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From January to June, 1944, Reconnaissance Patrols reached 10 islands and the mainland, several visits being made to each island each month. Officers and men in each party varied up to eight and were maintained on the island up to two weeks. Objectives included effecting liaison with Partisans, performing ground reconnaissance, and reporting daily by radio to Vis. Reports were sent to British Brigade ground forces, RN, RAF, Partisans and Italy. Parties took with them full equipment, arms
and rations. The Partisans provided transportation in small fishing
boats and schooners and at times RN and USN helped. Trips took up to
two nights and were made hazardous by storms and enemy craft. Carrying
out objectives required living with the Partisans. Hazards on land were
German Patrols, prolonged stormy weather and delayed arrival of relief
parties. However no casualties resulted from the transportation missions.
This summary of the Balkan Operational Groups was extracted from records of the National Archives provided through the courtesy of Lt. Col. Ian D. W. Sutherland. Attorney Sutherland is the compiler of the encyclopedic "Special Forces of the United States Army, 1952-1982" |
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