It is with sad regret that I have to announce that Cyril Wheeler of 2 SAS passed away on the evening of 10 September 2013. Cyril was 98 and an inspiration to all that knew him.
Cyril Wheeler was one the SAS raiders whose skill and courage helped put a vital German army supply line out of action in 1943. Cyril enlisted in the Royal Engineers at the outbreak of the Second World War and was evacuated from Dunkirk in 1940.
Posted to north Africa two years later, he caught malaria and ended up in hospital. Unable to rejoin his regiment, he was in a transit camp when a sergeant in the newly-formed SAS – with its now famed winged-sword badge, pictured – came round looking for volunteers.
After six weeks of commando training, the young soldier was in 2 SAS and taking part in 'cloak and dagger' missions behind enemy lines in Italy.
At the Airborne Forces weekends on Southsea Common, Cyril would refuse to be pushed in a wheelchair and would march along with the rest of us on the parade.
Stand Down Cyril, your stag is complete and the other Pilgrims will be awaiting you at the gates of the Great Hall.
I personally salute you and will remember you with fondness.
Cyril Wheeler was one the SAS raiders whose skill and courage helped put a vital German army supply line out of action in 1943. Cyril enlisted in the Royal Engineers at the outbreak of the Second World War and was evacuated from Dunkirk in 1940.
Posted to north Africa two years later, he caught malaria and ended up in hospital. Unable to rejoin his regiment, he was in a transit camp when a sergeant in the newly-formed SAS – with its now famed winged-sword badge, pictured – came round looking for volunteers.
After six weeks of commando training, the young soldier was in 2 SAS and taking part in 'cloak and dagger' missions behind enemy lines in Italy.
At the Airborne Forces weekends on Southsea Common, Cyril would refuse to be pushed in a wheelchair and would march along with the rest of us on the parade.
Stand Down Cyril, your stag is complete and the other Pilgrims will be awaiting you at the gates of the Great Hall.
I personally salute you and will remember you with fondness.
