Description
Osprey’s examination of the First Special Service Force of the second one half of World War II (1939-1945). This famous unit was once formed with three battalions in July 1942, for special operations in occupied Norway, from handpicked US and Canadian volunteers who were trained in parachute, amphibious, ski, mountain and demolition operations and other ‘Special Forces’ skills. Their training base was once Fort Harrison, Montana. Within the event the Force first saw combat in Italy. There they distinguished themselves, at heavy cost, Within the battles of La Difensa (Dec 1943), Mte Majo (Jan 1944), at the Anzio beachhead (Feb – Would possibly 1944) and Within the race to Rome, which they in fact liberated. Their uniforms, clothing and weaponry had many unique features reflecting their bi-national composition and specialist skills.
The FSSF fought with a ferocious skill which earned them a fearsome reputation. At Anzio, despite the fact that at only half strength, they successfully held a minimum of a quarter of all of the beachhead and were the spearhead of the final breakout towards Rome. Famed for their night-time fighting ability, the Germans named them “Die Schwartze Teuflen” the Black Devils (they blacked their faces with boot polish). On the other hand, after taking part Within the South of France campaign in Aug – Nov 1944 the Force was once disbanded, survivors passing to other units. 1,800 men at full strength, they had accounted for 12,000 enemy casualties, taken 7,000 prisoners and experienced a 600% attrition rate.