<![CDATA[Raid on Vaagso 27th Dec.1941]]> https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/WW2/Vaagso/Op+Archery_.jpg.html
The soldier on the right is Derek Gordon Page - a commando. He subsequently left the commandos and served with the Gurkas in India fighting in Burma and eventually ending the war in Indonesia where he met a Dutch prisoner of war who he subsequently married. He left the army with the rank of Captain.

More details regarding his injuries, his recovery and return to a distinguished military career, can be read by following this link to his personal album located in our 3 Cdo gallery with photos and information provided by his daughter : Denis O'Flaherty

This photo replaces a poorer quality one we had. Photo © IWM (N 495). Reproduced here under the terms of the IWM Non-Commercial Licence. Posted by Pete R]]>
en-us Gallery 2 RSS Module, version 1.1.8 Thu, 28 Mar 2024 20:52:47 -0400 120 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/d/3089-17/Op+Archery_.jpg <![CDATA[Raid on Vaagso 27th Dec.1941]]> https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/WW2/Vaagso/Op+Archery_.jpg.html <![CDATA[More detail]]> https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/main.php?g2_view=comment.ShowAllComments&g2_itemId=3088 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/main.php?g2_view=comment.ShowAllComments&g2_itemId=3088
Adding to the information about the raid: My father said the landing craft stopped and discharged him into water that was above his head! He had to run fast underwater to get onto the beach. They were pinned down by the enemy losing men. At one point a mortar landed beside hm throwing him in the air and down the beach. He could not feel his leg and feeling down with his hand it was sopping wet. He thought he had lost his leg. And if so he knew he would have to shoot himself rather than suffer or be taken by the enemy. Forcing himself to look was the hardest thing ever but when he did he saw his leg was intact. It was his water bottle that had been blown apart by shrapnel. ]]>
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Postscript: I was on a flight back from Vienna when I was seated next to the Queen's Messenger returning from Istanbul. We started chatting. It turned out he knew Captain O'Flaherty who had been his commanding officer. He informed me he had risen to the rank of Brigadier and wore an eyepatch as he had lost one eye in the raid (My Dad said Capt O'Flaherty was hit in both eyes). I learned that Brigadier O'Flaherty had died a couple of years back - which was a pity as it would have been great if I could have met and spoken with him.]]>
<![CDATA[]]> https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/main.php?g2_view=comment.ShowAllComments&g2_itemId=3088 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/main.php?g2_view=comment.ShowAllComments&g2_itemId=3088 The soldier on the right is Derek Gordon Page - a commando. He subsequently left the commandos and served with the Gurkas in India fighting in Burma and eventually ending the war in Indonesia where he met a Dutch prisoner of war who he subsequently married. He left the army with the rank of Captain.]]> <![CDATA[]]> https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/main.php?g2_view=comment.ShowAllComments&g2_itemId=3088 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/main.php?g2_view=comment.ShowAllComments&g2_itemId=3088 The soldier on the right is Derek Gordon Page - a commando. He subsequently left the commandos and served with the Gurkas in India fighting in Burma and eventually ending the war in Indonesia where he met a Dutch prisoner of war who he subsequently married. He left the army with the rank of Captain.]]>