The Auxiliary Units

The Auxiliary Unit was a secret highly trained group of men especially designed by Prime Minister Winston Churchill to be last line of defense for Britain if Hitler were to invade. Hitler was growing in power and strength at nearly a daily rate and had just reached France. The United Kingdom not only felt threatened by an invasion, but were also exceedingly concerned that the only thing separating Britain from Nazi Europe was the English Channel. If Hitler were to successfully invade Britain, he would have to overcome many obstacles, such as the Royal Air Force and the English Channel. After taking these into consideration Hitler devised Operation Sea Lion, a plan for invading England. In response to Operation Sea Lion Churchill and the War Cabinet devised a form of protection should Sea Lion be deployed. A new unit was created, one unlike anything the United Kingdom had seen before. It was a combination of intelligence and resistance, military in character, and under the aegis of the Home Guard. The men came from all walks of life and were individually hand picked by Maj Colin Gubbins. Although trained to carry out specific duties, they never had the opportunity to go into action.

Cassy Rice is a Modern European Historian and received her Master’s degree from The University of Texas at Tyler. Cassy discovered this unique topic of The Auxiliary Units during a semester abroad in London. While researching her work, Cassy developed a love and appreciation for the British culture and their resilience throughout World War II.