In 1939 he was living with his parents at 25 Marriott Road, Hornsey. His father had served in the Norfolk Regiment during the First World War, which may have influenced Bill’s decision on enlistment. His service record describes him as 5’ 5” tall, weighing 134 lbs, with blue eyes and dark brown hair.
He married Mary Ellen Crawford on 24 Feb 1940.
| Unit or location | Role | Posted from | until |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Norfolk Scout Section | Scout Section Member | 23 Feb 1942 | 23 Apr 1943 |
| Operation Bulbasket | SAS combatant | 09 Jun 1944 | 07 Aug 1944 |
| Operation Bulbasket | SAS combatant | 09 Jun 1944 | 07 Aug 1944 |
Grocer’s Assistant
21 Oct 1941 Posted to “Home Details”.
3 Dec 1941 Posted to Infantry Training Centre. No.2 ITC was in Norwich.
23 Feb 1942 He was posted to Norfolk area Auxiliary Units, joining the Scout Section.
28 Feb 1943 He ceased to be attached to Commander RASC 76 Division for pay, rations and discipline. He was attached to 275 Light Anti Aircraft Battery for pay and discipline and to RAF Bircham for rations on the same date. The entry location was given as c/o GPO Syderstone and was signed by Captain Woodward, the Norfolk Intelligence Officer.
23 Apr 1943 He ceased to be attached to the Scout Section and was posted to 1st Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment. This was when the Scout Sections were being reduced in size and combined.
1 Feb 1944 He was transferred to 1 SAS, presumably one of those called to London on the basis of previous Auxiliary Units service, who had then volunteered and been accepted. He was formally transferred to the Army Air Corps on 1 Apr 1944 along with the rest of the SAS Brigade. He will have trained in Ayrshire prior to being sent on operations.
9 Jun 1944 He was parachuted into France as a member of Operation Bulbasket and was one of those who managed to survive German attacks to be evacuated by plane on 7 Aug 1944, after almost two months behind the lines.
21 Jan 1945 He was prompted to Lance Corporal.
He does not appear to have taken part in subsequent operations in North West Europe. On 20 May 1945 he flew to Norway to help round up the Germans there.
As the SAS wound up on 28 Nov 1945 he returned to the Royal Norfolk Regiment, losing his rank and parachute pay. He was sent No.2 Infantry Holding Battalion, Dorchester to await being demobbed. He was discharged from the Army on 23 Feb 1946
Service Record
WW2 Medal Card
Operation Bulbasket, Paul McCue
Grandaughter