Description

A fascinating and moving biography of Colin Anson, the German refugee who became an elite British commando

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 in the Kindertransport. 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.

Colin took part in the invasions of Sicily and Italy in 1943, where he sustained a near-fatal injury. But just months later, he returned to duty. He fought in the Yugoslav islands, became the first Allied soldier to liberate Corfu, and was stationed in postwar Frankfurt.

In this unique biography, Helen Fry traces the remarkable story of Colin’s life. Drawing on extensive interviews, Fry recounts his actions in X-Troop and beyond in his own words-and sheds new light on the experience of refugees in the British forces.

Publisher Review

“This untold history penned by a master storyteller, proves, once again, that life is stranger than fiction.”-Damien Lewis, author of The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

“I am delighted that the story of X Troop is becoming more broadly known. Each one of these brave men deserves their own story and Helen Fry’s book is a welcome addition.”-Leah Garrett author of X Troop: The Secret Jewish Commandos Who Helped Defeat the Nazis

“Helen Fry artfully weaves an extraordinary story of one man’s courage in defying the Nazis, fleeing his homeland, joining the British Army, and becoming a Commando who was determined to do his part to defeat the usurpers who victimized Jews, the disadvantaged, anti-Nazis, and others.”-Kathryn Barbier, author of Spies, Lies, and Citizenship