In World War II, German forces employed various strategies to counter the Allied arsenal and protect vital installations. Among the measures taken, some British soldiers found themselves with bounties put on their heads by the Germans. This phenomenon was particularly notable for certain units and individuals, and is a fascinating aspect of the conflict's history. This article explores these instances of bounty and orders, using some of the key events and figures from the war.

Bounties on RAF Typhoon Pilots

One of the most significant instances of bounty-seeking against British soldiers during World War II involved Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon pilots. By the latter stages of the war, RAF Typhoon pilots were not only heavily employed but also feared for their remarkable firepower. These aircraft, equipped with rockets, posed a serious threat to German targets with their versatility and speed. Towards the end of the war, Hitler ordered that any RAF Typhoon pilot was to be shot upon sight. This decision was largely driven by the destructive potential of their rockets.

This directive was deeply concerning for many pilots, including the late author's father-in-law, a Typhoon pilot himself. One instance where his conscience was genuinely affected was an incident where he was forced to ditch his plane over Germany. The critical question for him was whether he was over an Allied or a German-held area at the time. Fortunately, he crash-landed in a US-held sector, thereby avoiding the bounty.

Orders to Execute Certain Units

While some soldiers faced bounties, others were subject to different, albeit equally grim, orders. Certain units were specifically instructed to not be taken alive under any circumstances. One such order was given to the Royal Marine Commandos. The Commandos were notorious for their daring raids, particularly in Europe. Their destruction of the only dry dock on the Atlantic capable of refitting battleships, during the St Nazaire raid, prompted Hitler to issue explicit orders that these soldiers were to be shot on sight.

This order indicated the severity of the threat posed by the Commandos. Another raid by them had stolen German radio direction-finding secrets from a coastal installation, further exacerbating the situation. These incidents highlighted the remarkable success and the perceived threat that the Commandos represented to the German war effort. The determination of the German high command to eliminate these soldiers underscores their importance and the effectiveness of the Commandos in the war.

The SAS Under Special Circumstances

The SAS was another unit that faced unique orders. While the directive generally stated that the SAS was not to be taken alive, this rule was not universally applied and was notably dispensed with in certain theaters, such as North Africa. In this region, the commander, Erwin Rommel, refused to obey Hitler's orders. In North Africa, the SAS was allowed to be captured by the Germans, illustrating a rare instance where these strict orders were not fully enforced. This decision by Rommel likely stemmed from the SAS's body count in battles, as his resistance to Hitler's orders to kill them reflected his respect for skilled and effective enemy forces.

Conclusion

The use of bounties and orders to eliminate certain British soldiers during World War II reflects the intense and often ruthless nature of the conflict. These measures, aimed at specific units and individuals, highlight the strategic importance of the Royal Marine Commandos, RAF Typhoons, and the SAS, all of whom made significant contributions to the Allied war effort. While these orders and bounties were designed to eliminate these soldiers, they inadvertently underscore the skill, bravery, and effectiveness of the Allied forces, particularly in critical theaters of war.