Swedes in Allied Forces 1939-45

[Stellan Bojerud (RIP)]

Assar Tano died in October 2004 aged 96. He joined the French Foreign Legion in 1929 and served to 1945. Twice awarded the Croix de Guèrre.

In May 1940 he served as a Sergent-Chef with legendary Legion 13th Half-Brigade at Narvik. Because of his knowledge of languages he played an important role as Liaison Officer.

He was in the first wave in the assault on Narvik 27-28th May 1940.

After Narvik he returned to North Africa. Following "Torch" he was ordered to fight the US troops and did so. His unit was surrounded in Fort Arzeuw in Algeria. As senior NCO in the unit Assar Tano proposed to the Commander to surrender. The Commander said that surrender was totally against the traditions of the Legion.

Assar Tano said "better one living légionaire than ten dead when it comes down to fight the real enemies of France".

The Fort surrendered. After a short wile as PoW he was issued with US equipment, promoted Adjudant (Warrant Officer) and fought the German African-Corps.

He was demobilized in November 1945 and returned to Sweden where he estabished himself as a merchantman in the small town of Övertorneå on the border to Finland in Northern Sweden.

He also joined the Hemvärnet (Territorial Army/National Guard) commanding Övertorneå District 1967-76.

Photo as an Officer in the Swedish Army.