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Special Air Service
Cap Badge of the Special Air Service
Active	July 22, 1941-June 30, 1946 May 1, 1947- Present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	British Army
Type	Special Forces
Role	22 SAS - Counter-Revolutionary Warfare/Counter-Terrorism L Detachment - Counter-Revolutionary Warfare/Counter-Terrorism 21 SAS(R) - Close Target Reconnaissance 23 SAS(R) - Close Target Reconnaissance
Size	Three Regiments
Part of	UK Special Forces
Garrison/HQ	RHQ - Credenhill, Hereford 22 SAS - Credenhill, Hereford 22 SAS - Credenhill, Hereford L Detachment - Credenhill, Hereford 21 SAS(R) - London 23 SAS(R) - Birmingham
Motto	Who Dares Wins
Colours	Oxford and Cambridge blue
March	Quick: Marche du Regiment Parachutiste Belge Slow: Lili Marlene
Anniversaries	July 22, 1941 November 17, 1941 September 21, 1941 May 1, 1947
Commanders
Colonel-Commandant	General The Rt Hon Baron Guthrie GCB LVO OBE CDM ADC
Notable commanders	Colonel Sir David Stirling DSO, OBE Lieutenant Colonel Robert Blair Mayne DSO & Three Bars General Sir Peter de la Billière KCB, KBE, DSO, MC & Bar General Sir Michael Rose KCB, CBE, DSO, QGM
Insignia
Arm Badge	Parachute Badge with Wings SAS[1]

SAS in their armed jeeps, during the North African campaign

The Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) is a special forces unit of the British Army. A secretive institution, the SAS has served as a model for similar units fielded by other countries. Image File history File links Broom_icon. ... Image File history File links SasclothBadge. ... is the 203rd day of the year (204th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see 1941 (disambiguation). ... is the 181st day of the year (182nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1946 (MCMXLVI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full 1946 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 121st day of the year (122nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1947 (MCMXLVII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1947 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The British Army is the land armed forces branch of the British Armed Forces. ... For other uses, see Special forces (disambiguation). ... The United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF) is an umbrella directorate overseeing the Special Forces units of the British Armed Forces. ... Who Dares Wins, Latin: Qui audet adipiscitur, (French: Qui ose gagne, German: Wer wagt, gewinnt) is the motto of seven special forces elite units:  United Kingdom — Special Air Service (first to use motto)  Greece — Hellenic Special Forces  Australia — Special Air Service Regiment  New Zealand — Special Air Service  France — 1st Marine... Lili Marleen is a famous German song, popular during World War II. The words were originally written by Hans Leip in 1915, and later published as Das Lied eins jungen Soldaten auf der Wacht (The Song of a Young Sentry). It was set to music by Norbert Schultze in 1938. ... is the 203rd day of the year (204th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see 1941 (disambiguation). ... 17 November is also the name of a Marxist group in Greece, coinciding with the anniversary of the Athens Polytechnic uprising. ... For other uses, see 1941 (disambiguation). ... is the 264th day of the year (265th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see 1941 (disambiguation). ... is the 121st day of the year (122nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1947 (MCMXLVII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1947 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... This does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... General Baron Guthrie of Craigiebank. ... Badge of a Companion of the Order of the Bath (Military Division) Ribbon of the Order of the Bath The Most Honourable Order of the Bath (formerly The Most Honourable Military Order of the Bath)[1] is a British order of chivalry founded by George I on May 18, 1725. ... Victoria founded the Royal Victorian Order. ... The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by King George V. The Order includes five classes in civil and military divisions; in decreasing order of seniority, these are Knight Grand Cross or Dame Grand Cross (GBE) Knight Commander... An aide-de-camp (French: camp assistant) is a personal assistant, secretary, or adjutant to a person of high rank, usually a senior military officer or a head of state. ... Colonel Sir David Stirling, OBE, DSO (November 15, 1915 - November 4, 1990) was a Scottish laird, keen mountaineer, World War II British Army officer, and the founder of the Special Air Service. ... Famous picture of Mayne, taken in north Africa Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Blair Paddy Mayne DSO & 3 Bars (11 January 1915 - 14 December 1955) was a Northern Irish soldier. ... General Sir Peter Edgar de la Couer de la Billière KCB, KBE, DSO, MC & Bar, Legion of Merit, (b. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... For other uses, see Special forces (disambiguation). ... The British Army is the land armed forces branch of the British Armed Forces. ... This article or section needs copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone and/or spelling. ...

The SAS forms a significant part of the United Kingdom Special Forces. The other parts are: the Special Boat Service (SBS), the Special Reconnaissance Regiment (SRR),the Special Forces Support Group (SFSG)). The United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF) is an umbrella directorate overseeing the Special Forces units of the British Armed Forces. ... The Special Boat Service (SBS) is the British Royal Navys special forces unit. ... The Special Reconnaissance Regiment (SRR) is a Special Forces Regiment of the British Armed Forces, which conducts special reconnaissance, predominantly, but not exclusively, in a Counter-Terrorism posture. ... The Special Forces Support Group (SFSG) is a unit of the United Kingdom Special Forces. ...

Function

Current SAS roles are believed to include:^[2]

• Intelligence collection in the deep battlespace.
• Battlespace preparation by sabotage and offensive raiding in the medium and deep battlespace.
• Counter-terrorism operations inside United Kingdom territory in conjunction with police forces, the most famous of which was the Iranian Embassy Siege after a hostage situation. ^{[3] [4]}
• Counter Terrorism operations outside UK territory.
• Training soldiers of other nations, and training guerillas in unconventional warfare.
• Counter Revolutionary Warfare activities in support of UK government Foreign Policy.
• Protection of senior British dignitaries and VIPs.

Intelligence (abbreviated or ) is the process and the result of gathering information and analyzing it to answer questions or obtain advance warnings needed to plan for the future. ... Battlespace is the military theatre of operations, including air, ground, information, sea and space. ... For other uses, see Sabotage (disambiguation). ... Raiding may refer to: The present participle of the verb raid, a word which itself has several meanings The small market town of Raiding in Austria This is a disambiguation page: a list of articles associated with the same title. ... Counter-terrorism refers to the practices, tactics, and strategies that governments, militaries, and other groups adopt in order to fight terrorism. ... The Iranian Embassy Siege of 1980 was a terrorist siege of the Iranian embassy in London, United Kingdom. ... For other uses, see Hostage (disambiguation). ... Guerrilla (also called a partisan) is a term borrowed from Spanish (from guerra meaning war) used to describe small combat groups. ... Battlespace Weapons Tactics Strategy Organization Logistics Lists War Portal         Unconventional warfare (abbreviated UW) is the opposite of conventional warfare. ... A countrys foreign policy is a set of political goals that seeks to outline how that particular country will interact with other countries of the world and, to a lesser extent, non-state actors. ... Look up VIP in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

Command, control and organisation

The Special Air Service is under the Operational Control (OPCON) of Director Special Forces and is considered a strategic asset. However, OPCON may be delegated to Operational and Tactical commanders as required. A strategy is a long term plan of action designed to achieve a particular goal. ...

The Special Air Service Regiment 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 reserve units in the Territorial Army (TA), each styled as 'regiments' in accordance with British Army practice; 22 SAS Regiment being the Regular unit, with 21 SAS Regiment (Artists Rifles) and 23 SAS Regiment as the TA reserve units, known together as the Special Air Service (Reserve) (SAS(R)). The Artists Rifles appellation comes from the amalgamation in 1947 with an unusual pre-existing TA Regiment originally raised from the artistic community at a time when the Rifle Volunteer movement was at its height. The Artists Rifles (Originally Artists' Rifles until the apostrophe was officially dropped from the full title as it was so often misused) were of such quality they were used as an officer-producing unit in both World Wars, although the 1st Battalion fought as part of the Royal Naval Division in the latter years of World War I. Symbol of the Austrian 14th Armoured Battalion in NATO military graphic symbols This article is about the military unit. ... The Territorial Army (TA) is the principal and Volunteer reserve force of the British Army, the land armed forces branch of the United Kingdom, and composed mostly of part-time soldiers paid at a similar rate, while engaged on military activities, as their Regular equivalents. ... The 21st Special Air Service Regiment (Artists) (Volunteers) is a special forces regiment of the British Territorial Army. ... The Volunteer Force was a citizen army of part-time rifle, artillery and engineer corps, created as a popular movement in 1859. ... For the prime symbol (′) used for feet and inches, see Prime (symbol). ... The British 63rd (Royal Naval) Division was a First World War division of the New Army. ...

UK Special Forces are supported by a signal regiment, 18 (UKSF) Signal Regiment, which includes one TA squadron, 63 (SAS) Signal Squadron (Volunteers) ^[5] and by the Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing, with 8 Flight Army Air Corps attached to 22 SAS. Tactical Recognition Flash of the Royal Signals The Royal Corps of Signals (sometimes referred to incorrectly as the Royal Signal Corps and often known simply as the Royal Signals or R SIGNALS) is one of the arms (combat support corps) of the British Army. ... 8 Flight Army Air Corps is an independent flight within the British Armys Army Air Corps. ...

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.)

Each 'Sabre' Squadron of 22 SAS is divided into four 16-man Troops, each with different functional responsibilities (Air Troop, Boat Troop, Mobility Troop, and Mountain Troop). Credenhill is a village in Herefordshire, 4. ... For other uses, see Hereford (disambiguation). ... This article is about Regents Park in London. ... This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ... Kingstanding is an area in north Birmingham, England. ... This article is about Regents Park in London. ... , Basingstoke is a town in northeast Hampshire, England. ... This article is about the city in England. ... For other uses, see Leeds (disambiguation) and Leeds City (disambiguation). ... This article is about the city of Newport in Wales. ... The city of Exeter is the county town of Devon, in the southwest of England, also known as the West Country. ... This article is about a city in the United Kingdom. ... This article is about the City of Manchester in England. ... Invergowrie is a village on the north bank of the River Tay to the west of Dundee. ... , The county town of Lanarkshire, Hamilton is situated in west central Scotland and serves as the main administrative centre of the South Lanarkshire council area. ... For the TV show, see F Troop. ...

The CRW Wing is nominally made up of the personnel drawn from a single squadron, originally designated "Pagoda", which is 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 Hereford, 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.

'L' Detachment, formerly 'R' Squadron, is a TA unit comprising former Regular soldiers and assigned to 22 SAS for the provision of casualty replacements. Optionally it also had its own role in the event of limited or general war.

The three regiments have different roles:

• 21 SAS - Medium and deep battlespace Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) and offensive operations.^{[citation needed]}
• 22 SAS - Medium and deep battlespace ISTAR and offensive operations, Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW), Counter-Terrorism (CT), close protection and defence diplomacy.
• 23 SAS - Medium and deep battlespace ISTAR and offensive operations.^{[citation needed]}

Each TA Squadron and the Honourable Artillery Company (a non SF Territorial Army unit based in London), 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]}. For the program run by NASAs Marshall Space Propulsion Center see: Integrated Systems Test of an Air-Breathing Rocket It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with C4ISR (Discuss) // Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance ISTAR stands for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance. ... Armorial bearings of the HAC, granted in 1821 The Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) is the oldest surviving regiment in the British Army, and the second most senior[2] in the Territorial Army [3] . // The HAC can trace its history as far back as 1296, but it received a Royal Charter... The Territorial Army (TA) is the principal and Volunteer reserve force of the British Army, the land armed forces branch of the United Kingdom, and composed mostly of part-time soldiers paid at a similar rate, while engaged on military activities, as their Regular equivalents. ... General Sir Peter Edgar de la Couer de la Billière KCB, KBE, DSO, MC & Bar, Legion of Merit, (b. ... In military organizations, a commissioned officer is a member of the service who derives authority directly from a sovereign power, and as such holds a commission from that power. ... A non-commissioned officer (sometimes noncommissioned officer), also known as an NCO or Noncom, is an enlisted member of an armed force who has been given authority by a commissioned officer. ...

The SAS were based at Stirling Lines (formerly Bradbury Lines), Hereford which was named after the founder of the regiment, Sir David Stirling, and was initially the units base although in 1999 they moved to the former RAF Credenhill. For other uses, see Hereford (disambiguation). ... Colonel Sir David Stirling, OBE, DSO (November 15, 1915 - November 4, 1990) was a Scottish laird, keen mountaineer, World War II British Army officer, and the founder of the Special Air Service. ... RAF redirects here. ... Credenhill is a village in Herefordshire, 4. ...

Troops

'Sabre' Squadrons in 22 SAS are organised as four specialised Troops, although personnel are broadly skilled in all areas following 'Selection' and 'Continuation' training. The specialised troop provide a focus for particular skillsets and personnel may move between Troops over the length of a career. 21 and 23 SAS do not so distinguish.

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. A front line is a line of confrontation in an armed conflict, most often a war. ...

Personnel are trained in three principal forms of parachute infiltration; Standard conventional military automatic or static line parachuting; High Altitude Low Opening (HALO), High Altitude High Opening (HAHO), both bearing significant risk to the operator. 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. Operators are provided with an oxygen supply to survive the depleted air at high altitude and warm clothing protects from cold. An altimeter is used to manage the canopy deployment and for navigation purposes. This article is about the device. ... “HALO” redirects here. ... HALO/HAHO is a term used by the United States armed forces to describe a method of delivering personnel, equipment, and supplies from a transport aircraft at a high altitude via free-fall parachute insertion. ... This article is about the chemical element and its most stable form, or dioxygen. ...

Equipment is carried in a reduced-drag harness (CSPEP -Container, straps, personal equipment, parachutist), initially between the legs, and later lowered on a cord prior to landing. The primary weapon may be carried under the arm, ready for immediate use on landing.

Boat Troop

Boat Troop personnel specialise in water-borne insertion techniques.

Personnel are trained in diving using Open and Closed Circuit breathing systems, learning skills in navigation, approaching the shore or vessels underway and the delivery of Limpet mines. Much of this training is undertaken with the Special Boat Service of the Royal Marines. For other uses, see Dive. ... ... This article is about the breathing apparatus. ... This article is about determination of position and direction on or above the surface of the earth. ... Polish wz. ... The Special Boat Service (SBS) is the British Royal Navys special forces unit. ...

Once proficient in diving, personnel learn methods of surface infiltration. One of the main forms of transportation is still the Klepper canoe. The first SAS folding boats were designed during World War II for use by Commandos, based on existing designs. The German Klepper has been in service since the 1960s. Other methods include the Gemini inflatable, used primarily for sending small groups of soldiers onto a shore undetected, and the fibreglass hulled Rigid Raider fast patrol boats which are larger carrying more personnel or cargo ashore. A folding kayak is a direct descendant of the original Inuit kayak made of animal skins stretched over frames made from wood and bones. ... Promotional artwork for the Commandos series. ... A Royal Marines Rigid Raider The Rigid Raider is a series of fast patrol/assault boat made by RTK Marine (part of VT Group). ...

Entry to the water from rotary wing aircraft and by parachute drop; the helicopter hovers some 50 feet (15 m) above the water, personnel simply jumping out. Airborne entry to the water carries a significant risk to equipment with weapons and other equipment sealed using a dry bag. For other uses, see Helicopter (disambiguation). ... There are very few or no other articles that link to this one. ...

Deployment from submarines is 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. For other uses, see Submarine (disambiguation). ... This article is about pressure in the physical sciences. ... Nitrogen narcosis or inert gas narcosis is a reversible alteration in consciousness producing a state similar to alcohol intoxication in scuba divers at depth. ... Oxygen toxicity or oxygen toxicity syndrome is severe hyperoxia caused by breathing oxygen at elevated partial pressures. ...

However whenever possible naval warfare is handed over to the SAS sister, the Special Boat Service The Special Boat Service (SBS) is the British Royal Navys special forces unit. ...

Mobility Troop

Mobility Troop personnel specialise in vehicle insertion techniques, similar to those of the Long Range Desert Group of the Second World War. The Long Range Desert Group (LRDG) was a British Army unit during World War II. The unit was founded in Egypt following the Italian declaration of war (June 1940) by Major Ralph A. Bagnold with the assistance of Captains Clayton and Shaw, acting under the direction of General Wavell. ...

Vehicle insertions allow 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 Land Rovers, Supacat HMT^[7], Honda 350 cc Quad Bike, and the Honda 250 cc motorbike. These vehicles can be variously configured with a range of weapon systems including; Browning 0.50 calibre machine gun, Mk 19 40 mm grenade launcher, twin or single L7A2 7.62 mm GPMG , and the Javelin anti-tank guided missile. Land Rover was the name of one of the first British civilian all-terrain utility vehicles, first produced by Rover in 1947. ... This article is about the . ... calibre: 40mm weight: 34 kg muzzle velocity: 240 metres per second range: 1,600 metres This grenade launcher is belt fed, leading to it actually being designated as a machine gun. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... For the British Javelin missile, see Javelin surface-to-air missile. ... For other uses, see Air-to-ground missile. ...

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. Many training expeditions are organised. Some members of mountain troops have participated in major military and civilian expeditions - sadly this has not been without loss^[8]. For other uses, see Climbing (disambiguation). ... Ice climbing is the recreational activity of climbing ice formations such as icefalls, and frozen waterfalls. ... Cross-country skiing (skating style) in Einsiedeln, Switzerland. ...

Security, Honours and Awards

While all military personnel are bound by the Official Secrets Act and undergo vetting, Special Forces personnel are required to undertake a higher level of clearance.^{[citation needed]} Official Secrets Act warning sign, Foulness. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

On entry into the regiment personnel are required to limit dissemination of their employment.^{[citation needed]} Anonymity is provided during service and personnel are not required to provide identifying details to police and authorities whilst co-operating.^{[citation needed]} Effectives are entitled to a 24-hour 'warm down' period following offensive action within the United Kingdom, during which they are debriefed. Members are not obliged to provide information to civilian agencies during this period.

Medals awarded to personnel, such as the Military Cross (MC), 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; should this be unavoidable the individual is also usually attributed to their parent Corps or Regiment where this applies. Not all decorations are gazetted. Those that are not gazetted are held as secure records by the Ministry of Defence. Information on un-gazetted decorations prior to a moving dateline, of about thirty years prior, are routinely transferred to the United Kingdom National Archives for public inspection, or are further held back from disclosure if any security considerations or other residual sensitivities are deemed to make this advisable. Before 2006 three officers have been recommended for the VC: two during World War II and one during the Falklands. Only one has been awarded; to Major Anders Frederick Emil Victor Schau Lassen, MC and 2 Bars, 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. Another high ranking SAS officer to be awarded a second MC is now retired living in Wilmington, North Carolina, USA. A medal is a small metal object, usually engraved with insignia, that is awarded to a person for athletic, military, scientific, academic or some other kind of achievement. ... The Military Cross (MC) is the third level military decoration awarded to officers and (since 1993) other ranks of the British Army and formerly also to officers of other Commonwealth countries. ... The London Gazette , front page from Monday 3 - 10 September 1666, reporting on the Great Fire of London. ... Temporary grave of an American machine-gunner during the Battle of Normandy. ... For other uses, see Victoria Cross (disambiguation). ... Photo submitted by Andy P. - (from the book Andy) Anders Frederik Emil Victor Schau Lassen (1920-09-22 - 1945-04-09) (VC, MC & 2 Bars) was a Danish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be... Official language(s) English Capital Raleigh Largest city Charlotte Largest metro area Charlotte metro area Area  Ranked 28th  - Total 53,865 sq mi (139,509 km²)  - Width 150 miles (240 km)  - Length 560[1] miles (900 km)  - % water 9. ...

In 2006 Corporal Willy Apiata New Zealand SAS was awarded a VC for his part in the 2004 rescue of his commanding officer in Afganistan and for the successfull counter attack that followed.

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]}. Former members may not release details of their employment within the organisation without prior consent. 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. This policy may have grave implications for future research into matters of military history. Official Secrets Act warning sign, Foulness. ... For other uses, see Alias. ... Ian MacNab DCM MM (born December 28, 1959) is a British former soldier turned novelist. ... For the actor, see Christopher Ryan. ...

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 World War II any mention of the Special Air Service has been one of the cautionary or non-disclosure categories of reporting. The agencies responsible for the government of the United Kingdom consist of a number of ministerial departments (usually headed by a Secretary of State) and non-ministerial departments headed by senior civil servants. ...

Insignia

Insignia of SAS

The SAS, like every other British regiment, has its own distinctive insignia. Image File history File links Sas_badge. ... Image File history File links Sas_badge. ...

• The Cap badge is a downward pointing flaming^[9] sword worked in cloth of a Crusader shield. Designed by Corporal Robert 'Bob' Tait (subsequently Squadron Sergeant Major in both the wartime British Regiments and latterly an officer in the RAF Regiment), MM and Bar London Scottish, TA (died June 6 1975) with the motto Who Dares, Wins. It was finally approved by the first Commanding Officer, David Stirling, with the proposed wording 'Descend to Defend' or 'Strike and Destroy' disallowed, following the usual British Army practice of a competition to design a cap badge for the new unit held after the completion of Operation Crusader by the 8th Army. The sword depicted is King Arthur's Excalibur (references to it as the Sword of Damocles derive from an article originally published in the Mars and Minerva, the Regimental Journal written by a highly respected veteran of both British Regiments and the post-war re-raised Regiment. He was subsequently proved to be incorrect, but the story was picked up by the media and still gets repeated.), worked in the light and dark blue colours of the original No. 11 SAS Battalion. This was converted to a Roman pattern gladius when the design was made up by the tailors in Cairo. This badge is now sometimes incorrectly termed the winged dagger due to subsequent wartime misattribution of its significance and the mistaken reference to it as this in the book of that name by Roy Farran who served in 2 SAS.
• 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 British practice.
• The SAS pattern parachute wings were designed by Lieutenant Jock Lewes and based on the basic British Army design approved in 1940 but modified to reflect the Middle East origins of the new unit by the substitution of the stylised sacred Ibis wings of Isis of Egyptian iconography depicted in the décor of Shepheards Hotel in Cairo.

A cap badge, also known as head badge or hat badge, is a badge worn on uniform headgear and distinguishes the wearers organisation. ... The Military Medal was (until 1993) a military decoration awarded to personnel of the British Army and other services, and formerly also to personnel of other Commonwealth countries, below commissioned rank, for bravery in battle on land. ... For other uses, see London Scottish. ... The Territorial Army (TA) is the principal and Volunteer reserve force of the British Army, the land armed forces branch of the United Kingdom, and composed mostly of part-time soldiers paid at a similar rate, while engaged on military activities, as their Regular equivalents. ... The commanding officer (CO) is the officer in command of a military unit. ... Combatants United Kingdom Australia New Zealand Poland Germany Italy Commanders Claude Auchinleck Alan Gordon Cunningham Neil Ritchie Erwin Rommel Ludwig Crüwell Strength 8th Army comprising XIII Corps, XXX Corps and 70th Division. ... The Eighth Army was one of the best-known formations in World War II, fighting in the North African and Italian campaigns. ... For other uses, see Excalibur (disambiguation). ... In Richard Westalls Sword of Damocles, 1812, the pretty boys of Ciceros anecdote have been changed to maidens for a neoclassical patron, Thomas Hope. ... This article is about the sword. ... The Tan beret has been adopted as official headdress by several special operations forces as a symbol of their unique capabilities. ... The Parachutist Badge is a military badge awarded by the Armed Forces of most countries in the world to soldiers who receive the proper parachute training and accomplish the required number of jumps. ... Lieutenant is a military, naval, paramilitary, fire service or police officer rank. ... Lieutenant Jock Lewes (December 21, 1913 - 31 December 1941) was an Australian serving as a British officer of the Welsh Guards Regiment in World War II. He is the eponym of the Lewes bomb and was a founder member and principal training officer of the Special Air Service. ... This article discusses the ancient goddess Isis. ...

Battle honours

• Second World War:
  • North Africa, 1940-43
  • Tobruk, 1941
  • Benghazi Raid, 1942
  • Sicily, 1943
  • Landing in Sicily, 1943
  • Termoli, 1943
  • Italy, 1943-45
  • Valli di Comacchio, 1945
  • Greece, 1944-45
  • Adriatic, 1943
  • Middle East, 1943-44
  • Normandy and North-West Europe, 1944-45
• Malaya, 1951
• Falkland Islands, 1982
• Western Iraq, 1991
• Afghanistan, 2001
• Western Iraq, 2003-present day

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. Tobruk is on the Mediterranean Sea in northeastern Libya. ... For other uses, see Normandy (disambiguation). ...

Order of Precedence

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. Infantry of the Royal Irish Rifles during the Battle of the Somme in World War I Infantry or footmen are very highly disciplined and trained soldiers who fight primarily with small arms(rifles), but are trained to use everything from their bare hands to missle systems in order to neutralize... For the purposes of parading, the regular army of the British Army is listed according to an order of precedence. ... Foot guards is a term used to describe elite infantry regiments. ... Regular infantry, as distinct from specialised infantry such as Foot Guards, light infantry or special forces. ... Traditionally light infantry (or skirmishers) were soldiers whose job was to provide a skirmishing screen ahead of the main body of infantry, harassing and delaying the enemy advance. ...

The current units are shown officially as 21st, 22nd and 23rd battalions of the Regiment but are styled 'Two-One', 'Two-Two' and 'Two-Three' and written, in short form, as 21 SAS, 22 SAS and 23 SAS. The number sequence derives from the 1944 re-formation of the regiments as a component, second-battalion, Regiment of the Army Air Corps which then consisted of three Regiments: The Glider Pilot Regiment (Only ever of three battalions), Parachute Regiment (Of many battalions, sequentially numbered from 1 upwards, with a separate sequence of numbers from 100 for battalions raised outside the United Kingdom) and SAS. 1 SAS was re-raised as 3 SAS, a decision subsequently rescinded by the War Office, giving 1st and 2nd battalions, Special Air Service Regiment, Army Air Corps. On re-formation it was appreciated that 3 SAS, 4 SAS and 5 SAS had been used to designate the French and Belgian regiments and that combining 1 and 2 as 'Twelve' or 'Twelfth' gave a hard-to-pronounce name and would automatically give the number 13 to the next raised unit so the identity proposed by the Regimental Association and actually adopted was 'Twenty-One', i.e., the numbers of the British units, reversed. For the band The Rifles, see The Rifles (band). ... For the purposes of parading, the regular army of the British Army is listed according to an order of precedence. ... The Army Air Corps is a component of the British Army. ... The Glider Pilot Regiment was a specialist British unit of the Second World War. ... The Parachute Regiment redirects here, for the Indian regiment, see The Parachute Regiment (India) The Parachute Regiment is the Airborne Infantry element of the British Army. ... Old War Office Building, seen from Whitehall, London - the former location of the War Office The War Office was a former department of the British Government, responsible for the administration of the British Army between the 17th century and 1963, when its functions were transferred to the Ministry of Defence. ...

Alliances

•  Australia - Special Air Service Regiment^[10]

•  New Zealand - New Zealand Special Air Service^[11]

Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... The Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) is a Special Forces regiment modelled on the original British SAS and also drawing on the traditions of the Australian World War II Z Special Force commando unit, as well as the Independent Companies which were active in the South Pacific during the same... Image File history File links Flag_of_New_Zealand. ... The Special Air Service of New Zealand (NZ SAS) was formed in June 1955 as an elite New Zealand Army unit capable of undertaking special missions. ...

Other Special Forces inspired by the SAS

The Regiment has participated in the formation of other national special forces formations, or served as an organisational model:

•  United States - Delta Force ^[12]
•  Hong Kong - Special Duties Unit
•  Indonesia - Kopassus
•  Rhodesia - 'C' Squadron 22 SAS
•  Germany - GSG-9 ^[13]
•  Germany - Kommando Spezialkräfte (KSK)^[14]
•  Israel - Sayeret Matkal^[15] (Hebrew: סיירת מטכ"ל)

Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... The 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D) — commonly known as Delta in the U.S. Army, Delta Force by civilians, and Combat Applications Group by the Department of Defense — is a Special Operations Force (SOF) and an integral element of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Hong_Kong. ... The Special Duties Unit (Abbreviation: SDU; Traditional Chinese: 特別任務連, nicknamed 飛虎隊 Flying Tigers) is a secretive and elite paramilitary police unit of the Hong Kong Police. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Indonesia. ... Kopassus ,abbreviation for Komando Pasukan Khusus(Special Commando Force or as Special Forces Command) is an Indonesian Army special forces group that conducts special operations missions for the Indonesian government, such as direct action, unconventional warfare, sabotage, counter-terrorism, and intelligence. ... Image File history File links Flag of Rhodesia, 1965–1968. ... This article is about the former British colony of Southern Rhodesia, todays Zimbabwe. ... C Squadron, Special Air Service Regiment, was formed by volunteers from Rhodesia. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Germany. ... The GSG 9 der Bundespolizei (formerly the German abbreviation of Grenzschutzgruppe 9, Border Guards, Group 9) is the counter-terrorism unit of the German Federal Police, and is considered to be among the best of such units in the world. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Germany. ... The Kommando Spezialkräfte (Special Forces Command, KSK) is part of Germanys Special Forces. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Israel. ... Sayeret Matkal (Hebrew: סיירת מטכל, translation: General Staff Reconnaissance unit) is the elite special forces unit of the Israeli Defence Force (IDF). ...

Former members

Notable SAS veterans include:

• Maj James 'Gentleman Jim' Almonds, MM and Bar
• Michael Asher - Author, Historian & Explorer
• Sir Peter de la Billière
• Lieutenant-Colonel Eddy Blondeel DSO - CO, 5th (Belgian) SAS Regiment
• Charles Bruce - Author
• Mike Coburn - Author
• Rev Frank Collins - Author
• Tim Collins - Author
• Ken Connor - Author
• Bob Consiglio MM
• Barry Davies - TV presenter
• Maj Gen Anthony John Deane-Drummond
• Sir Cedric Delves KBE DSO
• David Denbury MM QGM
• Ranulph Fiennes - Adventurer
• Ben Griffin - Anti War On Terror speaker.
• Bear Grylls - Author, TV presenter, Adventurer
• Bob Cole - Security Expert
• Ken Hames - Television presenter
• Capt Gavin Hamilton MC
• John Hawkins DCM
• Robin Horsfall - Author
• Johnny 'Two Combs' Howard - Author
• Gaz Hunter - Author
• Talaiasi 'Laba' Labalaba BEM, MID
• Steven 'Legs' Lane MM
• John McAleese MM - TV presenter
• Peter McAleese - Mercenary, Author
• Tom McClean - Atlantic Rower
• Dr. Mal McGowan
• Sgt Andy McNab DCM MM - Author
• Simon Mann - Mercenary, Equatorial Guinea
• Lt Col Robert Blair 'Paddy' Mayne, DSO*** - British and Irish Lions Rugby Union player
• Alastair Morrison OBE MC - Counter-terrorism expert
• Thomas Palmer MM QGM
• Sgt Vincent Phillips
• Maj Peter Ratcliffs DCM MID - Author
• Michael Reeves GM
• Lt Col Ronald Reid-Daly - Selous Scouts founder
• Gen Sir Michael Rose DSO QGM MID CBE
• Chris Ryan MM - Author
• Will Scully QGM - Actor
• Sgt Al Slater MM
• Eddie Stone - TV presenter
• Maj Wilfred Thesiger - Explorer and travel writer
• Capt Herbert Westmacott MC
• John "Lofty" Wiseman - Survival expert

NAIM SAMI FLAMURI SCANDERBEK FLAMURI For other uses, see Historian (disambiguation). ... See also explorations, sea explorers, astronaut, conquistador, travelogue, the History of Science and Technology and Biography. ... General Sir Peter Edgar de la Couer de la Billière KCB, KBE, DSO, MC & Bar, Legion of Merit, (b. ... Lieutenant Colonel (Lieutenant-Colonel in English from the French grades spelling) is a rank of commissioned officer in the armies and most marine corps and air forces of the world, typically ranking above a Major and below a Colonel. ... DSO medal The Distinguished Service Order (DSO) is a military decoration of the United Kingdom, and formerly of other Commonwealth countries, awarded for meritorious or distinguished service by officers of the armed forces during wartime, typically in actual combat. ... Bravo Two Zero (B20) was the callsign of an eight-man British Special Air Service (SAS) patrol that was tasked with observing the M.S.R. (Main Supply Route) between Baghdad and north-west Iraq and finding and destroying Iraqi Scud missile launchers and their fibre optic comms lines in... The Reverend is an honorary prefix added to the names of Christian clergy and ministers. ... Tim Collins OBE (born Belfast, Northern Ireland, April 1960) is a former colonel in the British Army. ... Bravo Two Zero (B20) was the callsign of an eight-man British Special Air Service (SAS) patrol that was tasked with observing the M.S.R. (Main Supply Route) between Baghdad and north-west Iraq and finding and destroying Iraqi Scud missile launchers and their fibre optic comms lines in... The Landshut at Mogadishu Airport, on October 18, 1977. ... Commanders Badge of the Order of the British Empire The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V. The Order includes five classes in civil and military divisions, in order of seniority: Knight or Dame Grand Cross... Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes, 3rd Baronet OBE (born 7 March 1944), usually known simply as Ranulph (Ran) Fiennes, is a British adventurer and holder of several endurance records. ... Benjamin Griffin (b. ... This article is about U.S. actions, and those of other states, after September 11, 2001. ... Edward Bear Grylls (born 7 June 1974), is a British mountaineer, adventurer, author, television presenter and motivational speaker. ... Even Soldiers of Fortune have to sing! 1958 record album An adventurer or adventuress is a term that usually takes one of three meanings: One whose travels are unusual and often exotic, though not so unique as to qualify as exploration. ... Bravo Two Zero (B20) was the callsign of an eight-man British Special Air Service (SAS) patrol that was tasked with observing the M.S.R. (Main Supply Route) between Baghdad and north-west Iraq and finding and destroying Iraqi Scud missile launchers and their fibre optic comms lines in... The Battle of Mirbat took place during the 1970s attempted coup in Oman. ... Bravo Two Zero (B20) was the callsign of an eight-man British Special Air Service (SAS) patrol that was tasked with observing the M.S.R. (Main Supply Route) between Baghdad and north-west Iraq and finding and destroying Iraqi Scud missile launchers and their fibre optic comms lines in... The Iranian Embassy Siege of 1980 was a terrorist siege of the Iranian embassy in London, United Kingdom. ... Peter McAleese is a British ex-paratrooper and an ex-member of the SAS. After leaving the Army he became a mercenary in Angola for the FNLA, taking command of the unit after the capture of Costas Georgiou the so-called Colonel Callan. He then joined the Rhodesian SAS. After... For other uses, see Mercenary (disambiguation). ... Bravo Two Zero (B20) was the callsign of an eight-man British Special Air Service (SAS) patrol that was tasked with observing the M.S.R. (Main Supply Route) between Baghdad and north-west Iraq and finding and destroying Iraqi Scud missile launchers and their fibre optic comms lines in... Ian MacNab DCM MM (born December 28, 1959) is a British former soldier turned novelist. ... MM or variations may refer to: Machinists Mate, a rating in the United States Navys engineering community Macromedia, an American software company Majoras Mask, a game in the Legend of Zelda series of games Malice Mizer, a Japanese visual kei band Market maker, a person or a... Simon Mann (1953) is a security expert, mercenary and former British Army officer, now holding South African citizenship. ... For other uses, see Mercenary (disambiguation). ... Famous picture of Mayne, taken in north Africa Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Blair Paddy Mayne DSO & 3 Bars (11 January 1915 - 14 December 1955) was a Northern Irish soldier. ... DSO may stand for: Distinguished Service Order Dallas Symphony Orchestra Darkstar Orchestra Dartford Symphony Orchestra Deep sky object Defense Science Organization Defense Spectrum Office (U.S. DoD) Designated School Official Detroit Symphony Orchestra Device Software Optimization (www. ... For other uses, see Lion (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Rugby (disambiguation). ... The Landshut at Mogadishu Airport, on October 18, 1977. ... The Iranian Embassy Siege of 1980 was a terrorist siege of the Iranian embassy in London, United Kingdom. ... Bravo Two Zero (B20) was the callsign of an eight-man British Special Air Service (SAS) patrol that was tasked with observing the M.S.R. (Main Supply Route) between Baghdad and north-west Iraq and finding and destroying Iraqi Scud missile launchers and their fibre optic comms lines in... Bravo Two Zero (B20) was the callsign of an eight-man British Special Air Service (SAS) patrol that was tasked with observing the M.S.R. (Main Supply Route) between Baghdad and north-west Iraq and finding and destroying Iraqi Scud missile launchers and their fibre optic comms lines in... DCM is a TLA which may stand for: British and Commonwealth Distinguished Conduct Medal Deputy Chief of Missions - Working directly under the Ambassador or Consular at American embassies and consulates. ... For other uses, see Author (disambiguation). ... The George Medal (GM) is the second level civil decoration of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth. ... The cap badge of the Selous Scouts was a stylised osprey. ... For the actor, see Christopher Ryan. ... Combatants Government of Sierra Leone Sierra Leone Army Kamajors / South African mercenaries Nigerian-led ECOMOG forces United Kingdom Revolutionary United Front Armed Forces Revolutionary Council West Side Boys Liberia Commanders Ahmad Tejan Kabbah Samuel Hinga Norman Valentine Strasser Solomon Musa David J. Richards Tony Blair Foday Sankoh Johnny Paul Koroma... The Queens Gallantry Medal (QGM) is the third level civil decoration of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth. ... Sir Wilfred Patrick Thesiger KBE, DSO (3 June 1910 – August 24, 2003) was a British explorer and travel writer born in Addis Ababa in Abyssinia (now Ethiopia). ...

See also

• History of the SAS
• United Kingdom Special Forces Selection
• List of SAS operations
• Australian Special Air Service Regiment
• New Zealand Special Air Service
• Rhodesian Special Air Service
• 14 Intelligence Company

This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... United Kingdom Special Forces Selection is the selection and training process for members of the United Kingdoms three Special Forces formations; Special Air Service, Special Boat Service and Special Reconnaissance Regiment. ... The following is a list of known Special Air Service (SAS) operations. ... The Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) is a Special Forces regiment modelled on the original British SAS and also drawing on the traditions of the Australian World War II Z Special Force commando unit, as well as the Independent Companies which were active in the South Pacific during the same... The Special Air Service of New Zealand (NZ SAS) was formed in June 1955 as an elite New Zealand Army unit capable of undertaking special missions. ... This article covers C Squadron, Special Air Service Regiment (to 1960), C Squadron (Rhodesian) Special Air Service (1962-1978), and 1 (Rhodesian) Special Air Service Regiment (from 1978). ... 14 Intelligence Company is or was a UK special forces unit, operating in Northern Ireland from the 1970s onwards. ...

References

Files available to public scrutiny at The National Archives, Kew, United Kingdom Household Division is a term used principally in the Commonwealth of Nations to describe a grouping of a country’s most elite or historically senior military units, or those military units that provide ceremonial or protective functions associated directly with the Head of state. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 180th day of the year (181st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 180th day of the year (181st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

[N]Statistics, life events and other data derived and calculated from officially published UK sources: Army List: Army Council Instructions: Army Orders; Middle East Forces Orders; Commonwealth War Graves Register; Prisoners of War of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth; Public Record Office (now The National Archives) conventionally published histories and digital records now available online.

External links

• Who Dares Wins - SAS Info website
• A website dedicated to British elite units and special forces, including the renowned Special Air Service
• Video footage of the SAS in action at the Iranian Embassy Siege
• SAS unit moves to London in terror fight

Sources/Further Information

• Stirling's Men: the inside history of the SAS in World War Two by Gavin Mortimer(Cassell, 2004)
• The SAS by Philip Warner (1981 and 1982 editions). History of the regiment, commissioned by the Regimental Association
• Special Forces in the desert war, 1940-1943 Public Record Office War Histories 2001 [Derived from PRO (now TNA) files CAB 44/151 and 152 written by Brigadier H W Wynter, DSO (late Royal Artillery) for the Historical Section of the War Cabinet Office
• David Stirling: The authorised biography, by Spike Hoe
• Jock Lewes: Co-Founder of the SAS, by John Lewes
• The SAS - Savage Wars of Peace - 1947 to the Present, by Anthony Kemp (1994: Penguin Books)
• Ambush: The War Between The SAS and The IRA, by James Adams, Robin Morgan and Anthony Bambridge (Pan, London: 1988)
• The Originals, by Gordon Stevens, 2005. ("The secret history of the birth of the SAS in their own words")
• The Special Air Service, by James G. Shortt (1981: Osprey Men-at-Arms series 116)ISBN 0 85045 396 8
• British Special Forces 1945 to the present, by James G. Shortt (1981: Arms & Armour Press 1986)ISBN 0 85368 785 4
• Fighters over the desert, by Ring and Shores
• Snakes in the Eagles Nest: A RAND study
• Battle honours of the British Empire and Commonwealth land forces, 1662-1991 by Alexander Rodger
• The Phantom Major, by Virginia Cowles
• Files held for public inspection by the National Archives of the United Kingdom.
• ' Adam Kake