1st Canadian Parachute Battalion	First Special Service Force	Post War	The Canadian Airborne Regiment

First Special Service Force

Everyone knows them as the “Devil’s Brigade”, but in reality they were the First Special Service Force, a combined American – Canadian unit formed on 09 July 1942 under the pretence of raids to destroy oil and hydro-electric plants in Norway, Italy and Romania.

Many of the Canadians had already seen action and many had experience in the outdoor trades. They were all chosen for their fitness levels and initiative. Their training, which occurred at Ft William Henry Harrison in Helena, Montana, was tough and thorough. It included skiing, hand-to-hand combat, weapons, demolition, mountain climbing and amphibious training. By the spring of 1943, training moved to Vermont and Virginia.

By early July, the men were in San Francisco, embarking on two Liberty ships setting sail for the Aleutian Islands and their first meeting with the enemy. The Japanese were well-entrenched on Kiska Island, but by the time the FSSF arrived, the enemy had mysteriously disappeared.

The 2, 743 metre granite fortress of Monte la Difensa was their next objective. Taken on the night of 2 – 3 December 1943, the offensive came at a great loss. Of the 1800 men of the FSSF, over 1400 were killed, wounded, captured or fell ill.

Two months later, the Force found themselves at Anzio. Three months of fighting some of Germany’s most elite troops culminated in the final push and entry into Rome on 4 June 1944.

At this point leadership of the FSSF was transferred from Lt General Frederick to Colonel Walker. After successfully capturing the two islands of the Iles d’Hyeres, the Force took part in a spirited advance along the Riveria Coast and the Franco-Italian Border.

On 28 November 1944 the FSSF was sent to Villeneuve – Loubet, where it was disbanded on 5 December 1944. The Canadians were transferred to various units, became training instructors or joined the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion.