
Born in Germany in 1922, Colin Anson’s (Claus Ascher) childhood was marked by the trials of Nazism. His father was arrested by the Gestapo in 1937 and transported to Dachau, where he died shortly after. Colin, aged just seventeen, escaped to Britain with the help of the Quakers. As soon as he was old enough, Colin volunteered in the Pioneer Corps. Then, in 1942, he was recruited for the elite commando unit X-Troop.
In this previously unheard clip, Colin recounts his journey to Sicily, where he took part in the 1943 invasions. During this time, Colin sustained a near-fatal injury:
In this next clip, Colin recounts recovering from his serious brain injury. Just months after his recovery, he returned to duty:
Colin’s story is fascinating. His bravery, humanity, and ability to extend kindness amidst the horrors of war is as moving as it is important. His reflections shed a unique light on the human cost of war at a personal level. He fought in the Yugoslav islands, became the first Allied soldier to liberate Corfu, and was stationed in postwar Frankfurt. You can read more about Colin’s story in Helen Fry’s gripping biography Why I Became an X Troop Commando.

About Helen Fry
Historian and biographer Helen Fry is the author of over twenty books about intelligence, espionage, prisoners of war, and the social history of World War II. Helen’s unique expertise has led her to work on numerous exciting TV projects and documentaries. She is an ambassador for The Military Intelligence Museum.