to delay repairs to the bridge.

Command.

        5.  Wing Commmander Sir Nigel Norman Bt., will accompany the air party from this country.  From the time of arrival at MALTA until the departure of the force to carry out the attack or such alternative movement as may be ordered, he will assume full command and complete responsibility for decisions affecting the combined operation.  He will be known as 'Operation Controller'.

                Full command and responsibility for the combined force, while air-borne, is vested in Wing Commander J.B. Tait, D.F.C., who will be known as 'Attack Commander - Air'.

                'X' Troop will be commanded by Major T.A.G. Pritchard who will be known as 'Attack Commander - Ground'.

                The closest collaboration is to be maintained between the two attack commanders Air and Ground.

Cover for the Operation.

        6.  The 'cover' for the operation is to attack and destroy an important railway bridge in ABYSSINIA.  In such an operation MALTA would be the natural first stage.  The true scene of the operation will be disclosed only after arrival at MALTA, but it is of course essential that the minimum possible number of people should be informed, outside those actually taking part.

The Plan in Detail.

        7.  Aircraft Available.  8 Whitley V's.  1 Sunderland (for journey to MALTA only).  Details are given in Appendix 'B'.

        8.  Personnel Available.  The following personnel will be available for the operation and will proceed to MALTA as shown:-

                (a) By 'Sunderland'.

                        Army.  1 Officer.

                        R.A.F.  1 Sergeant.  5 Other Ranks.

                                Details are given in Appendices 'C' and 'E'.

                (b) By 'Whitley'

                        Army  6 Officers.  30 Other Ranks.  Plus 1 Officer 3 Other Ranks - Reserves if accommodation is available in aircraft.

                                Details are given in Appendices 'A' and 'F'.

                        R.A.F.  14 Officers (including 1 Officer R.N.).  29 Sergeants.  1 Corporal.

                                Details are given in Appendices 'E' and 'D'.

The Journey Out To Malta.

        9.  The party will proceed to MALTA as follows, by air:-

                (a) Advance Party.  1 Sunderland.  Carrying gear, orders and personnel as shown in Appendices 'C' and 'E'.  Leaving U.K. on 27th January.

                (b) Main Party.  8 Whitleys.  Carrying crew, parachute troops and equipment as shown in Appendices 'D', 'F' and 'G'.  These will leave U.K. on the first possible day after 3rd February and will fly direct to MALTA.

THE OPERATION.

Preliminary Air Action.

        10.  Preliminary air action is to be taken on objectives which are being communicated to A.O.C. MALTA under separate cover.

Main Operation - Phase I.

        11.  Phase I.  The attack will be made on the first suitable night after the 8th February.  Six Whitley V aircraft each carrying full crews and six men of 'X' Troop, together with demolition stores and arms, will proceed to the target area where 'X' Troop will be dropped.  The aircraft will also carry suitable bombs for the purpose of creating a diversion from the main objective.

        12.  If through enemy action or other causes, aircraft are lost or become unserviceable thus reducing the strength of the attacking force, the minimum strength with which the operation is to be carried out is four (4) aircraft in which case each aircraft will carry eight 'X' Troops.  If the operational strength of the force falls below this level the operation will be cancelled or postponed.

        13.  Good weather is essential for the operation as the aircraft will have to fly at about 500 feet in the dropping area.  Should the weather be suitable over the target area the aircraft will return and repeat the attack on the next apparently suitable night.  Arrangements will be made for intercommunication between the aircraft to ensure that some of them do not drop their men while others do so.

        14.  Having carried out the allotted task of dropping the raiding party the aircraft will take action to divert the enemy's attention from the real objective, afterwards returning to MALTA en route for U.K.

Main Operation - Phase II.

        15.  After being dropped 'X' Troop will destroy the bridge by blowing up each of the three piers simultaneously.

The Withdrawal.

        16.  After destroying the bridge 'X' Troop will make the best of their way to the coast.

        17.  C.-in-C. Mediterranean is requested to arrange for a submarine to be at a pre-arranged R.V. during the night of D.5.  If there are any more of the party who are known to have got away but have not arrived on that night, the submarine should return on the night of D.9.

        18.  The coastal R.V. and recognition signal to be shown to seaward by the raiding party will be confirmed at MALTA.  C.-in-C. Mediterranean is requested to arrange, if possible, for the rescue submarine to be at MALTA during the period that the raiding party is there, so that details of rescue may be arranged mutually.

        19.  A.O.C. Malta is responsible that C.-in-C. Mediterranean and V.A. Malta are informed as soon as it is known that 'X' Troop has been dropped, so that the submarine Commander can be informed.  He is also responsible for informing the same authorities if the operation is cancelled.

Subsequent Air Action.

        20.  A.O.C. Malta is to carry out bombing attacks periodically on the target after the operation so as to delay repairs.  A photograph is to be taken as soon as possible after the raid.

ADMINISTRATION.

Accommodation.

        21.  Accommodation, rations and pay will be required in MALTA for the personnel concerned with effect from the dates of their arrival.  Rations for the withdrawal will be brought from U.K.

Maintenance of Aircraft.

        22.  A.O.C. MALTA is to arrange for maintenance of the eight Whitleys and Sunderland while they are at MALTA.  In this he will be helped by the maintenance party sent out from U.K.

        23.  This maintenance party is to return to U.K. with the Whitleys.

Sunderland.

        24.  The Sunderland is to return to U.K. as soon as possible.

Equipment.

        25.  Details of equipment and stores which will accompany the party to MALTA and which must be provided at MALTA, are given in:-

                Appendix 'C'   Sunderland loading schedule.

                Appendix 'G'   Details of spares to be carried in Whitleys.

                Appendix 'I'    R.A.F. and Army equipment required to be provided at MALTA.

Security.

        26.  It is emphasised that the success of this operation depends to a very large extent upon complete secrecy.  All concerned are therefore urged NOT to disclose more information than is absolutely essential to anyone concerned.

        27.  Any R.A.F. signals in connection with this operation are to be sent in CYPHER, and if possible NOT by W/T.

        28.  ACKNOWLEDGE.

[Signed N. Moreton W/Comdr]

for Director of Overseas Operations.

AIR MINISTRY.

Reference:- S.7951.

APPENDIX 'A'

OPERATION - 'COLOSSUS'.

COMPOSITION OF 'X' TROOP.

'X' TROOP WILL COMPRISE THE FOLLOWING PERSONNEL:

        (a) Attack Commander - Ground.

        (b) Covering party:

                3 Officers.

                14 Other ranks in which will be included 3 linguists - British or foreign.

        (c) Demolition party:

                2 R.E. Officers.

                16 R.E. Other ranks.

        (d) Reserves.  Subject to accommodation in aircraft being available O.C. C.L.E. may authorise the sending of reserves.

                1 Officer.

                3 Other ranks.

APPENDICES 'B' and 'D'.

OPERATION - 'COLOSSUS'.

APPENDIX 'B'.    AIRCRAFT TO BE EMPLOYED.

        One Sunderland for transport of key maintenance personnel and equipment.

        Six plus two (reserve) WHITLEY V aircraft.

                N.1525

                T.4235

                T.4236

                T.4215

                P.5105

                T.4166

                T.4167

                T.4165

APPENDIX 'D'    AIR CREWS.

Officers from Central Landing Establishment.

W/Cdr. Sir Nigel Norman, Bt. - Operation Controller.

F/Lt. J.E.M. Williams               - In charge of parachutes/Air gunner.

APPENDIX 'C'

OPERATION - 'COLOSSUS'.

SUNDERLAND AIRCRAFT LOADING SCHEDULE.

APPENDIX 'E'.

OPERATION - 'COLOSSUS'

NOMINAL ROLL OF R.A.F. ADMINISTRATIVE AND MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL.

ADMINISTRATIVE

MAINTENANCE

APPENDIX 'F'.

OPERATION - 'COLOSSUS'

NOMINAL ROLL OF 'X' TROOP PERSONNEL.

For Operation:

Reserves:

APPENDIX 'G'

OPERATION - 'COLOSSUS'

LIST OF SPARES TO BE TAKEN BY WHITLEY AIRCRAFT.

APPENDIX 'H'

OPERATION - 'COLOSSUS'

AIR MOVEMENT TABLE.

TIME TABLE.

        January 27       Sunderland aircraft leaves U.K. for MALTA with key maintenance personnel and equipment.

        February 2       Eight Whitley V aircraft, complete with air crews and equipment, 'X' Troop and supplies required for operation move from Ringway to a Home departure base.

        February 4-7    Eight Whitley aircraft as above leave U.K. for MALTA.

        February 9-16  Six Whitley aircraft leave advanced base MALTA for attack on objective.  As soon as possible after the attack has been carried out the eight Whitley aircraft return to U.K. with maintenance personnel and remaining spares and equipment.

APPENDIX 'I'

OPERATION - 'COLOSSUS'

R.A.F. AND ARMY STORES TO BE PROVIDED FROM STOCKS AT MALTA.

ARMY REQUIREMENTS.

R.A.F. REQUIREMENTS.

MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL

M.O./9/H/XXXIV.

25th January, 1941.

Subject:- Operation COLOSSUS

Dear Sir,

        1.  I am directed to enclose a copy of Operation Instructions for the above-named operation.  The operation has been planned by the Director of Combined Operations and approved by the Chiefs of Staff.  It is intended that it should be carried out under the general orders of Wing-Commander Sir Nigel Norman, Bart., R.A.F., with Wing-Commander J.B. Tait, D.F.C. as Attack Commander Air and Major T.A.G. Pritchard, Royal Welch Fusiliers as Attack Commander Ground.

        2.  I am to request that, unless there is some local reason why the operation should not take place (in which case you should telegraph to the Chiefs of Staff), you will provide the necessary facilities for those taking part.  The bearer of this letter, Lieutenant A.J. Deane Drummond, Royal Corps of Signals, will give you such additional information as you may require.  A copy of his instructions is enclosed herewith.

        3.  In conclusion, I am to add that the utmost secrecy concerning all phases of this operation is essential.

I am,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

[Signed J. McNair]

for Director of Military Operations and Plans.

His Excellency the Governor and Commander-in-Chief, Malta.

MOST SECRET AND PERSONAL

Lieut. A.J. Deane Drummond,

Roy. Corps Sigs.

No.11 S.A.S. Bn.

        1.  You will be in charge of the personnel detailed in Appendix A who are proceeding to Malta for a certain operation.

        2.  You will proceed to Malta by Sunderland aircraft on 27th January.  You will report to Station Commander at Mountbatten at 1700 hrs. on 26th January.

        3.  You will take with you certain letters and maps as detailed in Appendix B.  On arrival at Malta you will report in person first to A.O.C. Malta and will ask him to arrange for you to deliver the remaining letters.

        4.  The letters you will deliver PERSONALLY to the persons shown on the envelope.  The maps you will deliver to A.O.C. Malta for safe custody till the arrival of the Main body.

        5.  A.O.C. Malta will arrange for you to see the air photographs of the area, if any, and will keep you posted with all information.

        6.  You will consult with Vice Admiral Malta regarding the R.V. for the withdrawal of the party and if possible will see the commander of the ship in question.

        7.  You will arrange with local authorities to accommodation and rations for the advance party and main bodies.

        8.  You will draw from O.C. R.A.S.C. the following operational rations for the force:-

                6 days rations for 36 men.

                Biscuits - 9 ozs per man per day.

                Margarine - 4 ozs per man per day.

                Sugar - 2 ozs per man per day.

                Tea - 1½ ozs per man per day.

                        You will break down bulk so that the above rations can be conveniently carried on the man in two haversacks (part in mess tin and enamel cup) and later according to the daily scale of rations.  You will also draw two gallons of petrol from O.C. R.A.S.C.

        9.  You will confirm that the stores shown in App. C are immediately available for the main body when they arrive.

        10.  You will observe the utmost secrecy during your stay in Malta.  The Other Ranks will not be informed of the nature of the mission until the arrival of the Force Commander.

        11.  You will obtain a light bicycle ready for the operation.

[Signed - unknown]

for D.C.O.

APPENDIX 'A'

OPERATION - 'COLOSSUS'

SUNDERLAND AIRCRAFT LOADING SCHEDULE.

Nominal Roll.

APPENDIX 'B'

List of letters and Maps to be taken out by Lieut Deane-Drummond.

Letters

        C. in C. Mediterranean (per V.A. Malta)

        V.A. Malta

        Governor & C. in C. Malta

        A.O.C. in C. Middle East (per A.O.C. Malta)

        A.O.C. Malta

        Captain (S) First S/M Flotilla (per V.A. Malta)

Maps.

        Package "A".

                44 Photo enlargements of Geological Map.

                8 Complete G.C.G.S. 3982 "Europe (Air) 1/250000 Sheet K 33/[unreadable but probably 11]

        Package "B".

                24 each of sheets Nos. 185, 186, 187, 197, 198, 199, Italy 1/100000.

                45 "cut outs" from "Europe (Air) 1/250000 Sheet K 33/11".

APPENDIX "C"

OPERATION 'COLOSSUS'

R.A.F. AND ARMY STORES TO BE PROVIDED FROM STOCKS AT MALTA.

ARMY REQUIREMENTS.

R.A.F. REQUIREMENTS.

MOST SECRET

Chiefs of Staff Committee.

Meeting to be held on Tuesday 6th February 1941.

OPERATION "COLOSSUS".

        There are two reasons why I consider it unwise to adopt D.C.O.'s suggestion.

        1.  If the threat is to reach the Italian authorities in time to prevent any men captured being shot out of hand or otherwise maltreated (if indeed this is likely to happen), it would have to reach them just before or just after the operation is undertaken.  This would be bound to prejudice secrecy.  There will, moreover, be two opportunities for men to be picked up by submarine, the second occurring some four days after the first, and we want to give everyone who misses the first every chance of getting the second; we should accordingly be ill-advised to let the Italians know officially how the operation had been carried out until several days afterwards.

        2.  It is dangerous to adopt a policy which might lead to reprisals and counter-reprisals.  The Germans hold some 40,000 British prisoners and they are bound to be the winners in any contest of this nature.

The War Office.

5th February, 1941.

SECRET

D.C.O.'s Office.

War Cabinet Office Annexe,

Richmond Terrace,

S.W.1.

No.P.63.

1st June, 1941.

Dear Rock,

        Thank you for your note about Daly.

        2.  Could you possibly arrange to borrow the two letters received by his brother and send them to me for inspection?  Also any other letters received by relatives or friends of the COLOSSUS party in the past or future?  They will of course be treated as confidential and returned.

        3.  The attached may interest you.  Reggio Calabria is on the southern toe of Italy and the railway referred to is presumably the western coastal line.  The reason for stopping traffic on this line for three days is not clear.  It may have been due to Daly's activities; it may, on the other hand, have been a security measure imposed while the parachutists, whose numbers were still unknown, were being rounded up.

        A further possibility is that the railway referred to is the eastern line, between Foggia and Reggio.  This would be more understandable as it is known that the diversionary bombing at Foggia caused considerable dislocation of the junction.

        However, evidence is beginning to accumulate from a variety of sources indicating that the raid was by no means abortive; any day now we may get the full story.

Yours ever,

[Signed unclear]

Lt.Col. J. Rock,

C.L.E.,

Ringway,

Cheshire.

Copy to: Major A. Daniell, M.O.1(c), War Office.

Extract from Enclosure to Madrid Despatch No.136 of 8th April, 1941.

"The damage done by the British parachute troops in Southern Italy on 10th February has been kept very secret, but it is thought that they must have damaged communications, as for three days all train services to Reggio Calabria were suspended.  It is also known that it took the Italians about a fortnight to round up all those who had been dropped."