Abstract
This is the tale of two soldiers serving in the Army Dental Corps, who conducted an unsupported and unauthorised commando mission into occupied France during World War II (WW2).
In 1942, Sergeant King and Private Cuthbertson planned and executed one of the most daring and ambitious raids of WW2. Their perceived lack of utility to the war effort spawned their personal invasion of France, which became of interest to not only the Special Operations Executive (SOE), but Winston Churchill himself. The couple stole weapons from the armoury, commandeered a vessel, and journeyed to France where they inflicted damage and disruption to the enemy.
Their mission caused ripples of pride throughout those serving, especially those in the Army Dental Corps. The question still remains though; should they have been treated as heroes or villains?
Key points
This article gives an account of a daring, unauthorised raid by two members of the Army Dental Corps into occupied France in World War II.
Historical evidence of the men who undertook the raid is examined.
How the men were treated for being absent without leave while conducting the raid is reviewed and understood.
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References
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Cuthbertson T L. Completed APTC Demobilization and Post War Employment Questionnaire. In Personnel file of 10511: 436 T L Cuthbertson. Aldershot: RAPTC Museum Archives, 1946.
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New Zealand Defence Force. Subject: File copy 206382 Peter Frank King DSO, MC. Wellington: Headquarters New Zealand Defence Force, 2012.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to Quentin Anderson for his guidance and assistance in the preparation of this article, especially with regards to the research conducted on the individuals described.
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Fear, S. Heroes or villains?. Br Dent J 230, 444–446 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-021-2728-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-021-2728-2
