Military Wiki
Advertisement
The SAS badge

The Special Air Service (SAS) is a special forces unit of the British Army. In 1941, the SAS was founded as a regiment, and in 1950, it was reconstituted as a corps.[1] The unit specialises in a number of roles including counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, direct action and covert reconnaissance. Much of the information about the SAS is highly classified, and the unit is not commented on by either the British government or the Ministry of Defence due to the secrecy and sensitivity of its operations.[2][3][4]

The corps currently consists of the 22 Special Air Service Regiment, the regular component, as well as the 21 Special Air Service Regiment (Artists) (Reserve) and the 23 Special Air Service Regiment (Reserve), which are reserve units, all under the operational command of United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF). Its sister unit is the Royal Navy's Special Boat Service which specialises in maritime counter-terrorism. Both units are under the operational control of the Director Special Forces.

The Special Air Service traces its origins to 1941 and the Second World War. It was reformed as part of the Territorial Army in 1947, named the 21st Special Air Service Regiment (Artists Rifles). The 22nd Special Air Service Regiment, which is part of the regular army, gained fame and recognition worldwide after its televised rescue of all but two of the hostages held during the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege.[5]

History[]

Second World War[]

The Special Air Service was a unit of the British Army during the Second World War that was formed in July 1941 by David Stirling and originally called "L" Detachment, Special Air Service Brigade—the "L" designation and Air Service name being a tie-in to a British disinformation campaign, trying to deceive the Axis into thinking there was a paratrooper regiment with numerous units operating in the area (the real SAS would "prove" to the Axis that the fake one existed).[6][7] It was conceived as a commando force to operate behind enemy lines in the North African Campaign[8] and initially consisted of five officers and 60 other ranks.[9] Its first mission, in November 1941, was a parachute drop in support of the Operation Crusader offensive.[7] Due to German resistance and adverse weather conditions, the mission was a disaster; 22 men, a third of the unit, were killed or captured.[10] Its second mission was a major success. Transported by the Long Range Desert Group, it attacked three airfields in Libya, destroying 60 aircraft with the loss of 2 men and 3 jeeps.[10] In September 1942, it was renamed 1st SAS, consisting at that time of four British squadrons, one Free French, one Greek, and the Folboat Section.[11]

Special Air Service in North Africa E 21337

SAS patrol in North Africa during WW2

In January 1943, Colonel Stirling was captured in Tunisia and Paddy Mayne replaced him as commander.[12] In April 1943, the 1st SAS was reorganised into the Special Raiding Squadron under Mayne's command and the Special Boat Squadron was placed under the command of George Jellicoe.[13] The Special Raiding Squadron fought in Sicily and Italy along with the 2nd SAS, which had been formed in North Africa in 1943 in part by the renaming of the Small Scale Raiding Force.[14][15] The Special Boat Squadron fought in the Aegean Islands and Dodecanese until the end of the war.[16] In 1944 the SAS Brigade was formed. The unit was formed from:[17]

It was tasked with parachute operations behind the German lines in France[18] and carried out operations supporting the Allied advance through France, (Operations Houndsworth, Bulbasket, Loyton and Wallace-Hardy) Belgium, the Netherlands (Operation Pegasus), and eventually into Germany (Operation Archway).[17][19] As a result of Hitler's issuing of the Commando Order on 18 October 1942, the members of the unit faced the additional danger that they would be summarily executed if captured by the Germans. In July 1944, following Operation Bulbasket, 34 captured SAS commandos were summarily executed by the Germans. In October 1944, in the aftermath of Operation Loyton another 31 captured SAS commandos were summarily executed by the Germans.[20]

Post-war[]

At the end of the war the British government saw no further need for the force and disbanded it on 8 October 1945.[18]

The following year it was decided there was a need for a long-term deep-penetration commando unit and a new SAS regiment was to be raised as part of the Territorial Army.[21] Ultimately, the Artists Rifles, raised in 1860 and headquartered at Dukes Road, Euston, took on the SAS mantle as 21st SAS Regiment (V) on 1 January 1947.[22][21]

Malayan Scouts[]

man in British Army uniform, carrying a parachute helmet and wearing a beret, other men can just be seen in the dark background

21 SAS soldier after a night parachute drop exercise in Denmark, 1955

In 1950, a 21 SAS squadron was raised to fight in the Korean War. After three months of training in Britain, it was informed that the squadron would no longer be required in Korea and so it instead volunteered to fight in the Malayan Emergency.[23] Upon arrival in Malaya, it came under the command of "Mad Mike"[24] Mike Calvert who was forming a new unit called the Malayan Scouts (SAS).[23] Calvert had already formed one squadron from 100 volunteers in the Far East, which became A Squadron; the 21 SAS squadron then became B Squadron; and after a recruitment visit to Rhodesia by Calvert, C Squadron was formed from 100 Rhodesian volunteers.[25] The Rhodesians returned home after three years' service and were replaced by a New Zealand squadron.[26] By this time the need for a regular army SAS regiment had been recognised; the 22 SAS Regiment was formally added to the army list in 1952 and has been based at Hereford since 1960.[27] In 1959 the third regiment, the 23 SAS Regiment, was formed by renaming the Reserve Reconnaissance Unit, which had succeeded MI9 and whose members were experts in escape and evasion.[28]

22 SAS Regiment[]

Since serving in Malaya, men from the regular army 22 SAS Regiment have taken part in reconnaissance patrols and large scale raiding missions in the Jebel Akhdar War in Oman and conducted covert reconnaissance and surveillance patrols and some larger scale raiding missions in Borneo.[29][30] They returned to Oman in operations against Communist-backed rebels in the Dhofar Rebellion including the Battle of Mirbat.[31] They have also taken part in operations in the Aden Emergency,[32] Northern Ireland,[33] and Gambia.[30] Their Special projects team assisted the West German counterterrorism group GSG 9 at Mogadishu.[30] The SAS counter terrorist wing famously took part in a hostage rescue operation during the Iranian Embassy Siege in London.[34] SAS were heavily involved throughout the Soviet–Afghan War; they acted through private military contractor Keenie Meenie Services (or KMS Ltd), training the Afghan Mujaheddin in weapons, tactics and using explosives. Not only did they train the Mujaheddin in Afghanistan but also sent them to be trained in Pakistan, Oman and even parts of the UK.[35] During the Falklands War B squadron were prepared for Operation Mikado before it was subsequently cancelled while D and G squadrons were deployed and participated in the raid on Pebble Island.[36] Operation Flavius was a controversial operation in Gibraltar against the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA).[30] 22 SAS also directed NATO aircraft onto Serb positions and hunted war criminals in Bosnia.[37][38] They were also involved in the Kosovo War helping KLA guerillas behind Serbian lines. According to Albanian sources one SAS sergeant was killed by Serbian special forces.[39]

The Gulf War, in which A, B and D squadrons deployed, was the largest SAS mobilisation since the Second World War, also notable for the failure of the Bravo Two Zero mission.[40] In Sierra Leone it took part in Operation Barras, a hostage rescue operation, to extract members of the Royal Irish Regiment.[30]

Following the September 11 attacks on the United States by al-Qaeda in 2001, 2 squadrons of 22 SAS, later reinforced by members of both the Territorial SAS units, deployed to Afghanistan as part of the Coalition invasion at the start of the War in Afghanistan, to dismantle and destroy al-Qaeda and to deny it a safe base of operations in Afghanistan by removing the Taliban from power in the War on Terror. The Regiment carried out Operation Trent, the largest operation in its history, which included its first wartime HALO parachute jump. Following the invasion, the Regiment continued to operate in Afghanistan against the Taliban and other insurgents until 2006, when its deployment to Iraq became its focus of operations, until 2009 when the SAS redeployed to Afghanistan.[41][42][43][44]

The regiment took part in the Iraq War, notably carrying out operations in Iraq before the 2003 invasion. Following the invasion, it formed part of Task Force Black/Knight to combat the postinvasion insurgency; in late 2005/early 2006, the SAS were integrated into JSOC and focused its counterinsurgency efforts on combating al-Qaeda in Iraq and the Sunni insurgency alongside Delta Force. The counter-insurgency was successful, and the UKSF mission in Iraq ended in May 2009.[41][42][45] Overall, more than 3,500 terrorists were "taken off the streets" of Baghdad by 22 SAS.[46]

Various British newspapers have speculated on SAS involvement in Operation Ellamy and the 2011 Libyan civil war. The Daily Telegraph reports that "defence sources have confirmed that the SAS has been in Libya for several weeks, and played a key role in coordinating the fall of Tripoli."[47] While The Guardian reports "They have been acting as forward air controllers—directing pilots to targets—and communicating with NATO operational commanders. They have also been advising rebels on tactics."[48]

Members of the Special Air Service were deployed to Northern Iraq in late August 2014, and according to former MI6 chief Richard Barrett, would also be sent to Syria, tasked with trying to track down the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist group that the press labelled the Beatles.[49][50][51]

In recent years SAS officers have risen to senior appointments in the British Army and Armed Forces. General Peter de la Billière was the commander in chief of the British forces in the 1990 Gulf War.[52] General Michael Rose became commander of the United Nations Protection Force in Bosnia in 1994.[53] In 1997 General Charles Guthrie became Chief of the Defence Staff the head of the British armed forces.[54] Lieutenant-General Cedric Delves was appointed commander of the Field Army and deputy commander in chief NATO Regional Headquarters Allied Forces North in 2002–2003.[55]

21 and 23 SAS[]

For much of the Cold War, the role of 21 SAS and 23 SAS was to provide stay-behind parties in the event of a Warsaw Pact invasion of western Europe, forming together I Corps' Corps Patrol Unit. In the case of an invasion, this Special Air Service Group would have let themselves be bypassed and remained behind in order to collect intelligence behind Warsaw Pact lines, conduct target acquisition, and thus try to slow the enemy's advance.[56][57][58]

By early 2003 a composite squadron of 21 and 23 SAS, was operating in Helmand for roles against Al Qaeda forces, ‘with the emphasis on long range reconnaissance' [59][60][61] In 2007–08 a squadron-sized sub-unit was deployed first from 23 and then from 21 SAS to Helmand for roles including training the Afghan Police and working with the intelligence services.[62][63]

Second World War[]

The Special Air Service was a unit of the British Army during the Second World War that was formed in July 1941 by David Stirling and originally called "L" Detachment, Special Air Service Brigade—the "L" designation and Air Service name being a tie-in to a British disinformation campaign, trying to deceive the Axis into thinking there was a paratrooper regiment with numerous units operating in the area (the real SAS would "prove" to the Axis that the fake one existed).[6][7] It was conceived as a commando force to operate behind enemy lines in the North African Campaign[64] and initially consisted of five officers and 60 other ranks.[65] Its first mission, in November 1941, was a parachute drop in support of the Operation Crusader offensive.[7] Due to German resistance and adverse weather conditions, the mission was a disaster; 22 men, a third of the unit, were killed or captured.[10] Its second mission was a major success. Transported by the Long Range Desert Group, it attacked three airfields in Libya, destroying 60 aircraft with the loss of 2 men and 3 jeeps.[10] In September 1942, it was renamed 1st SAS, consisting at that time of four British squadrons, one Free French, one Greek, and the Folboat Section.[66]

Special Air Service in North Africa E 21337

SAS patrol in North Africa during WW2

In January 1943, Colonel Stirling was captured in Tunisia and Paddy Mayne replaced him as commander.[67] In April 1943, the 1st SAS was reorganised into the Special Raiding Squadron under Mayne's command and the Special Boat Squadron was placed under the command of George Jellicoe.[68] The Special Raiding Squadron fought in Sicily and Italy along with the 2nd SAS, which had been formed in North Africa in 1943 in part by the renaming of the Small Scale Raiding Force.[69][70] The Special Boat Squadron fought in the Aegean Islands and Dodecanese until the end of the war.[71] In 1944 the SAS Brigade was formed. The unit was formed from:[17]

It was tasked with parachute operations behind the German lines in France[18] and carried out operations supporting the Allied advance through France, (Operations Houndsworth, Bulbasket, Loyton and Wallace-Hardy) Belgium, the Netherlands (Operation Pegasus), and eventually into Germany (Operation Archway).[17][72] As a result of Hitler's issuing of the Commando Order on 18 October 1942, the members of the unit faced the additional danger that they would be summarily executed if captured by the Germans. In July 1944, following Operation Bulbasket, 34 captured SAS commandos were summarily executed by the Germans. In October 1944, in the aftermath of Operation Loyton another 31 captured SAS commandos were summarily executed by the Germans.[73]

Post-war[]

At the end of the war the British government saw no further need for the force and disbanded it on 8 October 1945.[18]

The following year it was decided there was a need for a long-term deep-penetration commando unit and a new SAS regiment was to be raised as part of the Territorial Army.[21] Ultimately, the Artists Rifles, raised in 1860 and headquartered at Dukes Road, Euston, took on the SAS mantle as 21st SAS Regiment (V) on 1 January 1947.[22][21]

Malayan Scouts[]

man in British Army uniform, carrying a parachute helmet and wearing a beret, other men can just be seen in the dark background

21 SAS soldier after a night parachute drop exercise in Denmark, 1955

In 1950, a 21 SAS squadron was raised to fight in the Korean War. After three months of training in Britain, it was informed that the squadron would no longer be required in Korea and so it instead volunteered to fight in the Malayan Emergency.[23] Upon arrival in Malaya, it came under the command of "Mad Mike"[74] Mike Calvert who was forming a new unit called the Malayan Scouts (SAS).[23] Calvert had already formed one squadron from 100 volunteers in the Far East, which became A Squadron; the 21 SAS squadron then became B Squadron; and after a recruitment visit to Rhodesia by Calvert, C Squadron was formed from 100 Rhodesian volunteers.[75] The Rhodesians returned home after three years' service and were replaced by a New Zealand squadron.[26] By this time the need for a regular army SAS regiment had been recognised; the 22 SAS Regiment was formally added to the army list in 1952 and has been based at Hereford since 1960.[27] In 1959 the third regiment, the 23 SAS Regiment, was formed by renaming the Reserve Reconnaissance Unit, which had succeeded MI9 and whose members were experts in escape and evasion.[28]

22 SAS Regiment[]

Since serving in Malaya, men from the regular army 22 SAS Regiment have taken part in reconnaissance patrols and large scale raiding missions in the Jebel Akhdar War in Oman and conducted covert reconnaissance and surveillance patrols and some larger scale raiding missions in Borneo.[76][30] They returned to Oman in operations against Communist-backed rebels in the Dhofar Rebellion including the Battle of Mirbat.[77] They have also taken part in operations in the Aden Emergency,[78] Northern Ireland,[79] and Gambia.[30] Their Special projects team assisted the West German counterterrorism group GSG 9 at Mogadishu.[30] The SAS counter terrorist wing famously took part in a hostage rescue operation during the Iranian Embassy Siege in London.[80] SAS were heavily involved throughout the Soviet–Afghan War; they acted through private military contractor Keenie Meenie Services (or KMS Ltd), training the Afghan Mujaheddin in weapons, tactics and using explosives. Not only did they train the Mujaheddin in Afghanistan but also sent them to be trained in Pakistan, Oman and even parts of the UK.[35] During the Falklands War B squadron were prepared for Operation Mikado before it was subsequently cancelled while D and G squadrons were deployed and participated in the raid on Pebble Island.[81] Operation Flavius was a controversial operation in Gibraltar against the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA).[30] 22 SAS also directed NATO aircraft onto Serb positions and hunted war criminals in Bosnia.[82][83] They were also involved in the Kosovo War helping KLA guerillas behind Serbian lines. According to Albanian sources one SAS sergeant was killed by Serbian special forces.[84]

The Gulf War, in which A, B and D squadrons deployed, was the largest SAS mobilisation since the Second World War, also notable for the failure of the Bravo Two Zero mission.[85] In Sierra Leone it took part in Operation Barras, a hostage rescue operation, to extract members of the Royal Irish Regiment.[30]

Following the September 11 attacks on the United States by al-Qaeda in 2001, 2 squadrons of 22 SAS, later reinforced by members of both the Territorial SAS units, deployed to Afghanistan as part of the Coalition invasion at the start of the War in Afghanistan, to dismantle and destroy al-Qaeda and to deny it a safe base of operations in Afghanistan by removing the Taliban from power in the War on Terror. The Regiment carried out Operation Trent, the largest operation in its history, which included its first wartime HALO parachute jump. Following the invasion, the Regiment continued to operate in Afghanistan against the Taliban and other insurgents until 2006, when its deployment to Iraq became its focus of operations, until 2009 when the SAS redeployed to Afghanistan.[41][42][86][87]

The regiment took part in the Iraq War, notably carrying out operations in Iraq before the 2003 invasion. Following the invasion, it formed part of Task Force Black/Knight to combat the postinvasion insurgency; in late 2005/early 2006, the SAS were integrated into JSOC and focused its counterinsurgency efforts on combating al-Qaeda in Iraq and the Sunni insurgency alongside Delta Force. The counter-insurgency was successful, and the UKSF mission in Iraq ended in May 2009.[41][42][88] Overall, more than 3,500 terrorists were "taken off the streets" of Baghdad by 22 SAS.[89]

Various British newspapers have speculated on SAS involvement in Operation Ellamy and the 2011 Libyan civil war. The Daily Telegraph reports that "defence sources have confirmed that the SAS has been in Libya for several weeks, and played a key role in coordinating the fall of Tripoli."[90] While The Guardian reports "They have been acting as forward air controllers—directing pilots to targets—and communicating with NATO operational commanders. They have also been advising rebels on tactics."[91]

Members of the Special Air Service were deployed to Northern Iraq in late August 2014, and according to former MI6 chief Richard Barrett, would also be sent to Syria, tasked with trying to track down the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist group that the press labelled the Beatles.[49][92][93]

In recent years SAS officers have risen to senior appointments in the British Army and Armed Forces. General Peter de la Billière was the commander in chief of the British forces in the 1990 Gulf War.[94] General Michael Rose became commander of the United Nations Protection Force in Bosnia in 1994.[95] In 1997 General Charles Guthrie became Chief of the Defence Staff the head of the British armed forces.[96] Lieutenant-General Cedric Delves was appointed commander of the Field Army and deputy commander in chief NATO Regional Headquarters Allied Forces North in 2002–2003.[97]

21 and 23 SAS[]

For much of the Cold War, the role of 21 SAS and 23 SAS was to provide stay-behind parties in the event of a Warsaw Pact invasion of western Europe, forming together I Corps' Corps Patrol Unit. In the case of an invasion, this Special Air Service Group would have let themselves be bypassed and remained behind in order to collect intelligence behind Warsaw Pact lines, conduct target acquisition, and thus try to slow the enemy's advance.[98][99][100]

By early 2003 a composite squadron of 21 and 23 SAS, was operating in Helmand for roles against Al Qaeda forces, ‘with the emphasis on long range reconnaissance' [101][102][103] In 2007–08 a squadron-sized sub-unit was deployed first from 23 and then from 21 SAS to Helmand for roles including training the Afghan Police and working with the intelligence services.[104][105]

Influence on other special forces[]

Following the post-war reconstitution of the Special Air Service, other countries in the Commonwealth recognised their need for similar units. The Canadian Special Air Service Company was formed in 1947, being disbanded in 1949.[106][107] The New Zealand Special Air Service squadron was formed in June 1955 to serve with the British SAS in Malaya, which became a full regiment in 2011.[108] Australia formed the 1st SAS Company in July 1957, which became a full regiment of the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) in 1964.[109] On its return from Malaya, the C (Rhodesian) Squadron formed the basis for creation of the Rhodesian Special Air Service in 1961.[28] It retained the name "C Squadron (Rhodesian) Special Air Service" within the Rhodesian Security Forces until 1978, when it became 1 (Rhodesian) Special Air Service Regiment.[110]

Non-Commonwealth countries have also formed units based on the SAS. The Belgian Army's Special Forces Group, which wears the same capbadge as the British SAS, traces its ancestry partly from the 5th Special Air Service of the Second World War.[118] The French 1st Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment (1er RPIMa) can trace its origins to the Second World War 3rd and 4th SAS, adopting its "who dares wins" motto.[119] The American unit, 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, was formed by Colonel Charles Alvin Beckwith, who served with 22 SAS as an exchange officer, and recognised the need for a similar type of unit in the United States Army.[120] The Israeli Sayeret Matkal and Shaldag units have also been modelled after the SAS, sharing its motto. Ireland's Army Ranger Wing (ARW) has also modelled its training on that of the SAS.[121] The Philippine National Police's Special Action Force was formed along the lines of the SAS.[122]

The former Royal Afghan Army's 666th Commando Brigade was formed by Colonel Ramatullah Safi in the 1970s after he received his training with the SAS before it was disbanded through purges after the coups in 1973 and 1978.[123]

Organisation[]

Little publicly verifiable information exists on the contemporary SAS, as the British government usually does not comment on special forces matters due to the nature of their work.[2][3] The Special Air Service comprises three units: one Regular and two Army Reserve (AR) units. The regular army unit is 22 SAS Regiment and the reserve units are 21 Special Air Service Regiment (Artists) (Reserve) (21 SAS(R)) and 23 Special Air Service Regiment (23 SAS (R)), collectively, the Special Air Service (Reserve) (SAS(R)).[124]

Squadrons[]

22 SAS normally has a strength of 400 to 600.[125] The regiment has four operational squadrons: A, B, D and G. Each squadron consists of approximately 65 members commanded by a major, divided into four troops (each troop being commanded by a captain) and a small headquarters section.[126][127] Troops usually consist of 16 members (Members of the SAS are variously known as "blade" or "Operator")[128][129][130] and each patrol within a troop consists of four members, with each member possessing a particular skill e.g. signals, demolition, medic or linguist in addition to basic skills learned during the course of his training.[127] The term "squadron" dates back to the unit's earliest days when the unit's name was intended to confuse German intelligence.[129] The four troops specialise in four different areas:

  • Boat troop – specialists in maritime skills including diving using rebreathers, using kayaks (canoes) and Rigid-hulled inflatable boats and often train with the Special Boat Service.[131]
  • Air troop – experts in free fall parachuting and high-altitude parachute operations including High-Altitude Low Opening (HALO) and High-Altitude High Opening (HAHO) techniques.[131]
  • Mobility troop – specialists in using vehicles and are experts in desert warfare.[132] They are also trained in an advanced level of motor mechanics to field-repair any vehicular breakdown.[133]
  • Mountain troop – specialists in Arctic combat and survival, using specialist equipment such as skis, snowshoes and mountain climbing techniques.[131]

In 1980 R Squadron (which has since been renamed L Detachment) was formed; its members are all ex-regular SAS regiment soldiers who have a commitment to reserve service.[127][nb 1]

22 SAS squadron duty rotations are set up as such that one squadron is maintained on Counter-Terrorism duty in the UK; a second will be on a deployment; a third will be preparing for deployment whilst conducting short term training; and the fourth will be preparing for long-term overseas training such as jungle or desert exercises. In times of war, such as the 2003 invasion of Iraq, it is not uncommon for two squadrons to be deployed.[129]

22 Special Air Service Regiment 21 Special Air Service Regiment (Artists) 23 Special Air Service Regiment
'A' Squadron (Hereford)[135] 'A' Squadron (Regent's Park)[135] 'B' Squadron (Leeds)[136]
'B' Squadron[137] 'C' Squadron (Bramley Camp)[138] 'D' Squadron (Scotland)[139]
'D' Squadron 'E' Squadron (Wales)[140] 'G' Squadron (Manchester)[141]
G' Squadron[142]

Squadron Structure:[143]

  • A Squadron: 1 (Boat) Troop – 2 (Air) Troop – 3 (Mobility) Troop – 4 (Mountain) Troop
  • B Squadron: 6 (Boat) Troop – 7 (Air) Troop – 8 (Mobility) Troop – 9 (Mountain) Troop
  • D Squadron: 16 (Air) Troop – 17 (Boat) Troop – 18 (Mobility) Troop – 19 (Mountain) Troop
  • G Squadron: 21 (Mobility) Troop – 22 (Mountain) Troop – 23 (Boat) Troop – 24 (Air) Troop

Special projects team[]

The special projects team is the official name for the Special Air Service anti-hijacking counter-terrorism team.[127] It is trained in Close Quarter Battle (CQB), sniper techniques and specialises in hostage rescue in buildings or on public transport.[144] The team was formed in the early 1970s after the Prime Minister, Edward Heath, asked the Ministry of Defence to prepare for any possible terrorist attack similar to the massacre at the 1972 Summer Olympics therefore ordering that the SAS Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW) wing be raised.[145]

Squadrons refresh their training every 16 months, on average. The CRW's first deployment was during the Balcombe Street siege. The Metropolitan Police had trapped a PIRA unit; it surrendered when it heard on the BBC that the SAS were being sent in.[145]

The first documented action abroad by the CRW wing was assisting the West German counter-terrorism group GSG 9 at Mogadishu.[30]

The CT role was shared amongst the squadrons, initially on a 12-month and later six-month rotation basis to ensure that all members are eventually trained in CT and CQB techniques. The SAS train for the CT role at Pontrilas Army Training Area in a facility that includes the Killing House (officially known as Close Quarter Battle House) and part of a Boeing 747 airliner that can be reconfigured to match the internal layouts of virtually any commercial aircraft. The on-call CT squadron is split into four troops, two of which are on immediate notice to move and are restricted to the Hereford-Credenhill area, whilst the other two conduct training and exercises across the UK, but are available for operational deployment should the need arise.[146]

Commanding Officers[]

Operational command[]

Regular[]

22 SAS is under the operational command of the Director Special Forces (DSF), a major-general grade post. Previously ranked as a brigadier, the DSF was promoted from brigadier to major-general in recognition of the significant expansion of the United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF).[172]

Reserve[]

On 1 September 2014, 21 and 23 SAS were moved from UKSF [173] They were placed under command of 1st Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Brigade.[174][175] In 2019 they were moved back to UKSF.[176][177]

Recruitment and training[]

snow and frost covered mountain peak

Pen y Fan 2,907 feet (886 m) above sea level, the location for the Fan Dance

Except for the reserve component, the United Kingdom Special Forces do not recruit directly from the general public.[178][179] All current members of the UK Armed Forces can apply for Special Forces selection, but the majority of candidates have historically come from a Royal Marines or Parachute Regiment background.[180] Selections are held twice a year, once in summer and again in winter.[178]

Taking place in Wales, specifically Sennybridge and the Brecon Beacons, selection lasts for five weeks and normally starts with approximately 200 potential candidates.[178] Candidates complete a Personal Fitness Test (PFT) upon arrival, which consists of at least 50 sit-ups in two minutes, 60 press-ups in two minutes, and a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) run in 10 minutes and 30 seconds. They then complete an Annual Fitness Test (AFT), which consists of marching 8 miles (13 km) in two hours while carrying 25 lb (11 kg) of equipment.[181] Candidates then march cross-country against the clock, increasing the distance covered each day; this culminates in an endurance test known as the "Endurance", in which candidates march 40 miles (64 km) with full equipment before climbing up and down the mountain Pen y Fan (886 m; 2,907 ft) in 20 hours.[178] By the end of this phase, candidates must then be able to run 4 miles (6.4 km) in 30 minutes or less and swim 2 miles (3.2 km) in 90 minutes or less.[178]

Following mountain training, the jungle phase takes place in Belize, Brunei, or Malaysia.[182] Candidates are taught navigation, patrol formation and movement, and jungle survival skills.[183] They then return to the UK to begin training in battle plans and foreign weapons, and then take part in combat survival exercises, ending in week-long escape and evasion training.[184] Candidates are formed into patrols and, with nothing more than a tin can filled with survival equipment, are dressed in World War II-era uniforms and told to head for a particular destination by sunrise. The final selection test, resistance to interrogation (RTI), is arguably the most gruelling and lasts for 36 hours.[185]

Typically, 15–20% of candidates make it through the initial selection process. From a group of approximately 200 candidates, most will drop out within the first few days, and less than 30 will remain by the end. Those who complete all phases of selection are transferred to an operational squadron.[186]

For applicants to the reserve component, 21 SAS and 23 SAS, the pathway involves comparable elements, apart from jungle training, but taken in blocks, spread out over a longer period, to fit in with the demands of participants' civilian careers.[187]

In October 2018, recruitment policy changed to allow women to become members of the SAS for the first time.[188] In August 2021, two women became the first to pass the pre-selection course, making them eligible for the full course.[189]

Uniform distinctions[]

File:SASWings.png

SAS pattern parachute wings

Normal barracks headdress is the sand-coloured beret,[27] its cap badge is a downward pointing Excalibur, wreathed in flames (often incorrectly referred to as a winged dagger) worked into the cloth of a Crusader shield with the motto Who Dares Wins.[190][nb 2] SAS pattern parachute wings, designed by Lieutenant Jock Lewes and based on the stylised sacred ibis of Isis of Egyptian iconography depicted in the décor of Shepheard's Hotel in Cairo, are worn on the right shoulder.[192] Its ceremonial No 1 dress uniform is distinguished by a light-blue stripe on the trousers. Its stable belt is a shade of blue similar to the blue stripe on the No 1 dress uniform.[27]

Battle honours[]

In the British Army, battle honours are awarded to regiments that have seen active service in a significant engagement or campaign, generally with a victorious outcome.[193] The Special Air Service Regiment has been awarded the following battle honours:[194][195]

Order of precedence[]

Preceded by
Line Infantry and Rifles
British Army Order of Precedence[196] Succeeded by
Army Air Corps

Memorials[]

Special Air Service Memorial, Hereford Cathedral, July 2019 (2)

Ascension at Hereford Cathedral

The names of those members of the Regular SAS who have died on duty were inscribed on the regimental clock tower at Stirling Lines.[197] Originally funded by contributions of a day's pay by members of the regiment and a donation from Handley Page in memory of Cpl. R.K. Norry who was killed in a freefall parachuting accident,[198][199] this was rebuilt at the new barracks at Credenhill. Those whose names are inscribed are said by surviving members to have "failed to beat the clock".[200] At the suggestion of the then Commanding Officer, Dare Wilson, inscribed on the base of the clock is a verse from The Golden Journey to Samarkand by James Elroy Flecker:[201]

We are the Pilgrims, master; we shall go
Always a little further: it may be
Beyond that last blue mountain barred with snow
Across that angry or that glimmering sea...

The other main memorial is the SAS and Airborne Forces memorial in the cloisters at Westminster Abbey. The SAS Brigade Memorial at Sennecey-le-Grand in France commemorates the wartime dead of the Belgian, British and French SAS and recently a memorial plaque was added to the David Stirling Memorial in Scotland. There are other smaller memorials "scattered throughout Europe and in the Far East".[202]

The local church of St Martin's, Hereford[203] has part of its graveyard set aside as an SAS memorial, over twenty SAS soldiers are buried there. There is also a wall of remembrance displaying memorial plaques to some who could not be buried, including the 18 SAS men who lost their lives in the Sea King helicopter crash during the Falklands Campaign on 19 May 1982[204] and a sculpture and stained glass window dedicated to the SAS.[205]

On 17 October 2017 Ascension, a new sculpture and window honouring the Special Air Service Regiment in Hereford Cathedral, was dedicated by the Bishop of Hereford at a service attended by Prince William.[206]

In popular culture[]

Books and films about the SAS
  • Eastern ApproachesFitzroy Maclean's memoir provides his personal experiences in the fledgling SAS in the Western Desert Campaign.
  • Bravo Two Zero – a novel about a failed SAS mission by Andy McNab[207]
    • Bravo Two Zero - a film based on the novel of the same name by Andy McNab.
  • Red Notice, a novel by Andy McNab, part of his Tom Buckingham Series
    • SAS: Red Notice - a 2021 film based on Andy McNab's novel Red Notice.[208]
  • The One That Got Away - another novel about the Bravo Two Zero mission by Chris Ryan
    • The One That Got Away - a film based on the novel
  • The Feather Men a novel by Sir Ranulph Fiennes - claimed by the author to be a partly non-fictional story involving the SAS
    • Killer Elite - film based on The Feathermen, about a mercenary hired to kill SAS troopers (fictional story surrounding real events and people from SAS history).
  • 6 Days - film about the SAS involvement in the Iranian Embassy siege in 1980
  • Who Dares Wins, 1982 film - released in the United States as The Final Option
Television shows about the SAS
  • SAS: Are You Tough Enough? (2002-2004)[209]
  • SAS: Who Dares Wins – a reality quasi-military training television programme which pits contestants against harsh environments in a two-week-long training course that is designed to replicate Special Air Service selection[210]
  • Ultimate Force – an ITV action drama series following the operations of the fictitious 'Red Troop' of the Special Air Service. (2002-2008)[211]
Video games based on the SAS
  • Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare - The main playable character is a member of SAS
  • Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Siege - four operators/characters in the game are members of the SAS. There is, as well, a map of the Hereford Base.

Alliances[]

References[]

  1. "Brief history of the regiment". Special Air Service Association. http://www.marsandminerva.co.uk/history2.htm. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 "Prime Ministers Questions, Special Forces". Parliament of the United Kingdom. https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199091/cmhansrd/1991-05-17/Writtens-1.html. 
  3. 3.0 3.1 "Special Forces". Parliament of the United Kingdom. https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200102/cmhansrd/vo020114/debtext/20114-03.htm. 
  4. "The UK can't stay 'mum' over Russian bombing of Special Forces base in Syria" (in en-GB). DefenceReport. 2016-08-03. http://defencereport.com/uk-cant-stay-mum-russian-bombing-special-forces-base-syria/. 
  5. Thompson, p. 8
  6. 6.0 6.1 Molinari, p.22
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Haskew, p.39
  8. Thompson, p.7
  9. Thompson, p.48
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 Haskew, p.40
  11. Molinari, p.25
  12. Haskew, p.42
  13. Morgan, p.15
  14. "Obituary:Lieutenant-Colonel David Danger: SAS radio operator". The Times. London. 31 March 2009. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article6004732.ece. 
  15. "Obituary: Major Roy Farran". The Times. London. 6 June 2006. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article671935.ece. 
  16. Haskew, pp.52–54
  17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 Shortt & McBride, p.15
  18. 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 Shortt & McBride, p.16
  19. "Society of Friends of the Airborne Museum Oosterbeek". Airborne Museum Oosterbeek. http://www.vriendenairbornemuseum.nl/stolen_medals.htm. 
  20. Schorley, Pete; Forsyth, Frederick (2008). Who Dares Wins: Special Forces Heroes of the SAS. Osprey Publishing, page 50
  21. 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 Shortt & McBride, p.17
  22. 22.0 22.1 Shortt & McBride, p.18
  23. 23.0 23.1 23.2 23.3 "Obituary — Major Alastair McGregor". The Daily Telegraph. London. 3 October 2002. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1408949/Major-Alastair-McGregor.html. 
  24. Rooney, David (March 28, 2007). Mad Mike: A Life of Brigadier Michael Calvert. Pen and Sword. ISBN 978-1844155071. 
  25. Shortt & McBride, p.19
  26. 26.0 26.1 Shortt & McBride, p.20
  27. 27.0 27.1 27.2 27.3 Griffin, pp.150–152
  28. 28.0 28.1 28.2 Shortt & McBride, p.22
  29. Geraghty, p. 120–131
  30. 30.00 30.01 30.02 30.03 30.04 30.05 30.06 30.07 30.08 30.09 30.10 Scholey & Forsyth, p.12
  31. Scholey & Forsyth, p.104
  32. Scholey & Forsyth, p.57
  33. Scholey & Forsyth, p.53
  34. Scholey & Forsyth, p.11
  35. 35.0 35.1 Cormac, Rory (2018). Disrupt and Deny: Spies, Special Forces, and the Secret Pursuit of British Foreign Policy. Oxford University Press. pp. 235–36. ISBN 978-0-19-878459-3. https://books.google.com/books?id=emZaDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA235. 
  36. Scholey & Forsyth, p.212
  37. Hawton, Nick (2 April 2004). "Karadzic escapes again as SAS swoops on church". The Times. London. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article1110890.ece. 
  38. Bellamy, Christopher (11 April 1994). "Ground attack is first in Nato history: British SAS troops help US war planes to deliver a timely warning to Serbs that 'safe areas' must be respected, writes Christopher Bellamy in Split". The Independent. London. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ground-attack-is-first-in-nato-history-british-sas-troops-help-us-war-planes-to-deliver-a-timely-warning-to-serbs-that-safe-areas-must-be-respected-writes-christopher-bellamy-in-split-1369263.html. 
  39. "War in Europe: SAS teams 'fighting behind Serb lines'". 16 May 1999. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/war-in-europe-sas-teams-fighting-behind-serb-lines-1093993.html. 
  40. Scholey & Forsyth, p. 265
  41. 41.0 41.1 41.2 41.3 Neville, Leigh, Special Forces in the War on Terror (General Military), Osprey Publishing, 2015 ISBN 978-1472807908, p 75
  42. 42.0 42.1 42.2 42.3 Neville, Leigh, The SAS 1983–2014 (Elite), Osprey Publishing, 2016, ISBN 1472814037 ISBN 978-1472814036
  43. "Overstretched SAS calls up part-time troops for Afghanistan – Telegraph". 23 March 2010. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/1450394/Overstretched-SAS-calls-up-part-time-troops-for-Afghanistan.html. 
  44. Jennings, p 187
  45. Urban, Mark, Task Force Black: The Explosive True Story of the Secret Special Forces War in Iraq, St. Martin's Griffin, 2012 ISBN 1-250-00696-1 ISBN 978-1-250-00696-7
  46. Sean Rayment (25 April 2009). "SAS and other special forces to be expanded to defeat al-Qaeda". Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/5220803/SAS-and-other-special-forces-to-be-expanded-to-defeat-al-Qaeda.html. 
  47. Harding, Thomas (24 August 2011). "Libya, SAS leads hunt for Gaddafi". The Daily Telegraph. London. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8721291/Libya-SAS-leads-hunt-for-Gaddafi.html. 
  48. Norton-Taylor, Richard (23 August 2011). "SAS troopers help co-ordinate rebel attacks in Libya". The Guardian. London. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/aug/23/sas-troopers-help-coordinate-rebels. 
  49. 49.0 49.1 "Forze speciali in Iraq, caccia ai "Beatles"" (in it). La Repubblica. 25 August 2014. http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2014/08/25/forze-speciali-in-iraq-caccia-ai-beatles12.html?ref=search. 
  50. "Former ISIS hostage identifies Foley executioner". Al Arabiya. 21 August 2014. http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/08/21/Former-ISIS-hostage-identifies-Foley-executioner.html. 
  51. Rachel Browne (24 August 2014). "Rapper identified as James Foley's executioner: reports". The Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/world/rapper-identified-as-james-foleys-executioner-reports-20140824-107w1i.html. 
  52. "Breakfast with Frost, interview". BBC. 30 March 2003. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/breakfast_with_frost/2900539.stm. 
  53. "Insurgents 'right to take on US'". BBC. 3 May 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6618075.stm. 
  54. Thompson, Alice; Sylvester, Rachel (25 July 2009). "Guthrie attacks Gordon Brown over helicopters for Afghanistan troops". The Times. London. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6726512.ece. 
  55. "Armed Forces:officers". Parliament of the United Kingdom. https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmhansrd/cm070604/text/70604w0039.htm. 
  56. Asher, Michael (2008). The Regiment: The True Story of the SAS. London: Penguin UK. ISBN 0141026529, p. 359-360
  57. Geraghty, Tony. Who Dares Wins: the story of the SAS 1950-1982, p. 15
  58. Sinai, Tamir (8 December 2020). "Eyes on target: 'Stay-behind' forces during the Cold War". pp. 681–700. Digital object identifier:10.1177/0968344520914345. 
  59. Rayment, Sean (28 December 2003). "Overstretched SAS calls up part-time troops for Afghanistan". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 23 March 2010
  60. Smith, Michael (20 November 2005). "Part-time SAS sent to tackle Taliban". Sunday Times.
  61. Jennings, p 187 & 246
  62. Smith, Michael; Starkey, Jerome (22 June 2008). "Bryant was on secret mission in Afghanistan". The Sunday Times
  63. Farrell, p. 246-247
  64. Thompson, p.7
  65. Thompson, p.48
  66. Molinari, p.25
  67. Haskew, p.42
  68. Morgan, p.15
  69. "Obituary:Lieutenant-Colonel David Danger: SAS radio operator". The Times. London. 31 March 2009. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article6004732.ece. 
  70. "Obituary: Major Roy Farran". The Times. London. 6 June 2006. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article671935.ece. 
  71. Haskew, pp.52–54
  72. "Society of Friends of the Airborne Museum Oosterbeek". Airborne Museum Oosterbeek. http://www.vriendenairbornemuseum.nl/stolen_medals.htm. 
  73. Schorley, Pete; Forsyth, Frederick (2008). Who Dares Wins: Special Forces Heroes of the SAS. Osprey Publishing, page 50
  74. Rooney, David (March 28, 2007). Mad Mike: A Life of Brigadier Michael Calvert. Pen and Sword. ISBN 978-1844155071. 
  75. Shortt & McBride, p.19
  76. Geraghty, p. 120–131
  77. Scholey & Forsyth, p.104
  78. Scholey & Forsyth, p.57
  79. Scholey & Forsyth, p.53
  80. Scholey & Forsyth, p.11
  81. Scholey & Forsyth, p.212
  82. Hawton, Nick (2 April 2004). "Karadzic escapes again as SAS swoops on church". The Times. London. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article1110890.ece. 
  83. Bellamy, Christopher (11 April 1994). "Ground attack is first in Nato history: British SAS troops help US war planes to deliver a timely warning to Serbs that 'safe areas' must be respected, writes Christopher Bellamy in Split". The Independent. London. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ground-attack-is-first-in-nato-history-british-sas-troops-help-us-war-planes-to-deliver-a-timely-warning-to-serbs-that-safe-areas-must-be-respected-writes-christopher-bellamy-in-split-1369263.html. 
  84. "War in Europe: SAS teams 'fighting behind Serb lines'". 16 May 1999. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/war-in-europe-sas-teams-fighting-behind-serb-lines-1093993.html. 
  85. Scholey & Forsyth, p. 265
  86. "Overstretched SAS calls up part-time troops for Afghanistan – Telegraph". 23 March 2010. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/1450394/Overstretched-SAS-calls-up-part-time-troops-for-Afghanistan.html. 
  87. Jennings, p 187
  88. Urban, Mark, Task Force Black: The Explosive True Story of the Secret Special Forces War in Iraq, St. Martin's Griffin, 2012 ISBN 1-250-00696-1 ISBN 978-1-250-00696-7
  89. Sean Rayment (25 April 2009). "SAS and other special forces to be expanded to defeat al-Qaeda". Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/5220803/SAS-and-other-special-forces-to-be-expanded-to-defeat-al-Qaeda.html. 
  90. Harding, Thomas (24 August 2011). "Libya, SAS leads hunt for Gaddafi". The Daily Telegraph. London. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8721291/Libya-SAS-leads-hunt-for-Gaddafi.html. 
  91. Norton-Taylor, Richard (23 August 2011). "SAS troopers help co-ordinate rebel attacks in Libya". The Guardian. London. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/aug/23/sas-troopers-help-coordinate-rebels. 
  92. "Former ISIS hostage identifies Foley executioner". Al Arabiya. 21 August 2014. http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/08/21/Former-ISIS-hostage-identifies-Foley-executioner.html. 
  93. Rachel Browne (24 August 2014). "Rapper identified as James Foley's executioner: reports". The Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/world/rapper-identified-as-james-foleys-executioner-reports-20140824-107w1i.html. 
  94. "Breakfast with Frost, interview". BBC. 30 March 2003. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/breakfast_with_frost/2900539.stm. 
  95. "Insurgents 'right to take on US'". BBC. 3 May 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6618075.stm. 
  96. Thompson, Alice; Sylvester, Rachel (25 July 2009). "Guthrie attacks Gordon Brown over helicopters for Afghanistan troops". The Times. London. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6726512.ece. 
  97. "Armed Forces:officers". Parliament of the United Kingdom. https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmhansrd/cm070604/text/70604w0039.htm. 
  98. Asher, Michael (2008). The Regiment: The True Story of the SAS. London: Penguin UK. ISBN 0141026529, p. 359-360
  99. Geraghty, Tony. Who Dares Wins: the story of the SAS 1950-1982, p. 15
  100. Sinai, Tamir (8 December 2020). "Eyes on target: 'Stay-behind' forces during the Cold War". pp. 681–700. Digital object identifier:10.1177/0968344520914345. 
  101. Rayment, Sean (28 December 2003). "Overstretched SAS calls up part-time troops for Afghanistan". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 23 March 2010
  102. Smith, Michael (20 November 2005). "Part-time SAS sent to tackle Taliban". Sunday Times.
  103. Jennings, p 187 & 246
  104. Smith, Michael; Starkey, Jerome (22 June 2008). "Bryant was on secret mission in Afghanistan". The Sunday Times
  105. Farrell, p. 246-247
  106. "A Military Enigma: The Canadian Special Air Service Company, 1948–1949, by Lieutenant-Colonel Bernd Horn, Assistant Professor of History, Royal Military College Kingston. Canadian Military History, Volume 10, Number 1. Winter 2001.". http://www.wlu.ca/lcmsds/cmh/back%20issues/CMH/volume%2010/issue%201/Horn%20-%20A%20Military%20Enigma%20-%20The%20Canadian%20Special%20Air%20Service%20Company,%201948-1949.pdf. 
  107. "www.canadiansoldiers.com". http://www.canadiansoldiers.com/organization/specialforces/canadian_sas.htm. 
  108. "History of New Zealand's Special Operations Forces". 2 October 2014. http://www.nzdf.mil.nz/about-us/nzsof/history.htm. 
  109. "Special Air Service Regiment". 14 December 2016. https://www.army.gov.au/our-people/units/special-operations-command/special-air-service-regiment. 
  110. Abbott, Peter, Modern African Wars (I): Rhodesia 1965–80, Osprey Publishing London, 2001, p.18.
  111. "Special Forces Group". 9 December 2013. http://www.mil.be/fr/unites/special-forces-group. 
  112. "History". sfg.be. http://www.sfg.be/index.php/en/2013-02-22-16-26-49/history. 
  113. "00". http://www.cdomuseum.be/ANGLAIS/00_uk.htm. 
  114. "Special Air Service Regimental Association – Units Represented". marsandminerva.co.uk. http://www.marsandminerva.co.uk/units.htm. 
  115. "The Belgian SAS in WWII – A Very Short History, website of the Belgian SAS Reenactment Group". http://www.belgiansas.us/history.html. 
  116. "Special Air Service | National Army Museum". https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/SAS. 
  117. "1 Para: 1 bn Parachutisten Diest - ParaCommando.com". paracommando.com. http://www.paracommando.com/unit.php?1para. 
  118. [111][112][113][114][115][116][117]
  119. "Demi-brigade de parachutistes SAS". Ministere de la Defense. http://www.rpima1.terre.defense.gouv.fr/decouverte/historique/indochine/index.html. 
  120. "Distinguished member of the special forces regiment – Colonel Charles A. Beckwith". 13 December 2012. http://www.soc.mil/SWCS/RegimentalHonors/_pdf/sf_beckwith.pdf. 
  121. McDonald, Henry (23 December 2001). "Elite Irish troops on standby to keep peace in Afghanistan". https://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/dec/23/afghanistan.henrymcdonald. 
  122. "History". 21 October 2020. http://pnp-saf.org.ph/index.php/accom/history. 
  123. THE BETTER HAMMER: Soviet Special Operations Forces and Tactics in Afghanistan 1979-86, pages 93-94.
  124. "UK Defence Statistics 2009". Defence Analytical Services Agency. http://www.dasa.mod.uk/modintranet/UKDS/UKDS2009/c4/table404.html. 
  125. "UK Special Forces: Accountability in Shadow War – Oxford Research Group". http://oxfordresearchgroup.org.uk/publications/paul_rogers_monthly_briefing/uk_special_forces_accountability_shadow_war. 
  126. Harnden, Toby (23 March 2010). "Gen Stanley McChrystal pays tribute to courage of British special forces". The Daily Telegraph. London. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/7506932/Gen-Stanley-McChrystal-pays-tribute-to-courage-of-British-special-forces.html. 
  127. 127.0 127.1 127.2 127.3 Fremont-Barnes, p. 62
  128. Finlan, Alistair (2009). "The arrested development of UK special forces and the global war on terror". Cambridge University Press. pp. 971–982. Digital object identifier:10.1017/S0260210509990398. http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayFulltext?type=1&fid=6459928&jid=RIS&volumeId=35&issueId=04&aid=6459920. 
  129. 129.0 129.1 129.2 Neville, Leigh, The SAS 1983-2014 (Elite), Osprey Publishing, 2016, ISBN 1472814037 ISBN 978-1472814036, p.4-5,
  130. Urban, Mark, Task Force Black: The Explosive True Story of the Secret Special Forces War in Iraq , St. Martin's Griffin, 2012 ISBN 1250006961 ISBN 978-1250006967
  131. 131.0 131.1 131.2 Ryan, p.40
  132. Ryan, p. 150
  133. Ryan, p. 97
  134. "Regular Reserve". Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom). http://www.army.mod.uk/structure/1654.aspx. 
  135. 135.0 135.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named sasloc
  136. "B Sqn 23 SAS". Reserve forces and cadets association. http://www.rfca-yorkshire.org.uk/Units/Leeds/B%20Sqn%2023%20SAS.htm. 
  137. Fremont-Barnes, p.4
  138. "C Squadron 21 Special Air Service Regiment (V) Artists Rifles". Ministry of Defence. http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/south/rolesandregiments/ta/Pages/CSquadron21SpecialAirServiceRegiment(V)ArtistsRifles.aspx. 
  139. "D Squadron 23 SAS (R)". Ministry of Defence. http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/scotland/rolesandregiments/ta/pages/dsquadron23sas(r).aspx. 
  140. "E Squadron – 21 Special Air Service Regiment". Ministry of Defence. http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/wales/rolesandregiments/ta/Pages/ESquadron,21SpecialAirServiceRegiment.aspx. 
  141. "G Squadron, 23 Special Air Service Regiment (R)". Ministry of Defence. http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/northwest/rolesandregiments/ta/Pages/GSquadron,23SpecialAirServiceRegiment(R).aspx. 
  142. Thompson, p.86
  143. 7 Troop by Andy Mcnab and SAS Heroes by Pete Scholey
  144. Ryan, pp.38–39
  145. 145.0 145.1 de B. Taillon, p.38
  146. Neville, Leigh, The SAS 1983-2014 (Elite), Osprey Publishing, 2016, ISBN 1472814037 ISBN 978-1472814036, p.9,p.11
  147. Geraghty, p. 24
  148. Geraghty, p. 28
  149. 149.0 149.1 Geraghty, p. 31
  150. "Lieutenant General Sir George Lea KCB DSO MBE". Lancashire Fusiliers. http://www.lancs-fusiliers.co.uk/FamousLFS/Lieutenant%20General%20Sir%20George%20Lea%20KCB%20DSO%20MBE.htm. 
  151. Geraghty, p. 34
  152. Geraghty, p. 109
  153. "R. Dare Wilson | ParaData". https://www.paradata.org.uk/people/r-dare-wilson. 
  154. Geraghty, p. 44
  155. Obituary: Brigadier Mike Wingate Gray Herald Scotland, 11 November 1995
  156. "Obituary: Viscount Slim, distinguished SAS commander and president of the Burma Star Association". https://www.heraldscotland.com/opinion/17406518.obituary-viscount-slim-distinguished-sas-commander-president-burma-star-association/. 
  157. "Ex-SAS commander Sir John Watts dies". https://www.herefordtimes.com/news/5669124.ex-sas-commander-sir-john-watts-dies/. 
  158. "General Sir Peter de la Billière". http://www.britains-smallwars.com/gulf/Billière.html. 
  159. Sas Secret War: Operation Storm in the Middle East
  160. "General Sir Michael Wilkes". https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/10423352/General-Sir-Michael-Wilkes.html. 
  161. "General Sir Michael Wilkes: SAS chief who went on to serve as valued". 23 January 2014. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/general-sir-michael-wilkes-sas-chief-who-went-serve-valued-right-hand-man-general-peter-de-la-billiere-first-gulf-war-9081513.html. 
  162. "We think our chap can do it: Profile: Lt-Gen Sir Michael Rose, UN". 22 October 2011. https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/we-think-our-chap-can-do-it-profile-ltgen-sir-michael-rose-un-peaceseeker-in-bosnia-1395046.html. 
  163. "Obituary: Brigadier Andrew Massey". 22 October 2011. https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/obituary-brigadier-andrew-massey-1198076.html. 
  164. "Special Operations: Commanding Officers". http://www.specialoperations.com/Foreign/United_Kingdom/SAS/COs.htm. 
  165. "ERINYS". 6 April 2008. http://www.erinysinternational.com/CompanyOverview-ManagementProfiles.asp?Corporate. 
  166. "Two Women Up For SAS Selection For First Time Ever". 9 August 2021. https://www.forces.net/news/two-women-sas-selection-first-time-ever. 
  167. Gall, Sandy (2013). War Against the Taliban: Why It All Went Wrong in Afghanistan. Bloomsbury Paperbacks. ISBN 978-1408822340. https://archive.org/details/waragainsttaliba0000gall. 
  168. "Ed Butler". London Speaker Bureau. http://www.londonspeakerbureau.com/uk/speakers/ed_butler. 
  169. Kiley, Sam (2010). Desperate Glory. Bloomsbury. ISBN 978-1408801239. https://books.google.com/books?id=u442i5uSASYC&q=Mark+Carleton-Smith+22sas&pg=PT20. 
  170. "Team & Board | About | The Vimy Foundation". https://vimyfoundation.ca/about/boards. 
  171. "Officers at Extra Regimental Employment ('ERE')". Journal of the King's Royal Hussars. 2012. p. 145. https://www.krh.org.uk/uploads/4/5/0/9/45090939/krh_2012.pdf. 
  172. Evans, Michael (5 January 2008). "Special forces win the right to take their secrets to the grave". The Times. London. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article3134322.ece. 
  173. "Badge Notes". 1 February 2021. https://rmhistorical.com/files/content/Badge%20Notes%202021.pdf. 
  174. Janes International Defence Review, May 2014, page 4
  175. Army Briefing Note 120/14, NEWLY FORMED FORCE TROOPS COMMAND SPECIALIST BRIGADES, Quote. It commands all of the Army's Intelligence, Surveillance and EW assets, and is made up of units specifically from the former 1 MI Bde and 1 Arty Bde, as well as 14 Sig Regt, 21 and 23 SAS(R).
  176. "21 & 23 SAS (Reserve)" (in en-GB). https://www.army.mod.uk/who-we-are/corps-regiments-and-units/uk-special-forces-reserve/21-23-sas-r/. 
  177. "Force Troops Command Handbook". Ministry of Defence. https://www.army.mod.uk/umbraco/Surface/Download/Get/10550. 
  178. 178.0 178.1 178.2 178.3 178.4 Ryan, p.17
  179. "21 & 23 SAS (Reserve)" (in en-GB). https://www.army.mod.uk/who-we-are/corps-regiments-and-units/uk-special-forces-reserve/21-23-sas-r/. 
  180. Ryan, p.15
  181. "PT booklet (PDF format)". Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom). http://www.army.mod.uk/documents/general/ptbooklet.pdf. 
  182. Ryan, p.19
  183. Ryan, p.21
  184. Ryan, p.23
  185. Ryan, p.24
  186. Ryan, p.25
  187. "21 & 23 SAS (Reserve)". https://www.army.mod.uk/who-we-are/corps-regiments-and-units/uk-special-forces-reserve/21-23-sas-r/. 
  188. The Economist, Print Edition, 16 February 2019, page 66.
  189. "Two women up for SAS selection for first time ever". https://www.forces.net/news/two-women-sas-selection-first-time-ever. 
  190. "Profile: The SAS". BBC News. 2 November 2001. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1552242.stm. 
  191. Stevens, p.57
  192. Davis, p.67
  193. Griffin, p. 187
  194. Chant, p.265
  195. "Gulf Battle Honours". Parliament of the United Kingdom. https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199293/cmhansrd/1993-10-19/Writtens-1.html. 
  196. "Telegraph style book: the Services". The Daily Telegraph. London. 12 April 2008. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/about-us/style-book/1435306/Telegraph-style-book-the-Services.html. 
  197. Staff (19 May 1980). "World: Britain's SAS.: Who Dares Wins". http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,924110,00.html. 
  198. Tempting the Fates, Dare Wilson
  199. Geordie: Fighting Legend of the Modern SAS Hardcoverby Mike Morgan and Geordie Doran
  200. Collins, Tim (22 September 2011). "The making of the SAS, the men who dare". https://www.telegraph.co.uk/history/britain-at-war/8781946/The-making-of-the-SAS-the-men-who-dare.html. 
  201. T (Popham, Peter (30 May 1996). "SAS confronts its enemy within". London. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/the-sas-confronts-its-enemy-within-1349761.html. )
  202. Staff. "Special Air Service Regimental Association". http://www.marsandminerva.co.uk/memorials.htm. 
  203. Phillip Brown. "Home – St Martin's Church Hereford". stmartinshereford.org.uk. http://www.stmartinshereford.org.uk/. 
  204. "SAS Falklands dead remembered at service". BBC News. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hereford-worcester-18136957. 
  205. Ben Goddard. "Sculpture will be more relevant for today's regiment, says veteran's wife (From Hereford Times)". Herefordtimes.com. http://www.herefordtimes.com/news/14788397.Sculpture_will_be_more_relevant_for_today__39_s_regiment__says_veteran__39_s_wife/. 
  206. "Ascension memorial dedicated". Hereford Cathedral. https://www.herefordcathedral.org/news/ascension-memorial-dedicated. 
  207. Hennessey, Patrick (23 May 2013). "Twenty years of Bravo Two Zero". https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/10073028/Twenty-years-of-Bravo-Two-Zero.html. 
  208. Thompson, Simon. "Andy Serkis And 'Outlander' Sam Heughan Talk 'SAS: Red Notice' And Franchises". Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/simonthompson/2021/03/16/andy-serkis-and-outlander-sam-heughan-talk-sas-red-notice-and-franchises/?sh=50b569ae4437. 
  209. "SAS - are you tough enough?". BBC. 18 February 2003. http://www.bbc.co.uk/northamptonshire/features/sas.shtml. 
  210. SAS: Who Dares Wins at the Internet Movie Database
  211. Ultimate Force at the Internet Movie Database
  212. 212.0 212.1 Mills, T.F.. "Special Air Service Regiment". Regiments.org. http://www.regiments.org/regiments/uk/specfor/SAS.htm. 
All or a portion of this article consists of text from Wikipedia, and is therefore Creative Commons Licensed under GFDL.
The original article can be found at Special Air Service and the edit history here.


Cite error: <ref> tags exist for a group named "nb", but no corresponding <references group="nb"/> tag was found

Advertisement