As the events of the Second World War fade into the distance it is important that the activities of a small band of brothers are not overlooked. In the dark days following Dunkirk in 1940 these men volunteered for what was euphemistically termed 'Special Service'. Often given very little idea of what they were letting themselves in for, they all wanted to strike back at the enemy. Later, these units evolved into the famed airborne forces and commandos who went on to take a major part in operations such as D-Day, Arnhem and the crossing of the Rhine. However, before this, during the early years of the war, they undertook a number of smaller scale raids.

Whilst some of the early raids such as St Nazaire and Dieppe have received quite a lot of coverage, others such as Lofoten, Glomfjord, Tragino and Bruneval have received far less, yet a knowledge of them is vital to give the development of Britain's special forces historical perspective.

The formation of these two fledging arms is recounted in detail, including material relating to the training undertaken before going on Special Service. In addition to the operations mentioned above raids on the Channel Islands, the coast of northern France, Vaagso, North Africa and Vermork are also covered.

As well as numerous eyewitness accounts from veterans a selection of official reports, kit, weapon and explosives lists are included. The book is complemented by around 125 photographs and maps.

• Cover
• About the Author
• Title Page
• Dedication
• Copyright
• Contents
• List of Photos
• List of Maps
• Glossary
• Foreword by Harry Pexton
• Preface
• 1. The Seeds of Despair
• 2. Airborne Initiatives
• 3. 11th SAS Battalion go into Action
• 4. On the Run
• 5. Striking from the Sea
• 6. The Latter Part of 1941
• 7. Operation Archery
• 8. Bomber Command and the Radar War 1939–1942
• 9. The Road to Northern France
• 10. Enter Jock Company
• 11. Off at Last
• 12. The End of the Beginning
• Appendix I: Documents relating to the creation of the Commandos
• Appendix II: Personnel involved in Operation Colossus
• Appendix III: Decorations Awarded to The Men of X Troop
• Appendix IV: The Experiences of a RAF aircrew on Operation Colossus
• Appendix V: Harry Pexton recalls some of the training in late 1940 with No 2 Commando before volunteering for Operation Colossus
• Appendix VI: Miscellaneous reports on Operation Colossus
• Appendix VII: Royal Navy reports regarding Operation Claymore
• Appendix VIII: Report on Operation Claymore by Brigadier J C Haydon DSO OBE, Commanding Special Service Brigade
• Appendix IX: Report from No 4 Commando Operation Claymore
• Appendix X: Naval & Military Reports relating to Operation Archery
• Appendix XI: Selected Medal Citations for Operation Archery
• Appendix XII: RAF losses on Operation Archery
• Appendix XIII: Report on Operation Archery by Lieutenant-Commander A de Costabadie DSC RN
• Appendix XIV: Operation Anklet Report from No 12 Commando
• Appendix XV: Brief notes on Gee, Oboe and H2S
• Appendix XVI: Memo calling for more volunteers for Air Service Battalions
• Appendix XVII: Operational Order for Operation Biting, Major J D Frost, Commanding C Company, 2nd Parachute Battalion
• Appendix XVIII: Operation Biting – composition of parachute parties
• Appendix XIX: Reports from 181st (Airborne) Field Ambulance RAMC on Operation Biting
• Appendix XX: Miscellaneous Reports and Decorations Awarded from Operation Biting
• Appendix XXI: Memories of the Bruneval Raid by Don Preist
• Appendix XXII: Reports from two Prisoners of War taken on the raid after interrogation back in England
• Appendix XXIII: Appendix to Report by Commander, The Airborne Division on ‘Biting’
• Appendix XXIV: Containers/Stores/Weapons Taken on Operation Biting
• Appendix XXV: Attack plan and stores and equipment for Operation Musketoon
• Appendix XXVI: Kit List, Stores and Nominal Roll for Operation Freshman
• Appendix XXVII: Complete Nominal Roll for the ‘Washington Cup’
• Appendix XXVIII: Report by Lieutenant Colonel M Henniker on Operation Freshman 23rd November 1942
• Bibliography and Sources
• Index
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