Col "Popski" Tells Of His Private Army Lt. Col. Vladimir Peniakoff (Col Popski) in his Mayfair flat today Nov. 5th 1946. He lost his left arm in Sept 1944 North of Ravenna. Lt. Col. Vladimir Peniakoff aged 49 leader of a famous little band of men known as "Popski's" private army has arrived in London where he has described the adventures of the British adding force which operated behind the enemy lines in Africa and Italy. The Colonel was born in Belgium and is here to be released from the army. His knowledge of the desert and his command of Arabic led to his joining the British forces in the Western Desert. November 5, 1946. (Photo by The Associated Press Ltd.)