First Special Service Force 1942-44

Description

This is a concise history of the unique integrated commando-style brigade of US and Canadian volunteers formed in 1942. Hand picked, and trained in airborne, amphibious, mountain and winter warfare, demolitions and close-quarter tactics, they left a combat legacy still recognized amongst today's Special Forces. This book explores the remarkable results the FSSF achieved in Italy - in the harsh mountain fighting on the Winter Line, in the trenches of Anzio, and in the breakthrough to Rome. Accompanied by unique combat photography and illustrations of their distinctive uniforms, this is an insight into a famous, but little explored unit.

Bret Werner was raised in the Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania. He has a degree in History and will soon be finishing his Masters degree in Social Studies Education. The author teaches secondary Social Studies and History in Bristol, Pennsylvania. He is deeply involved with living history organizations with an emphasis on the soldier of the 20th Century. The author is also an associate member of the First Special Service Force Association, where he attends the veteran reunions every year. He lives in Pennsylvania, USA. Michael Welply was born in London in 1948 and moved to Winnipeg, Canada in 1950. In 1981 he moved with his family to central France, where he still lives. Having studied art first in Winnipeg and then in Paris, Michael began his illustrating career in 1977 and has worked for many publishers in Europe and the United States. He has illustrated over 50 books, ranging from historical work to fantasy and fairy tales.

"...the organization, training, combat operations, uniforms and special equipment are all covered in excellent fashion, in a very competent style within the text. This is complimented by a fine selection of relevant photos, including some rare ones taken in the midst of combat; captions are uniformly informative and well-presented. The color art covers an excellent variety of uniform styles, which were quite unique when combining Canadian and US dress. The figure modeler looking for something unusual should have no difficulty here. This book has lots of 'good stuff' in it, all put together in a nice little package. Figure modelers take note!" --Frank De Sisto, missing-lynx.com