Shadows Over Siam: SBS and RAF Raids and Forgotten Thai Deaths
Shadows Over Siam: SBS and RAF Raids and Forgotten Thai Deaths In the twilight of World War II, Thailand became a covert battleground—its beaches, railways, and harbours targeted by British Special Boat Service (SBS) and Combined Operations Pilotage Parties (COPP) - both units key to the success of the DDay landings. The most daring missions unfolded in Phuket , where Operation Baboon and Operation Copyright (March 1945) sought to reconnoitre beaches for a possible Allied landing. Both missions ended in blood: three of seven SBS men killed in the first raid , all six presumed dead in the 2nd raid, and Operation Roger —the planned invasion—abandoned. But Phuket was not alone. British and American forces also targeted Bangkok , Kanchanaburi , and Songkhla , striking Japanese command centres and rail infrastructure. The RAF and USAAF lost an estimated 50–70 aircraft over Thai territory in over 100 raids between 1942–1945, including Blenheims , Liberators , Mustangs ,...