Auxiliary Units

The Auxiliary Units (or Auxunits) were specially trained highly secret units created with the aim of resisting the expected invasion of the British Isles by Nazi Germany during World War II. Britain was the only country during the war to create such a resistance movement in advance of an invasion.

Related Topics:
Invasion of the British Isles - Nazi Germany - World War II - Resistance movement

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The units (occasionally known as the British Resistance Organisation) were initiated by Winston Churchill, who appointed Major Colin Gubbins (an expert in guerrilla warfare who would later head up the Special Operations Executive), to found them, attached to GHQ Home Forces. They were concealed within the Home Guard.

Related Topics:
Winston Churchill - Colin Gubbins - Guerrilla - Special Operations Executive - GHQ Home Forces - Home Guard

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Approximately 5000 units were formed, consisting of Special Duty Sections, Signals and Operational Patrols. Auxiliary Unit members were vetted by a senior local police chief (who, according to sealed orders given to the Operational Patrols to be opened only in case of invasion, were allegedly to be assassinated to prevent the membership of the Auxiliary Units being revealed).

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The units were stood down only in 1944. Their existence did not generally become known by the public until the 1990s.

Related Topics:
1944 - 1990s

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