Army Wing | 30AssaultUnit

Army Wing 34 Section

Small and mobile

30 Assault Unit, (34 Section - Army Wing) mostly whilst at the Villa Noboli outside Imprunetta just south of Florence. After this, a selection of them were parachuted behind the lines into the Carrarra mountains near Sarzana to disrupt the German retreat, blowing bridges, telephone lines etc. with the partisans. Also, their duty was to keep an eye on movements in the port of La Spezia. info@30AU.co.uk

Award recommendation EdGallacher

While operating behind enemy lines in the SPEZIA area from 6 Feb to 28 Mar 45 this soldier showed outstanding initiative and courage. On two occasions he re-crossed ebenmy lines bringing back important information of enemy forces and intentions. On the last occasion after the officer in charge had been killed in the ALTISSIMO, Spr Gallacher, by his courage and tenacity of purpose succeeded at the second attempt to re-cross under fire from German MG's and mortars, bringing back vital information of enemy forces in SPEZIA area. His courage and Cheerfulness under adverse conditions were throughout the operation an inspiration to the remainder of the party

Eddie “Jock” Gallacher

Eddie “Jock” Gallacher and the lady in question was the daughter of the villa’s owner. I assume the picture was taken when the group were stationed in the Villa Noboli. As far as I know the villa was the family home of Count Rossi di Montelera more famous as the family behind the Martini-Rossi drinks empire and I believe it is still owned by them. The lady in question was his daughter, the Contessa. He was a silver tongued devil my dad!!

PMS1.jpg

PMS.jpg

awaiting drop

Waiting for a drop in the Carrarra mountains, on Mount Sagro. Front 3 L to R: Alastair"Jock' Muir, Jock gallacher, Italian partisan officer 'Guido' (possibly Lt. Paulo) and 3 at back row. L to R. Geoff Hollington, Patrisan Georgio, unknown italian

Armywing

PRIVATE RAMSAY (BOTTOM LEFT) Men from 30AU 34 Wing.

Repair

Major Strachan (senior officer) and his pet boxer

Repairing vehicles at the rear of the villa.

Villa Nabolli

Rear of Villa Noboli, foreground building is the cook house & the 'home' of 'Tich' Gosling.

Villa Nabolli

REQUISITIONED VILLA NOBOLI NR. IMPRUNETTA,

Left of front 4 is Cpl. Don Wright. Left front of middle 4 is Eddie Smith. Officer to the right is Lt. Russel.

Xmas Dinner 44

Front left: Dennis Nailor of Brecon (non op driver) At the back: Jock Buchan. Lt. Russel pouring jug. beside him: Jock Peters.
Far right: Denham (motor mechanic)
Front left: Dennis Nailor of Brecon (non op driver) At the back: Jock Buchan. Lt. Russel pouring jug. beside him: Jock Peters.
Far right: Denham (motor mechanic)

Dining

Dining in the villa. F'ground left: Jack Bevan, behind him on left:Dai Rees, head half hidden behind Jack is Ramsay.

Others unknown.