Les Long was a hairdresser from London, which was also home to Vic “Chalky” White. Both men had apparently deserted to fight in the Spanish Civil War. On the outbreak of World War Two, they had had managed to work their way back to Britain on a tramp steamer. Presumably after some form of punishment, they both joined the Norfolk Regiment (though their original Army numbers are for the Essex regiment). Both would go on to join 1 SAS and take part in Operation Bulbasket, alongside numerous other ex Auxiliary Units men.
Killed in Action B Squad 1st SAS in Operation Bulbasket. He is buried at Rom Communal Cemetery in France alongside his fallen comrades. Service number 6019123.
British Army Casualty Lists report on 4 July 1944 he had previously reported missing believed to be a prisoner of war but was now reported not missing. He was reported killed in action on or shortly after 7 July 1944.
| Unit or location | Role | Posted from | until |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Norfolk Scout Section | Scout Section Member | Unknown | 03 Dec 1944 |
| Operation Bulbasket | SAS combatant | 08 Jun 1944 | 03 Jul 1944 |
| Operation Bulbasket | SAS combatant | 08 Jun 1944 | 03 Jul 1944 |
Hairdresser
Son of Charles Percival and Harriet Mary Long; husband of Lilie Eileen Long, of Forest Gate, Essex.