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Coordinates: 52°5.180′N 2°47.451′W / 52.086333°N 2.790850°W / 52.086333; -2.790850 (Stirling Lines)
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[[Category:Regiments of the British Army in World War II]]
[[Category:Regiments of the British Army in World War II]]
[[Category:Counter-terrorist organizations]]
[[Category:Counter-terrorist organizations]]
Additionally: The SAS have different stuff. lol


[[cs:Special Air Service]]
[[cs:Special Air Service]]

Revision as of 20:04, 3 September 2009

Special Air Service
File:Uk-sas.svg
Crest, Badge and Insignia of SAS
Active22 July 1941 – 30 November 1946
1 May 1947 – Present
CountryUnited Kingdom
BranchBritish Army
TypeSpecial Forces
SizeThree Regiments
Part ofUK Special Forces
Garrison/HQRHQ: Credenhill, Herefordshire
22 SAS: Credenhill, Herefordshire
21 SAS(R): London
23 SAS(R): Birmingham
Motto(s)Who Dares Wins
ColoursOxford and Cambridge blue
MarchQuick: Marche des Parachutistes Belges
Slow: Lili Marlene
Anniversaries22 July 1941,
21 September 1941,
17 November 1941,
1 May 1947
EngagementsSecond World War
Malayan Emergency
Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation
Northern Irish Troubles
Falklands War
Iraq War
War In Afghanistan
Commanders
Colonel-CommandantGeneral Charles Guthrie, Baron Guthrie of Craigiebank
Notable
commanders		Colonel Sir David Stirling
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Blair Mayne
General Sir Peter de la Billière
General Sir Michael Rose
Insignia
Arm BadgeParachute Badge with Wings SAS[1]
AbbreviationSAS
WW II: SAS in their armed jeeps, during the North African campaign

The Special Air Service (SAS) is a special forces regiment within the British Army which has served as a model for the special forces of other countries.[2][3] The SAS forms a significant section of United Kingdom Special Forces alongside the Special Boat Service (SBS), Special Reconnaissance Regiment (SRR), and the Special Forces Support Group (SFSG). The SAS gained fame and recognition world wide after the Iranian Embassy Storming (or Operation Nimrod) in 1980 which was one of the first of its kind and was broadcast live all over the globe.[4]

The Special Air Service is divided into two distinct parts:

History

Main article: History of the SAS

The SAS was a unit of the British Army during World War II formed in 1941 by David Stirling as a commando force operating behind enemy lines during the war in North Africa and Europe. It was officially disbanded on November 30, 1946. In 1947 the Artists Rifles regiment was remodelled as the nucleus of the reformed Special Air Service which is regarded today as one of the best special forces units in the world.

Function

Current SAS roles are believed to include:[5]

Organisation

The Special Air Service is a Corps of the British Army under the United Kingdom legal system which authorises the raising of military forces and comprises three battalion-sized units, one Regular and two Territorial Army (TA). Each is styled as a 'regiment' in accordance with British Army practice; 22 Regiment SAS being the Regular unit and 21 Regiment SAS (Artists) and 23 Regiment SAS being the TA units, known together as the Special Air Service (Reserve) or SAS(R).

Each Regiment comprises a number of "Sabre" Squadrons with some supporting functions being undertaken within 22 SAS; Headquarters, Planning, and Intelligence Section, Operational Research Section, Counter Revolutionary Warfare Wing, and Training Wing. ('Sabre' Squadrons are so called to distinguish the operational squadrons from administrative or HQ squadrons.)

22 SAS 21 SAS 23 SAS
'HQ' Squadron (Credenhill) 'HQ' Squadron (Regent's Park) 'HQ' Squadron (Kingstanding,Birmingham)
'A' Squadron 'A' Squadron (Regent's Park) 'B' Squadron (Leeds)
'B' Squadron 'C' Squadron (Basingstoke/Cambridge) 'G' Squadron (Newcastle/Manchester)
'D' Squadron 'E' Squadron (Newport/Exeter) 'D' Squadron (Invergowrie/Glasgow)
'G' Squadron[6]

The Squadrons also rotate through the CRW Wing (originally designated "Pagoda") and are relieved every 6 – 9 months. The squadron is split up into two combined troops, "Red" and "Blue", with each troop made up of an assault group and a sniper team. Though the counter-terrorist teams are based at RHQ in Credenhill, a specialist eight-man team is based within the outer London region (4, south London border & 4, north London border/Hertfordshire). This team rapidly responds to any situation in London as required.[citation needed]

The three regiments have different roles:

  • 21 SAS and 23 SAS - to provide depth to the UKSF group through the provision of Individual and collective augmentation to the regular component of UKSF and standalone elements up to task group (Regimental) level focused on support and influence (S&I) operations to assist conflict stabilisation.[7]
  • 22 SAS - Medium and deep battlespace ISTAR and offensive operations, Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW), Counter-Terrorism (CT), close protection and defence diplomacy.

Each TA Squadron and the Honourable Artillery Company, includes attached regular personnel as Permanent Staff Instructors - a ruling established by the then Brigadier Peter de la Billière, as Director SAS, specifying that promotion within the Regiment for any officer or senior NCO would be predicated on experience with the SAS(R).[citation needed]. In the 1980s and 1990s the SAS provided the Commanding Officer and some directing staff for the NATO International Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol School (ILRRPS)[8] based at Weingarten and then Pfullendorf[9] as well as men for the British Army Jungle Warfare Training School in Brunei.

The SAS was formerly garrisoned at Stirling Lines (formerly Bradbury Lines) 52°2′20.85″N 2°43′10.67″W / 52.0391250°N 2.7196306°W / 52.0391250; -2.7196306, Hereford which was named after the founder of the regiment, Sir David Stirling. Stirling Lines relocated to the former RAF Hereford station in Credenhill in 1999.

Sabre squadron

'Sabre' Squadrons in 22 SAS are organised as four specialised Troops, although personnel are broadly skilled in all areas following 'Selection' and 'Continuation' training. Within each troop there is also a HQ element which comprises of officers and support staff. The specialised troop provide a focus for particular skill sets and personnel may move between Troops over the length of a career. 21 and 23 SAS do not so distinguish. Each sabre squadron contains about 60 men and each troop has about 16 "troopers" who are led by a Captain.[10]

Air troop

Air Troop personnel specialise in airborne insertion from fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft. Leaving the aircraft at high altitude personnel are capable of delivering personnel and equipment into the deep battlespace far beyond the forward edge of battle area in support of their ISTAR or offensive operations.

Personnel are trained in three principal forms of parachute infiltration; Basic static line, High Altitude, Low Opening (HALO) and High Altitude, High Opening (HAHO). HALO insertions involve a long free fall followed by canopy opening at low level, about 2,000 feet (600 m), leaving the operator exposed to detection and fire for the minimum possible period. The aircraft must overfly in the vicinity of the Drop Zone to effect delivery, risking a compromise to the mission should it be detected. HAHO insertions allow the aircraft to deliver the operators from a significantly greater range from the Drop Zone, thus reducing risk of mission compromise. Operators leave the aircraft and immediately deploy a canopy which allows a long glide over great distance. To avoid hypoxia, the parachutists are provided with an oxygen supply to survive the depleted air at high altitude and warm clothing protects from the extreme environmental conditions.

Boat troop

Boat Troop personnel specialise in water-borne insertion techniques. Personnel are trained in diving using Open and Closed Circuit breathing systems, sub-surface navigation skills, approaching the shore or vessels underway and the delivery of maritime demolition charges. Much of this training is undertaken with the Special Boat Service.

One of the main forms of transportation is the Klepper canoe. The first SAS folding boats were designed during the Second World War for use by Commandos, based on existing designs. The German Klepper has been in service since the 1960s. Other transportation methods include the Gemini inflatable, used primarily for sending small groups of soldiers onto a shore undetected, and the fibreglass hulled Rigid Raiders - fast patrol boats which are larger and can carry more personnel or cargo ashore. Entry to the water is also achieved from rotary wing aircraft and by parachute drop. In case of the former, the helicopter hovers around 50 feet (15 m) above the water and personnel simply jump out. Airborne entry to the water carries a significant risk to equipment with weapons and other equipment sealed using a dry bag.

Deployment from submarines is also taught. Submarine egress bears a high risk given the effect of pressure at depth (nitrogen narcosis and oxygen toxicity), the cold, and the risks inherent in the use of mechanical breathing aids while underwater.[11]

Mobility troop

Mobility Troop personnel specialise in vehicle insertion techniques, similar to those of the Long Range Desert Group of the Second World War and allows a more sustainable patrol in the medium to deep battlespace but create logistical and force protection challenges.

Personnel are required to gain skills in vehicle maintenance across the range of vehicles used by the Regiment, particularly whilst on patrol with limited opportunity for combat support. Vehicles include the Jackal (MWMIK), Land Rovers, Supacat HMT,[12] Honda 350 cc Quad Bike, CRF450X, and the Honda 250 cc motorbike[citation needed].

Mountain troop

Mountain troops' personnel specialise in the conduct of operations at high altitude and in mountainous terrain, requiring advanced skills in climbing, ice climbing, skiing and cold weather survival. Training is conducted in deserts and mountain ranges around the world. Those members that show particular aptitude are seconded to the German Army where they undertake the 18-month long Alpine Guides course in Bavaria. A number of members from the mountain troops have participated in major military and civilian expeditions to some of the world's highest peaks although this has not been without loss.[13]

Security

All UK military personnel are bound by the Official Secrets Act and undergo various levels of vetting. Special Forces personnel are required to be cleared to higher levels than many.[citation needed]

Following a number of high-profile book releases about the Regiment, candidates for selection are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement, in addition to their duties under the Official Secrets Act[citation needed]. Ex-members of the Regiment who wrote exposés prior to the introduction of the agreement have used pseudonyms, such as Andy McNab and Chris Ryan. Books in the genre include both non-fiction and fictional accounts based on the experiences of the author.

The British Government has a standing policy of not discussing the SAS or its operations and makes few official announcements concerning their activities. When reports of military operations are given there is usually no mention of SAS, or other Special Forces, involvement. Since the inception of the British D-Notice system for the British Press during the Second World War any mention of Special Air Service operations has been one of the cautionary or non-disclosure categories of reporting.

Medals awarded to personnel are publicised in the normal manner and officially and formally via The London Gazette. However the individual's original parent Corps or Regiment, if they have such, is attributed as a matter of fact which sometimes provides security cover. The circumstances surrounding personnel killed in action are not routinely disseminated. Before 2006 three officers have been recommended for the VC: two during the Second World War and one during the Falklands[citation needed]. Only one has been awarded; to Major Anders Lassen, MC**, killed in Italy in 1945 when he was commanding a squadron of the Special Boat Service. His grave marker bears the badge of the Regiment because the SBS in which he served continued to wear this as their cap badge, and was considered part of the 'SAS family' even though it was a separate regiment, commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel and formed out of the Special Boat Squadron of 1 SAS.

Insignia

File:SasclothBadge.jpg
SAS cap badge.

The SAS, like every British regiment, has its own distinctive insignia.

  • The cap badge is a downward pointing flaming sword worked in cloth of a Crusader shield.[14] It was designed by Corporal Robert Tait, MM and Bar, of the London Scottish following the usual British Army practice of holding a competition to design the cap badge for a new unit. The competition was held after the close of Operation Crusader. The motto is Who Dares, Wins. It was approved by the first Commanding Officer David Stirling, with the proposed wording 'Descend to Defend' or 'Strike and Destroy' disallowed. The sword depicted is King Arthur's Excalibur. Erroneous references to it as the Sword of Damocles derive from an article originally published in the regimental journal Mars and Minerva, written by a respected veteran of both British Regiments and the post-war re-raised Regiment. The author was subsequently proved to be incorrect, but the story has been repeated by others.
  • The sand-coloured beret. When the SAS was reformed in 1947 an attempt was made to match the original sand coloured cloth beret from those still in the possession of veterans. This proved impossible to do from existing approved cloth colour stocks held by the British authorities, so, as a compromise and with no authorisation for expenditure on a new colour dye the nearest acceptable colour was selected and approved by an all ranks committee of the Regimental Association. Personnel attached to the Regiment also wear this beret but with their own badges in accordance with usual UK practice.[citation needed]
SAS pattern parachute wings.

Battle honours

Free French SAS Memorial in Sennecey-le-Grand, France

Note that these officially sanctioned honours, first published in 1957, are for actions by the original 'L' Detachment, both numbered World War II British SAS regiments as well as the Special Boat Service regiment and the present regiment. The World War II honours Benghazi Raid, 1942 and Middle East, 1943-1944 are unique to the regiment. The odd dating for North Africa, 1940-43 is due to the fact that this is an omnibus theatre honour for units serving between these dates.

Order of Precedence

Preceded by Infantry Order of Precedence Succeeded by
Last in Order of
Precedence of the Infantry

The SAS is classed as an infantry regiment, and as such is shown in the infantry order of precedence. However, because of its role, it is listed 'next below' the other designations (foot guards, line infantry, rifles). The expression 'next below' is utilised in British official publications as a form of 'grace note' to avoid the connotations of first/last since, in spirit at least, no Regiment admits of the claim to being last and all are deemed equal in the scope of their service under the Crown-in-Parliament.

In spite of being an infantry regiment, the SAS has always used cavalry nomenclature for its sub-units, e.g., troops and squadrons.

Alliances

See also

Other nations:

Bibliography

  • Mortimer, Gavin (2004). Stirling's Men: The Inside History of the Original SAS. Cassell Military Paperbacks. ISBN 978-0304367061.
  • Warner, Philip (1981). The SAS. Regimental Association.
  • Public Record Office (2001). Special Forces in the desert war, 1940-1943 (Public Record Office War Histories). PRO Publications. ISBN 978-1903365298.
  • Hoe, Alan. David Stirling: The Authorised Biography of the Founder of the SAS. Little, Brown. ISBN 978-0356190679. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  • Lewes, John (2000). Jock Lewes: Co-Founder of the SAS. Pen & Sword Books. ISBN 978-0850527438.
  • Kemp, Anthony (1994). The SAS - Savage Wars of Peace - 1947 to the Present. Penguin Books. ISBN 978-0141390819.
  • Stevens, Gordon (2005). The Originals - The secret history of the birth of the SAS in their own words. Ebury Press. ISBN 978-0091901776.
  • Shores, Christopher (1969). Fighters Over the Desert. Spearman. ISBN 978-0854350605. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  • Vick, Alan (1995). Snakes in the Eagle's Nest: History of Ground Attacks on Air Bases: A History of Ground Attacks on Air Bases. RAND. ISBN 978-0833016294.
  • Rodger, Alexander (2003). Battle honours of the British Empire and Commonwealth land forces, 1662-1991. The Crowood Press Ltd. ISBN 978-1861266378.
  • Files held for public inspection by the National Archives of the United Kingdom.

References

  1. ^ "JSP 336 3rd Edn, Vol 12 Pt 3 Clothing, Pam 15, Annex C Employment Badges" (DOC). Ministry of Defence. 01/12/2004. Retrieved 2008-07-06. Parachute with wings, SAS—May be worn in perpetuity and is to be worn on Nos 5, 8, and 14 dress when serving in the SAS role. When worn with No 14 dress the top of the badge is to be placed 51 mm below the shoulder seam. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. ^ Adams, James (1987). Secret Armies. Hutchinson. p. 102. The course itself was loosely based on what Beckwith, Meadows (who had also served at Hereford) and others had learned from the British and Germans
  3. ^ Beckwith, Charlie A (1983). Delta Force. Harcourt.
  4. ^ "Operation Nimrod". Eliteukforces.info. 1980-04-30. Retrieved 2009-08-05.
  5. ^ "SAS: Great Britain's Elite Special Air Service". Books.google.ca. Retrieved 2009-08-05.
  6. ^ 'G' Squadron of 22 SAS (So named because it was primarily drawn from personnel of the disbanding Guards Independent Parachute Company) is primarily made up of volunteers from the Household Division
  7. ^ "Special Air Service (Reserve) - (SAS(R))". MoD. Retrieved 2008-06-06. The role of SAS (R) is to provide depth to the UKSF group through the provision of:Individual and collective augmentation to the regular component of UKSF. Standalone elements up to task group (Regimental) level focused on Support and Influence (S&I) operations to assist conflict stabilisation
  8. ^ "International Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol School". Bemil.be. Retrieved 2009-08-05.
  9. ^ "Spencers Crossing". The principal Nato school was the International Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol School in Pfullendorf a small town near Lake Konstanz, the Bodensee in Germany. Britain's SAS maintained a permanent presence in the school which was one of the very few accompanied posting the Regiment has.
  10. ^ "SAS - Organisation". Eliteukforces.info. Retrieved 2009-08-05.
  11. ^ Elliott, David (1999). "A short history of submarine escape: The development of an extreme air dive". South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society Journal. 9 (2). South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society. Retrieved 2009-03-16.
  12. ^ "Supacat article". Battle-technology.com. 2008-12-03. Retrieved 2009-08-05.
  13. ^ "Tony Swierzy memorial plaque on Trig 642". Walkthelakes.co.uk. 2007-06-12. Retrieved 2009-08-05.
  14. ^ Gordon Stevens, The Originals, ISBN 978-0-09-190182-0. Page 57, "(Bob Bennet)....designed by Bob Tait....he called it a Flaming Sword, but it became a winged dagger over the years", "(Johnny Cooper)....Bob Tait MM & Bar....designed it......and it's not a winged dagger. They're flames. The sword of Excalibur. When "The Winged Dagger" came out we laughed our heads off."
  15. ^ a b Mills, T.F. "Special Air Service Regiment". Regiments.org. Archived from the original on 2007-08-11. Retrieved 2008-07-06.

52°5.180′N 2°47.451′W / 52.086333°N 2.790850°W / 52.086333; -2.790850 (Stirling Lines)

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