Private James “Jim” Blakeney 1SAS Original "Tobruk Four"
Private James Blakeney (11 December 1919 – 8 April 1945) was one of the original members of the Special Air Service (SAS) during the Second World War and part of its celebrated “Tobruk Four” — the small team whose combat experience helped shape early SAS tactics. Blakeney’s story is one of courage, hardship, escape, and ultimate sacrifice.

Blakeney took part in the SAS’s very first major operation — Operation Squatter over Tmimi and Gazala in Libya 16th/17th November 1941) which was the unit’s first airborne mission. Poor weather and strong enemy resistance turned this mission into a disaster for many, with a large number of SAS troops killed, wounded or captured. Blakeney was among those taken prisoner on 17 November 1941.
Following his capture by Axis forces, Blakeney was interned in Italian prisoner of war camps — including PG52, Pian d e Coreglia and Chiavari — where he remained for several years.

After some time in captivity, Blakeney managed a remarkable escape from Italian POW camps. According to surviving accounts, he crossed enemy territory and eventually reached neutral Switzerland, where he found refuge and reached Allied support. Lieutenant Colonel Paddy Mayne, DSO, arranged for Blakeney’s return to the 1st SAS Regiment on 14 January 1945.

After some time in captivity, Blakeney managed a remarkable escape from Italian POW camps. According to surviving accounts, he crossed enemy territory and eventually reached neutral Switzerland, where he found refuge and reached Allied support. Lieutenant Colonel Paddy Mayne, DSO, arranged for Blakeney’s return to the 1st SAS Regiment on 14 January 1945.

In 1945, Blakeney fought with ‘A’ Squadron, 1st Special Air Service Regiment during operations in North-West Europe as the Allies pushed into Germany. He was killed in action on 8 April 1945, aged just 25, during a ambush in Scheerren Germany. Blakeney is buried at Hanover War Cemetery.