Remembering SOE's Jewish parachutists and former Palestine training school sites

Trustee Paul McCue recently visited Israel as a guest of the Israel Defence Forces, following two projects that Paul has helped with regarding SOE activities in what was then Mandate Palestine. As part of the IDF's 'Generation Arrow' initiative, commemorative plaques have been unveiled at Ramat David air base and the Reali Military School (Camp Ahuza) near Haifa. The example at Ramat David specifically remembers the Jewish parachutists of SOE, such as Hannah Senesh and Enzo Sereni, but also marks the establishment where many SOE, SAS, SBS and Commando personnel undertook their parachute training. The Ahuza plaque commemorates SOE/Palmach links and SOE's nearby training school at the Stella Maris monastery - STS (ME) 102. The Ramat David plaque was unveiled by Britain's Chief of Defence Staff, General Sir Nick Carter and the Ahuza plaque by the British Ambassador to Israel, HE Neil Wigan OBE. Paul had helped with a briefing for General Carter on Ramat David's history as an RAF airfield and parachute training school. Paul is continuing to build his SOE/Palestine knowledge with another project in the area.