First Special Service Force
Living History Association - Edmonton
ABOUT THE FSSF LHA
The First Special Service Force (FSSF) was an active service unit from 1942 to 1945 comprised of both United States and Canadian service men. The unit was developed as an experimental military partnership never before seen between countries and exhibited the first true joint partnership of military service. Established under US command the unit was made up of the best and most lethal and specially trained in commando and special operations tactics.
Organized and trained near Helena Montana the unit moved on to action in the Italian Campaign in 1943 earning both incredible stats and foreboding reputations. From Monte La Diffensia to Anzio in 1944 the FSSF proved themselves to be a ruthless opponent. Smeared in grease paint the unit moved behind enemy lines on countless occasions to terrorize German positions. Taking prisoners and leaving many dead behind the unit never forgot to leave their calling card, a playing card sized marker rested on their fallen foes with bold red letters reading “Das Dicke Ende kommt noch” translating “The Worst is yet to come.”
At Anzio the unit gained their legendary name. In the diary of a German soldier, parroted by the masses of German soldiers facing the FSSF, were the words "The black devils (Die schwarzen Teufel) are all around us every time we come into the line." The name centered on the grease paint the FSSF used to blacken their faces during combat missions. Nevertheless the name stuck and became the symbol that would drive the image of the FSSF forever. Hollywood picked up the fame years later when the movie “The Devil’s Brigade” premiered but the name endeared either way as a force to be reckoned with.
The FSSF went on to be the first allied unit to enter Rome and to fight in the south of France in 1944 before it was disbanded at the end of 1944.
"The Devil's Brigade"
OUR PHILOSOPHY
The First Special Service Force Living History Association is a World War II combat living history and combat reenactment unit comprising both Allied and Axis reenactors. Our purpose is to portray the life, image and history of the First Special Service Force during the Second World War and appreciation of the sacrifice of the men and women in the armed services both past and present through a combination of living histories, seminars and reenactments. Our goal is to establish historical understanding of this often overlooked unit with such a proud tradition as well as the men and women en-grained in both sides of the conflict.
Comprised of both American and Canadian reenactors we strive for strict authenticity and accurate portrayal of the FSSF. We strive to educate the public through direct first person interpretation of historical events.
OUR HISTORY
WHO WE ARE
/
01
/
WHAT WE DO
The FSSF LHA holds regular meetings in the Edmonton and Calgary areas, for members who are able to attend, that center on unit organization, authenticity, portrayals and event planning. We also hold many training seminars and events in the area focused on image portrayal, drill, tactics and combat action training.
Regularly scheduled events will be centered primarily on living history demonstrations for organizations and parties holding an interest in World War II history, parades, educational historical seminars and full scale combat reenactments in both Canada and the US.
Started in March, 2011 in Edmonton, Alberta, by Brian Mason and Robert Patterson-Burton, the First Special Service Force Living History Association was incorporated as a legal entity in December, 2011. The Unit was created to honour the members of the First Special Service Force, and to educate the public on a mostly overlooked part of WWII history. Also called the ‘Black Devils’ by the Germans, the FSSF have been called the ‘Devils Brigade’ by Hollywood, and used as the basis for movies such as ‘Inglorious Bastards’.
In the spring of 2011, the FSSF LHA was honoured to be invited to the FSSF Reunion taking place in Edmonton, AB. There, unit members were able to meet original FSSF soldiers, who were extremely pleased with what they saw. Many informed unit members how honoured they were by the units portrayal of their history.
The unit hosted a weekend-long display for the public in early November, and also participated in the Rememberance Day ceremony in St. Albert on Nov 11, 2011.
During the fall of 2011, unit member numbers have increased drastically, allowing the unit to coordinate larger public events for the coming calendar year. We have established relationships with Axis reenactors, WWII vehicle enthusiasts, and local veterans.
The FSSF history is varied and colourful, if short. The only joint US-Canada unit in history, the FSSF was jointly commanded by Canadian and American officers, and its members were made up of volunteers from both countries. The unit wore American uniforms and used American supplies as they were more readily available at the time than Canadian items. Created by ‘mad scientist’ Geoffrey Pike (of the British Combined Operations Command), it was originally imagined as a suicide squad to be sent into Norway to sabotage German networks. There was no extrication plan for the team members.
The unit was activated under slightly different terms on July 20, 1942 under American Lt. Colonel Robert T. Frederick and was based in Fort Harrison, Montana. Throughout the war, the unit participated in Kiska, Monte La Difinsa in December 1943, and Anzio beachhead. Members of the FSSF were the first to enter Rome in 1944 to liberate it. It was after this that they were disbanded, their commando style operations deemed ‘unnecessary’ by Allied command. Modern day commando units the Canadian Rangers and American Green Berets descend from this original group of FSSF soldiers.
UNIT FORMATION
02
WATCH OUR VIDEO
01
/