[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Brian,

If he was there, somewhere there will be routine orders detaching him for that raid. As an Other Rank, you couldn't move without that. Have you tried Squadron War Diaries? Troop records? Somewhere in the Archives, there WILL be a written instruction for this.

Find out who the officers were... if they're still alive they can perhaps shed some light on the matter. Recce pers WILL have been there, as with other reps from various 2nd Div elements not directly associated with the assault. But they couldn't have boarded ship without paper.