Of Courage and Determination: The First Special Service Force, "The Devil's Brigade," 1942–44 - Softcover

Horn, Colonel Bernd; Wyczynski, Michel

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1459709640 ISBN 13: 9781459709645

Publisher: Dundurn, 2013

Synopsis

An Allied unit comprised of Canadian and American troops, the First Special Service Force or "Devil’s Brigade" struck fear into the very heart of the Axis.

In the dark, early days of the Second World War, the Allies found themselves with their backs against the wall. With their armies, tactics, doctrine, and equipment in tatters, the Allies turned to special operations forces to carry the fight to the Axis enemy until their conventional forces could be built up once again. Specially selected and trained, these forces struck fear into the hearts of the enemy. One such unit, the First Special Service Force (FSSF) or Devil’s Brigade, was created for a hazardous mission in Norway. This unique formation was composed of both Americans and Canadians who served side by side without distinction of nationality.

A killer elite, the FSSF consistently demonstrated courage and determination and earned itself an unrivaled combat record at Monte la Difensa and Anzio in Italy and in the invasion of southern France.

About this title

About the Authors

Colonel Bernd Horn is a retired Regular Force infantry officer and military educator. Dr. Horn has authored, co-authored, and edited more than forty books, including A Most Ungentlemanly Way of War: The SOE and the Canadian Connection and No Ordinary Men: Special Operations Forces Missions in Afghanistan. He lives in Kingston, Ontario.

Michel Wyczynski has worked at Library and Archives Canada for more than three decades, primarily in political and military archives. With Colonel Horn, he co-authored Tip of the Spear and Paras Versus the Reich. He lives in Ottawa.

Edition details

• Publisher: Dundurn
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1459709640
• ISBN 13: 9781459709645
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 408