Blog update …

 General  No Responses »
Jun 152021
 

The CART Blog has closed down… however, an end is just a beginning. As part of our modernisation project, your main point of Auxiliary Units reference is the new website at www.staybehinds.com

The digital world changes and so does the support for the software that runs it. The Google software that sends out the Blog notifications is being retired in the coming months, and the Blog software itself is end of life. As such, we have made the difficult decision to close the CART Blog.

Social Media (SM) such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram have become the most popular way of interaction outside the website.

We encourage our subscribers, friends and followers to engage with us through Social Media. You can read our SM posts without an account, but for those without SM accounts but who wish to comment on posts, you can contact us by email at hq@coleshillhouse.com

The Blog has been active for 12 years, in that time there’s been over 850 posts and much useful feedback.

Thank you for your understanding. Onward !

 Posted by CART HQ on June 15, 2021

R.I.P Auxilier Ivan Mower of Stradbroke Patrol

 Obituaries  No Responses »
Apr 282021
 

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Ivan Mower. Ivan broke his leg recently and passed away in hospital on 27th April. He was 97. We send our condolences to his family and friends at this time.

Ivan was a member of the Stradbroke Patrol in Suffolk along with his father Albert: www.staybehinds.com/patrol/stradbroke-patrol

The Patrol built their Operational Base themselves. Ivan recalled that the Patrol thought that they were alone, not being aware of any other Patrols.

Ivan at his O.B. in 2011

Aux Podcast by our sister organisation at The British Resistance Museum, Parham, Suffolk

 Press  No Responses »
Apr 092021
 

What if the Battle of Britain had not been a success? What was the plan had the Nazis successfully crossed the channel?

Museum Curator Chris Pratt talks to the HistoryHit folk. Chris packs a lot into 30 mins. Well worth a listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/britains-secret-army-the-resistance/id1526490428?i=1000516365466

The Museum at Parham is planning to re-open on Sunday 23rd May: www.parhamairfieldmuseum.co.uk/british-resistance-organisation/

A Heads Up – seen something ‘Auxiliary Units’ for sale ?

 General  No Responses »
Mar 272021
 

Unfortunately we are seeing more unscrupulous people palming things off purporting to have Auxiliary Units links. These people will stop at nothing to take your money.

We have seen it with fake Stand-Down badges, and recently a knife. If you have ANY doubts or would like a second opinion, PLEASE contact us first so that we can use our collective knowledge and experience to determine the likelihood of authenticity. It only takes a quick email to save heartache and also your pocket.

Don’t let them get away with your money or using the memory of these brave men and women of the Auxiliary Units to line their own pockets illicitly.

It’s not just well-known online bidding and shopping sites, but also official-looking auction-houses that are up to these scams. If in doubt, give us a shout !

 Posted by CART HQ on March 27, 2021

Lockdown listening:

 Special Duties Branch (SDB)  No Responses »
Feb 242021
 

Immerse yourself and gain a little more appreciation for the men and women involved in Auxiliary Units. We’ve added 3 audio interviews and a video to our website and hope to add more soon:

Rex Chaston was an Auxilier in the Saxmundham Patrol. Listen to Rex explaining his time in Auxiliary Units HERE: www.staybehinds.com/patrol/saxmundham-patrol

Yolande Bromley (later Alston) was a Special Duties Branch radio operator. Listen to her story at www.staybehinds.com/yolande-audrey-yvette-bromley

Yolande Bromley

Watch the engrossing interview with Auxilier Herman Kindred from the Stratford St. Andrew Patrol HERE: www.staybehinds.com/patrol/stratford-st-andrew-patrol

Group Commander Harry Wharton spills the beans on his wartime role HERE: www.staybehinds.com/henry-wharton

Donald Brown R.I.P.

 Obituaries  2 Responses »
Jan 172021
 

We are saddened to announce the peaceful passing of Donald Brown on 9th January.

Previously a headmaster, Don was a keen WW2 researcher who helped with the Defence of Britain Project (1995 – 2001) and who made the most of his Somerset contacts through his time with the Mendip Ranger Service. He tracked down and interviewed surviving Auxiliers and visited their Operational Bases. He collected copies of surviving papers and photographs, and together these were the source for his 1999 book; Somerset Versus Hitler.

He also assisted Tim Wray with his research for his book on Somerset Auxiliary Units, as well as John Warwicker for With Britain in Mortal Danger.

Don was instrumental in supporting CART in its early days by generously providing access to his collection of material about Auxiliary Units. He supplied us with the first national Auxiliary Units spreadsheet he and Tim had been working on. It was a game changer for us as it had so many names on it, all ordered, and saved many years of work for us, for which we are hugely grateful.

Due to the Covid pandemic the family are having a small family funeral and intend to follow this with a memorial service when it is appropriate and safe to do so.

He will be sorely missed and we send our condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.

 Posted by CART HQ on January 17, 2021

Special Duties – podcast

 General  No Responses »
Jan 072021
 

CART’s Andy Chatterton returns to talk with the ‘History Hack’ ladies – this time it’s about the Special Duties side of Auxiliary Units – this was the civilian spy network that was put in place to report enemy troop movements once the country had been overrun by the Nazis.

Listen to the podcast here: https://historyhack.podbean.com/e/317-history-hack-nazi-invasion-the-special-duties-branch/

 Posted by CART HQ on January 7, 2021

The Telegraph

 Press  No Responses »
Jan 042021
 

We have had an unprecedented response to our article in The Telegraph. This is fantastic to aid research and honour the brave men and women of the Auxiliary Units.

 Posted by CART HQ on January 4, 2021

Season’s Greetings from CART

 General  No Responses »
Dec 212020
 

As 2020 draws to a close we would like to take this opportunity to thank all our friends and supporters.

CART along with the National Trust at Coleshill have installed a memorial plaque to Auxiliary Units in the carpenter’s yard. Coleshill Estate was their General Headquarters and training camp.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-buscot-and-coleshill-estates/features/coleshills-second-world-war-secrets

All best wishes from the Coleshill Auxiliary Research Team. Here’s to a better year.

https://www.staybehinds.com

 Posted by CART HQ on December 21, 2020
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