Sgt Ernest Thomas Lilley and his men were operating as part of the Long Range Desert Group, conducting reconnaissance and raids in the North African desert during the Second World War. The men had blown up numerous aircraft and spare engines in hangers and workshops in Benghazi, Libya. The group was discovered by the enemy and was forced to split up. Sgt Lilley, from Wolverhampton, West Midlands, found himself alone and unarmed inside the German camp and was trying to find a way out when the Italian soldier saw him. Surrounded by enemy forces, he knew an alarm would risk the lives of himself and his comrades, and had no choice but to quickly overpower and strangle the guard. He managed to escape the camp and was reunited with his group after a 12 mile walk in the desert. Sgt Lilley had served in the SAS since it was first formed in 1941 and won numerous awards for his bravery and service during his time in the army. Sgt Lilley won the Military Medal in November 1942 for his bravery during the raid before continuing to serve the SAS until his discharge in 1958. #stayzero #zerofoxtrot #awesome #badass #military #ww2 #uk