The Devils Brigade

[swamprat69er]

A link to the W5 story.
http://www.ctvnews.ca/w5/the-devil-s-brigade-how-this-second-world-war-elite-commando-unit-became-the-first-of-its-kind-1.2646196

[Aktungbby]

Some thought the Americans had better food that is if you call SPAM a delicacy!https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/31/Homemade_Spam_Musubi.jpg/240px-Homemade_Spam_Musubi.jpg (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Homemade_Spam_Musubi.jpg) :DAnd they spoke about harrowing adventures, daring night time raids on the Nazis, and their weapon of choice, the V-42 stiletto, a super sharp double-edged dagger. “You could kill somebody and he wouldn’t know he was dead until he was,
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/67/V-42_Stiletto.jpgseriously nasty!-even the buttend hurts!:stare: DO NOT OPEN SPAM CAN WITH ONE!:/\\!! While the V-42 had a double-edged blade similar to the Fairbairn–Sykes knife, the V-42 has a cross section with concave hollow ground blade facets, compared to the Fairbairn with a flat four sided diamond cross section. The Narrower V-42 stiletto blade profile is designed to optimize penetration when used for thrusting, and the V-42 could easily penetrate a G.I. steel helmet and liner with a single thrust. :huh:With its relatively thin, narrow blade, the V-42 was designed from the outset for use as a fighting knife, and was consequently prone to breakage when used for utility chores such as opening ration tins or ammunition crates. Unusual for military combat knives of the period, the V-42's twin edges were double hollow-ground (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hollow_grind) for increased cutting performance. The addition of the skull-crushing pommel (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pommel_(sword)) was attributed to the input of Major Orval J. Baldwin, the FSSF Supply Officer. The thumb groove on the V-42's ricasso was designed to promote a flat grip with the thumb over the crossguard, which positioned the double-edged blade horizontally. In this manner a Forceman could slash an opponent with either a forehand or backhand stroke, while ensuring that his blade would slip between the ribs when used in a thrust or stab. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/22/SpecialForces_Badge.svg/100px-SpecialForces_Badge.svg.png (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SpecialForces_Badge.svg):salute:

[Stealhead]

You can really split hairs with the "grad dad of modern special forces" claim. In my opinion this claim is most legitamte when given to the WWII SAS. Of course special forces is a very broad claim. For example the US Army Ranger is an elite light infantry specialist a shock trooper. Rangers are perfect for a mission such as capturing an enemy air field or being the QRA for a SEAL or Army Special Forces A Team.

The reason I say SAS is that they inspired everyone else. Without them I don't think the US Army would have created the Rangers or the USMC the Raiders(graddads of Marine Recon).

[Aktungbby]

You can really split hairs with the "grad dad of modern special forces" claim. The Special Air Service, SAS, formed in July 1941 by David Stirling (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Stirling) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ea/The_Special_Air_Service_%28sas%29_in_North_Africa_ during_the_Second_World_War_E21340.jpg/220px-The_Special_Air_Service_%28sas%29_in_North_Africa_ during_the_Second_World_War_E21340.jpg (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_Special_Air_Service_(sas)_in_North_Africa _during_the_Second_World_War_E21340.jpg) traces its origins to 1941:up: and the Second World War. The sister unit, the SBS, Special Boat Section was founded in July 1940,:yeah: by a Commando (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Commandos) officer, Roger Courtney (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Courtney)http://www.todayifoundout.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Roger-courtney-340x251.jpg (http://www.todayifoundout.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Roger-courtney.jpg) Hair splitting aside,:huh: both organization are top flight, sneaky buggers both still existing with widespread operational experience. The SBS and SAS work in alternative six month long shifts, during which they will train constantly to keep their skills as sharp as possible. These training sessions are understandably rather secretive, but are known to involve live fire trainings exercises and mock raids on potential terrorist targets to test their security. In one such mock raid, members of the SBS broke into a nuclear power plant in Scotland in less than a minute (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/452319.stm), exposing various issues with security at that plant. The Special Air Service specialise in aerial combat and parachuting, whereas the Special Boat Service has an affinity for water-based and amphibious combat. That said, the SBS has been known to take part in land-based missions when the need arises and vice versa. Both units also set aside a small, constantly rotating contingent of men for counter-terrorism duties who are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Despite their close proximity to one another, the relationship between the SBS and SAS is a notably chilly one...:hmmm: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_Boat_Service (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_Boat_Service)

[Jimbuna]

You can really split hairs with the "grad dad of modern special forces" claim. In my opinion this claim is most legitamte when given to the WWII SAS. Of course special forces is a very broad claim. For example the US Army Ranger is an elite light infantry specialist a shock trooper. Rangers are perfect for a mission such as capturing an enemy air field or being the QRA for a SEAL or Army Special Forces A Team.

The reason I say SAS is that they inspired everyone else. Without them I don't think the US Army would have created the Rangers or the USMC the Raiders(graddads of Marine Recon).

I tend to agree but will add....they now all compliment each other.

http://i.imgur.com/hfbG7RO.jpg

[Stealhead]

The interesting thing about the SAS is that it carried over into Commonwealth nations. Both Australia and New Zealand have their own SAS Regiments which saw extensive action Vietnam and had their own unique ways compared to American counterparts. Of course you had the Rhodesian SAS and the Selous Scouts.

In US military today there are no permanent alpine warfare units which is what the Devils Brigade was. The 10th Mountain Division is regular infantry division. I suppose the 75th Ranger regiment may count as they do some alpine training.

Of course Rangers get the name from Rogers Rangers from the French and Indian Wars and the Rangers follow to this day the basic concept of Rogers light infantry rules. Interesting how the technology of warfare changes but basic concepts that where sound 1,000 years ago are still effective.