Coaching Tips
Metaphors and Stories
Some thoughts on Fear and Courage
“... if a man, run away but once...
... he may never recover his nerve.”
– Lt.Col. Vladimir "Popski" Peniakoff DSO MC FRGS
Whilst observing the Remembrance Sunday 2 minutes silence a few years ago, I found myself contemplating the fear, the drive, the sense of duty and above all, the thoughts that drove the fallen we were commemorating, to give up their tomorrow, for our today.
One example of this courage, and the thoughts that drove it, is recounted in the book “Popski’s Private Army” – the autobiography of Belgian-born maverick British officer Major Vladimir Peniakoff (known as Popski).
Popski founded his own independent unit along the lines of the SAS and the LRDG, operating far behind enemy lines, spreading fear, alarm and panic.
After the fall of Tobruk in June 1942, over 20,000 Allied prisoners were captured and held in makeshift camps in and around the town of Derna.
Popski hatched a plan to aid the escape of these prisoners and set off on a dangerous mission to gather intelligence and create maps to help potential escapees.
He set off into the town of Derna, barefoot, riding a donkey, wearing a jerd over his battered and faded British officer’s uniform.
After arriving at a brothel in the town around 2 hours before sunset, he dismounted, put his boots on and removed his jerd.
As he set off, openly wearing his faded British uniform, he almost immediately bumped into a German Military Policeman.
He gave the German officer an Italian salute, had a brief conversation in broken German, then walked openly through the town, to where the first camp was located.
On his way, he gave confident German salutes to Italian Officers and equally confident Italian salutes to German Officers, who took very little notice of the rather scruffy-looking soldier.
After gathering enough intelligence about the first camp, he set off back towards town, full of fear that he might be caught himself.
As he neared the town entrance, he noticed a path that would return him safely to his hideout, from where he could make his escape after sunset.
Whilst Popski contemplated taking this easy option, he realised, that if he did, he would never have the nerve to return behind enemy lines again.
So, whilst it was a far more dangerous, and some may say foolhardy option, he confidently walked through the checkpoint in his faded British uniform, giving appropriate salutes as required. He then continued through town to gather intelligence on the second camp.
Through his courage, bravery and sheer audacity (or chutzpah), he was able to help hundreds escape and return to allied lines.
The important lesson we can learn from our fallen heroes and those who faced adversity is eloquently voiced in Popski’s own words
“…if a man run away but once, he may never recover his nerve.”
Popski continued to go behind enemy lines to gather intelligence and spread fear and alarm for the remainder of the war, despite losing a hand and receiving other wounds in combat. He died in London in May 1951 aged 54.
Whilst we hope never to experience the challenges faced by those we commemorated yesterday, we can show our respects each day by striving to face whatever life throws at us with as much courage and confidence as we can muster.
If you need help accessing this courage, confidence and chutzpah, get in touch and we’ll help you face the challenges life throws at us. Or call us on 0151 931 5184.
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