XD Operations

XD Operations is the first account of the thrilling operations by the Kent Fortress Royal Engineers, a small Territorial Army Unit given the largest demolition programme ever undertaken by the Royal Engineers. These took place in May 1940 with the object of destroying all the oil reserves stored in refineries in the ports along the Continental coastline from Holland to the Bay of Biscay, thus denying the Nazis vital stocks.

The operations were mounted at very short notice and in extreme secrecy. Such was the importance attached to them that no plans existed for the unit's evacuation. The destruction of some two million tons of oil was a serious blow to the German war machine. Churchill was delighted with their success especially at a time of military setbacks.

The book describes the trip over in destroyers, frequently under air attack, the chaotic conditions ahead of the advancing Germans, the difficulties faced in carrying out the tasks and the drama of getting back to England.

Brigadier Clifford Brazier OBE served in The Great War and pursued a successful business career, coupled with Territorial Service. In 1932 he formed the Kent Fortress Royal Engineers whose exploits in 1940-42 are the subject of this book. He died in 1959. His son Jock, who lives in Dorset has edited and further researched this book. His Grandson is an MP for a Kent Constituency.