Robert Bruce was the nom-de-guerre of Justo Balerdi, a Basque Spaniard who had initially served in the French Foreign Legion, but had then moved to the United Kingdom and had enlisted in the Pioneer Corps.

In 1943, whilst serving in Algeria, he volunteered for Airborne Forces and served in 3 Squadron, 2^nd Special Air Service Regiment.

He was killed on Operation ‘Tombola’, near Torre Maino, Italy on the 21st April 1945.

He now lies at rest in the Milan War Cemetery, Italy V. A. 3.

Recommended further reading:

‘Stirling’s Men. The inside history of the SAS in World War II’. By Gavin Mortimer. Weidenfeld & Nicolson. 2004.

‘WINGED DAGGER. Adventures on Special Service’. By Roy Farran. Collins. 1948.

Researched and written by Robert Hilton.