Patrick Dalzel-Job

Patrick Dalzel-Job (01 June, 1913 - 14 October, 2003), distinguished British Naval Intelligence Officer and Commando of World War II. Also linguist, author, mariner, navigator, parachutist, diver and skier.

Related Topics:
01 June - 1913 - 14 October - 2003 - Commando - World War II

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Born in London, Dalzel-Job lived in various locations, including Switzerland, and learnt to ski and sail before the outbreak of war. He was commissioned into the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in 1939 and initially served as Navigating Officer on a Fleet Tug operating from Scapa Flow between January and March 1940. From April until June, he served with the Anglo/French Expeditionary Force to Norway during which time he disobeyed a direct order to cease civilian evacuation from Narvik. His action saved some 5000 Norwegians for which King Haakon of Norway awarded him the Ridderkors (Knight's Cross) of St. Olav in 1943. This award also saved him from being court-marshalled.

Related Topics:
London - Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve - 1939 - Tug - Scapa Flow - January - March - 1940 - April - June - Norway - Narvik - King Haakon

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In June of 1942 Dalzel-Job was assigned to collate information about the west coast of Norway. A few months later, Lord Louis Mountbatten, head of Combined Operations, chose him to convey Commando raids there, known as 'VP operations', using eight 'D'-Class Motor Torpedo Boats.

Related Topics:
1942 - Lord Louis Mountbatten - Combined Operations

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From mid-1943 until early 1944 he served with the 12 (Special Service) Submarine Flotilla becoming versed with X-Craft and Welman miniature submarines, while taking time to complete parachute training with the Airborne Division. As prospects for major action in Norway faded, Dalzel-Job visited London and discovered 30 AU (Assault Unit) Commando, the field operative Unit of Naval Intelligence Division - Room 30. He transferred to 30 AU under Commander Ian Fleming who was then Personal Assistant to the Director of Naval Intelligence.

Related Topics:
1943 - 1944 - X-Craft - Welman - 30 AU ''(Assault Unit)'' Commando - Naval Intelligence Division - Ian Fleming

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In this role, and promoted to Lieutenant Commander, he landed near Varreville on Utah beach, Normandy, on D+4 with two Royal Marines Commandos allocated to him, and an unrestricted authority order signed by Eisenhower to pass through Allied lines and assault specific targets in German held territory. He subsequently assisted in disabling the German destroyer Z29 at Bremerhaven with full crew and taking surrender of the town of Bremen. Post war he served in the Canadian navy for some time.

Related Topics:
Varreville - Utah beach - Normandy - Royal Marines Commandos - Eisenhower - Bremerhaven - Bremen

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Dalzel-Job was widely acclaimed as one of the main inspirations for James Bond, Ian Fleming's fictional character, though he stated that he personally "only ever loved one woman" and was "not a drinking man".

Related Topics:
Inspirations for James Bond - Ian Fleming

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He released his memoirs, titled From Arctic Snow to Dust of Normandy (ISBN 0-9519788-0-2) in 1991. He married his Norwegian sweetheart, Bjorg, in 1945. They had one son, Iain Dalzel-Job, who served as a Major in the 2nd Scots Guards and commanded G Coy (7, 8 and 9 Platoons) at the assault on Mount Tumbledown during the Falklands War.

Related Topics:
1991 - 1945 - Iain Dalzel-Job - 2nd Scots Guards - Mount Tumbledown - Falklands War

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