17 May 2023 , 18:32
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Life in the early days of the crack SAS unit has been exposed in an “exceptional” series of photos.
The previously unseen images offer a glimpse of day-to-day life for soldiers in the secretive special forces unit.
The snaps, taken during the Second World War and the years that followed, are in an album that forms part of L Cpl Gerald Hutchinson’s military collection and the trove, including his medals, is now set to fetch £5,000 at auction.
Matt Crowson, militaria expert at Hansons Auctioneers, holding the sale in Derbyshire next month, said: “This could be the find of the year. It’s an exceptional collection.
Special forces soldiers taking a break in the snow (Hansons / SWNS)“I understand from the seller, Gerald’s grandson, that his grandad was humble.
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“He rarely spoke about his wartime experiences but occasionally pulled out the photo album if asked to share wartime stories.”
L/Cpl Gerald Hutchinson on training manoeuvres in a jeep (Hansons / SWNS)The SAS was founded in 1941 and Gerald, who served in the 1st SAS Regiment from 1942, saw action in North Africa and Italy during the war.
His photos show manoeuvres in North Africa, troops in skiing gear for training and renowned commanding officer Lt Col Paddy Mayne.
Renowned SAS commanding officer Lt-Col Paddy Mayne (Hansons / SWNS)
L/Cpl Gerald Hutchinson (Hansons / SWNS)Much of the information about the SAS is classified and the unit is not commented on by the Government or Ministry of Defence.
Gerald – who was awarded the 1939/45 Africa Star with 8th Army Clasp and the Italy Star – was born in Newcastle in 1922. He emigrated to Canada after the war and became a miner, dying in 1989, aged 67.
Medals and paperwork of an SAS soldier (Hansons / SWNS)