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Corporal Raymond Holvoet during Operation HAGGARD, Normandy 1944
The 5th Special Air Service (or 5th SAS) was an elite airborne unit during World War II, consisting entirely of Belgian volunteers. The role of the Belgian SAS parachutists during the Second World War was primarily sabotage, intelligence gathering and reconnaissance. As part of the SAS Brigade it saw action in Normandy, Northern France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.
B Squadron of 1st SAS conducted Operation HAGGARD (10 August - 15 September 1944) around the Falaise Pocket, Normandy. Linking up with the Maquis, they inflicted heavy losses among enemy personnel and equipment, disorganised retreating German units, signalled to the RAF the positions of many enemy targets, and organised the rescue of more than 200 downed Allied airmen. Two NCOs of the Belgian SAS, Corporal Raymond Holvoet and Lance Corporal Jean Temmerman were put at the disposal of Major Lepine as interpreters and signallers and parachuted into France with the advance team.
Corporal Holvoet (centre) is operating a clandestine radio: the Jedburgh set 46/1. Slung from his shoulder is a US Parachutists’ .30in M1A1 Carbine with its skeleton butt folded. (He was later promoted to sergeant).
At left is Sergeant Albert ‘Joe’ Schofield (1921-2012). He joined the 1st SAS in North Africa in 1941 as it was evolving from L Detachment, its earliest incarnation under its founder David Stirling. In 1965 he was commissioned into 22 SAS as a captain, based at Hereford, and eventually became quartermaster. His tour of duty ended in 1971, but he extended his service until 1979 as a Retired Officer. He was appointed MBE in 1969.
At right, operating the generator for the radio, is Lance Corporal Temmerman of the Belgian SAS. On his battledress the SAS ‘operational’ parachute wings are worn on the left breast.
During Operation Market Garden around Arnhem elements of the Belgian SAS were parachuted into Holland in September 1944. The groups organized the escape of British paratroopers scattered behind the German lines and provided information on the enemy movements. Signaller Raymond Holvoet was sent in during October to complete the transmission radio network, but he was wounded, captured and imprisoned by the enemy. Being questioned under torture, he persisted during long months and did not betray any information to his Gestapo gaolers. He was shot in Zwolle on 10 April 1945.
This painting was commissioned in 2016 by Raymond Holvoet’s nephew, who is named after him.
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Printed image size(s): B2 only (58 x 38 cm)
Price(s): £70
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