Osprey Elite 145 : First Special Service Force 1942-1944

This is a concise history of the unique integrated commando-style brigade of US and Canadian volunteers formed in 1942. Hand picked, and trained in airborne, amphibious, mountain and winter warfare, demolitions and close-quarter tactics, they left a combat legacy still recognized amongst today's Special Forces. This book explores the remarkable results the FSSF achieved in Italy, in the harsh mountain fighting on the Winter Line, in the trenches of Anzio, and in the breakthrough to Rome. Accompanied by unique combat photography and illustrations of their distinctive uniforms, this is an insight into a famous, but little explored unit. Text by Bret Werner with illustrations by Michael Welply.

Contents

• Introduction
  The Plan for Operation 'Plough', and Formation of the FSSF
• Organization & Structure
• Training
  Airborne
  Skiing
  Mountain
  Demolitions
  Amphibious
• Operations
  Kiska (Aleutians)
  Mte Camino (Italy)
  Mte la Difensa
  Mte Majo
  Anzio
  Rome
  Southern France
  Franco-Italian Border
  Disbandment
• Uniforms
• Uniforms of Successor Units
• Equipment
• Weapons
• Special Insignia