The Levant Schooner Flotilla was formed and operated between 1942 and 1945 and consisted of raiding caiques on undercover operations in the Greek Islands.

Mixed bags of volunteers from all three services - mainly Royal Navy - crewed these vessels, their task being to carry parties of SBS, LRDG and Greek Sacred Squadron in and out of enemy territory in total secrecy under the cover of darkness.

These operations required a high level of navigation and seamanship from all concerned. During daylight hours our boats would find secluded coves and remain under camouflage nets until the time of departure.

This clandestine war masterminded from the L.S.F supply schooner's L.S.9 and the S.B.S schooner "Tewfic" from locations on the Turkish Coast. Our small numbers were highly successful in tying up many thousands of German and Italian troops which were desparately needed by them in other theatres of war.

The caiques we sailed in were Greek fishing vessels, abandoned by their owners and crews around Cyprus and Beirut after fleeing from the islands, their engines were very noisy Bolinda deisels which were replaced by us with Matilda Tank engines which could be operated with more stealth. Each caique was crammed with boxes of ammunition, hand grenades, plastic explosives etc. leaving mainly open deck space for the crew of 5 or 6 men with their own personal arms.

The vessels themselves were equipped with a 20mm Cannon forward, Browning machine guns on each bow and Vickers aircraft machine guns on the quarters. Our dress was non-descript, my own being made from a green Italian blanket.