Colchester B Patrol

County Group
Essex Group 2 - Colchester South
Locality

Colchester is a large market town and garrison, 60 miles North-East of London, 20 miles from Harwich.

Patrol members
Name Occupation Posted from Until
Sergeant Harry William Allen

Engine fitter

 Unknown 03 Dec 1944
Corporal William Henry Warren

Crane driver

 Unknown 03 Dec 1944
Private Frederick William Barrett

House painter

 Unknown 03 Dec 1944
Private Alfred Leonard Clarke

Iron foundry worker

 Unknown Unknown
Private G. W. Jones Unknown Unknown
Private S. W. Jones Unknown Unknown
Private Ronald Clive Michell

Engine fitter

 Unknown 03 Dec 1944
Private John Salter Nice

Tool jig plotter

 Unknown 03 Dec 1944
Private Patrick Henry O'Mara

Crane driver

 Unknown 03 Dec 1944
Private Kenneth Arthur Welham

Engine fitter

 Unknown 03 Dec 1944
Operational Base (OB)

Old newspaper articles have finally linked this Patrol to the Operational Base known to have been constructed in Colchester’s Castle Park. The structure built there had remained a mystery bunker for many years despite a clear description of it’s construction.


 

OB Status
Destroyed
OB accessibility
The OB site is publicly accessible
Location

Colchester B Patrol

Patrol Targets

During World War Two Colchester's main significance lay in its infantry and light-anti-aircraft training units of the garrison, and in the Paxman factory, which supplied a large proportion of the engines for British submarines and landing craft. Also the main railway lines from the ports of Ipswich and Harwich to London run through Colchester, and the River Colne was another potential landing point.

Training

Paddy O’Mara is known to have been sent to Coleshill for training. Presumably other members of the Patrol also attend courses there.

References

TNA ref WO199/3389

Hancock data held at B.R.A

1939 Register

Essex County Standard

Daily Sketch 23 Mar 1968