Description
Physical description
A dark blue tie, with a regularised pattern of representative yellow parachutes. The parachute canopy has three evenly spaced squares, denoted in white thread, across it. Beneath the white squares are three evenly spaced rectangles, denoted in white thread. Sewn onto the harness of the parachute image, is a square, denoted in white thread.
Label
This tie bears the the emblem of The Special Opeartions Executive (SOE). The three white squares on the parachute canopy, are the Morse code dots - representing the letter S. The three dashes are the letter O, in Morse Code, whilst the letter E is represented by a single dot. Morse code symbols are particularly apt, because all SOE agents were trained in its use - for the transmission of encrypted reports to London. The agents recruited and trained by SOE, were frequently exiles from the occupied country in which they operated. Their clandestine activities were typically, training resistance groups in the use of firearms and explosive devices. Agents also instructed resistance cells in sabotage and guerilla warfare methods. The assassination of Rheinhard Heydrich (by two Czechoslovakian agents) and the destruction of the Vemork "heavy water" plant by Norwegian agents, are two renowned SOE operations.
Label
The tie commemorates the connection between Batchelor and The Special Operations Executive. In 1943, Batchelor was appointed to command No. 138 (Special Duties) Squadron - based at RAF Tempsford. No. 138 was one of two RAF squadrons - the other being No. 161 Squadron - which flew SOE agents and dropped weapons, into occupied Europe. The agents were either deposited at clandestine improvised airstrips, or parachuted from converted Halifax bombers. Members of the local resistance cell, marked out the landing ground (often a farmer's field) using lights and provided a reception party, for the assigned agent.