Leonard Hector GRANT-TAYLOR.

Does anyone know of this officer - Leonard Hector GRANT-TAYLOR? Reputed to have led an assassination unit in to Norway during 1941 to remove 11 collaborators.

He has a personal file in The National Archives at Kew - HS 9/1446/8, but nothing else is known about him.

With the above in mind, does anyone have info on ANY British officer landing in Norway during 1941 with a view to assassinations?

Thanks in advance,

Bob

Hi Bob

Just to make you aware that a new biography of Grant-Taylor will be out this coming October.  Some details below;

If you thought you knew the story of Colonel Hector Grant-Taylor – then think again!

A new book - At Close Quarters: The true story of SOE pistol instructor Colonel Hector Grant-Taylor -finally puts to rest the myths and legends that surrounded his life and unravels the mysterious truth behind the enigma that was Grant-Taylor!

1940: The Special Operations Executive (SOE) was the paramount Allied sabotage force of the Second World War. Its job - in Churchill's words - was to "set Europe ablaze" through the use of sabotage, insurrection and assassination.

One of its "Shining Stars" and "Legends" was the close-combat pistol instructor, Colonel Hector Grant-Taylor. Grant-Taylor taught the commandos, secret agents and irregular soldiers the art of how to kill at close quarters.

He taught them how to be ruthless, lethal and covert, and yet his own life was itself a mystery worthy of a John Buchan thriller novel.

Misinformation, deception, bravery, killing, and ultimately redemption, all play a part in his story and At Close Quarters finally puts to rest the mystery of his life.

I thank you for your time and hope you enjoy At Close Quarters!

About the Author:

David Armstrong has worked as a security consultant and investigator. It is during this career that he began studying the history of what is known as the "Grant-Taylor” shooting method.

Five years ago he began by researching Grant-Taylor’s story, and as of now, is the only writer who has managed to gather together all the pieces of his life accurately and present it in a comprehensive work.

At Close Quarters contains never before released information and previously unseen photographs of Grant-Taylor, his CQB method and the milieu of close quarter combat

Apologies for the late reply, but have been away on holiday.

Many thanks for the message. I will be ordering this book immediately. Hopefully, there will be something on Norway.

Kind regards

Bob

My pleasure

hope it helps