One of the last surviving original SAS members dies aged 98
One of the last surviving original members of the Special Air Service – nicknamed 'Boy' due to being hired for the elite unit at just 19 by legendary SAS commander Lieutenant Colonel Paddy Mayne – has died.
Second World War veteran Lance Corporal (Retired) Alexander 'Alec' Campbell Borrie, 98, who worked behind enemy lines to assist the Resistance in France, the Netherlands and Germany, died in Darent Valley Hospital, Kent.
Of being recruited into the SAS, Mr Borrie recalled, in an article by History Of War, being interviewed by Lt Col Mayne, saying: "I can't remember much but I do know that he asked me how I felt about killing people.
"I said, 'I haven't done it, but I think it'll be OK' — he obviously accepted that."
Mr Borrie was a regular beneficiary of The Taxi Charity which provides free transportation and events for military veterans.
Instead of funeral flowers, Mr Borrie's family have asked for donations to be made to the charity and have set up a JustGiving page.
The Taxi Charity is run by volunteer London black taxi drivers and has been supporting thousands of veterans since 1948.
Born in August 1924, WW2 veteran Alec Borrie volunteered for the British Army in 1942 and joined the Gordon Highlanders.
After four months of training, there were no vacancies in the battalions, so he was sent to the Highland Light Infantry and his first mission was on the Orkney Islands looking for spies.
The weather was terrible so when, in 1944, they were looking for volunteers for the Parachute Regiment, the Commandos and the newly formed Special Air Service, Mr Borrie volunteered for the SAS, having no idea at that time what he was to expect.
After being interviewed and accepted, Mr Borrie became part of the Special Forces unit and did his training near Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, during which about 30 men were eventually whittled down to 15 during the process.
Some of the SAS went to D-Day – codenamed Operation Overlord by Allied forces and the largest amphibious invasion in history – but Mr Borrie was dropped off in France a few days later.
After picking up a Jeep, he drove through the German lines towards the south of Paris - just 150 miles from the frontline.
Once behind the lines, the young Special Forces operative didn't see another English person for two months.
One of the first things Mr Borrie was involved with was shooting a small convoy which turned out to be much bigger than thought so it was very nearly his first and last action.
Co-ordinated through the wireless, the SAS helped the Resistance by dropping in food and aiding with training.
Many of the original members of the SAS were either killed in action or betrayed and shot as spies.
Mr Borrie served with the SAS for two years and then, upon his transition to civilian life, became a carpenter. He is a father and grandfather and lived in Slade Green, south east London.
Perry Smith, a volunteer for The Taxi Charity and Mr Borrie's friend, said: "I would visit him weekly and we would enjoy catching up over his favourite fare, a bacon sandwich followed by a jam doughnut.
"We would talk about a wide variety of subjects, not just his military experiences, which were colourful, to say the least.
"Sadly, Alec broke an ankle and caught Covid twice, leading to him not getting the physio he needed and confining him to bed over the last 12 months.
"He never lost heart or his sense of humour.
"His passing is a sad loss, but he'll not be forgotten."
Dick Goodwin, honorary secretary of The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, said: "Alec was a real character and I loved hearing his tales from the war.
"He put all his war memories into his autobiography and I am delighted that I have a signed copy.
"For over 30 years Alec attended the Field of Remembrance at Westminster, only missing it during the Covid restrictions.
"He will be greatly missed and we send our condolences to his family."
Alec's funeral will be held at Eltham Cemetery and Crematorium, Crown Woods Way, London, SE9 2AZ at 11:00 on 14 June.
Anyone wanting to donate to The Taxi Charity in lieu of flowers can do so by visiting the JustGiving page here.
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
