SAS ‘Original’ who appeared in one of the most striking images of World War Two dies aged 97

 AN SAS “Original” who appeared in one of the most striking images of World War Two has died aged 97.

Cpl Tommy Norfolk fought with the elite regiment in North Africa, Italy, Sicily and Austria.

2

Cpl Tommy Norfolk was the last surviving member of a decorated SAS squadron

2

Cpl Tommy Norfolk fought across Europe and Africa

He was thought to be the last surviving member of his squadron but died on August 11, just two months short of his 98th birthday.

The picture shows Tommy with five fellow soldiers in open-top jeeps as they prepared a desert raid behind enemy lines.

He was serving with the 2nd SAS in North Africa under command of the unit’s renowned war-time leaders Lt Col David Stirling and Lt Col Blair “Paddy” Mayne.

In 1940, Tommy left his job at 18 to enlist in the Dorset Regiment.

He later moved to the Manchester Regiment and was posted to North Africa.

In 1942, he was recov-ering in an Egypt hospital when he was recruited by the Special Air Service.

He later said: “It seemed to me like it could be an adventure.”

Tommy, twice wounded, was medically discharged in 1946.He went on to become a firefighter, served in the MoD Police and later worked as an electrician.

By last year, he was one of just 32 SAS veterans of World War Two.

In 2018, he said of the war: “It was kill or be killed. No one knows their true potential until they are confronted with it.”

HMS Elizabeth leads 19 NATO warships and 5,000 troops in Black Sea military exercise in show of strength against Putin