Colin Anson, born Claus Leopold Octavio Ascher in Berlin, left for England with the Kindertransport. In December 1940 he joined the Pioneer Corps. In 1942 he volunteered for 'special duties', training in a German-speaking Commando unit. He took part in the invasion of Sicily, suffering a serious head injury. He later served in Italy with the Intelligence for Bomber Command. After the war he returned to Germany as part of the British Control Commission, engaged in the denazification process.