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This is not really about crime,but the description 'Theives' appear apropriate.I refer to,'Ali Baba and the forty theives',a group of Australian soldiers,who it is claimed ,operated in the Middle East during world war two. Before I give my information,I would welcome any comment from posters who may be familiar with the term and events.,and perhaps have an idea who 'Ali Baba' was.
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Could this relate to your Ali Baba?
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Interesting Chris,I hadn't seen that article.While in the broader sense it does appear Lord Haw Haw was layin blame on the whole Division,and the division commander in particular,the version I heard was slightly differennt.
Sometime,perhaps about the late 1960's a group,of which I was a member,were discussing military matters,and one of the group claimed that 'Ali Baba' was a major in the Austrailian forces in the middle east,and he gave a name,which I don't remember.A more senior member of the group then spoke up,and said that was wrong,Yes the major was involved,but in an administrative position.Ali Baba was none other than himself.
Who was He? his name was Erwin Taylor,Sergeant Major Taylor during the war.'Snowy Taylor" as he was commonly called by those that knew him.
Was well known for his involvement with the ex service members association,Was State secretary for quite awhile.
Now my memory may be deficient on the details,it was a long time ago,but basically Sgt Major Taylor was given a group of soldiers and orders to collect by any means,anything that could be usefull to the division.Sometimes that involved 'Stealing'.
Now it can be argued who should be given the nickname 'Ali Baba',the divisional commander,the major ,or the sergeant major,but'Snowy'' claimed it began with him.Comment
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