1st SAS Shoulder Titles

Pair of WW2 1st SAS Shoulder Titles

The Special Air Service began life in July 1941, during the Second World War, from an unorthodox idea and plan by Lieutenant David Stirling. His idea was for small teams of parachute-trained soldiers to operate behind enemy lines to gain intelligence, destroy enemy aircraft, and attack their supply and reinforcement routes. Along with the long Range Desert Group (LRDG), the SAS carried out raids in the Mediterranean theatre. 

In September 1942, the regiment were renamed '1st SAS Regiment' and consisted of four British squadrons, one Free French Squadron, one Greek Squadron, and the Special Boat Section (SBS). A few months later, in April 1943, the 1st SAS was reorganised into the Special Raiding Squadron under the command of Paddy Mayne and the Special Boat Squadron under the command of George Jellicoe.

Near the end of the year however, the 'Special Raiding Squadron' reverted to their former title '1st SAS' and together with the 2nd SAS regiment were withdrawn from Italy and placed under command of the 1st Airborne Division. In March 1944, the 1st and 2nd SAS Regiments returned to the United Kingdom and joined a newly formed 'SAS Brigade' of the Army Air Corps. The other units in the Brigade were the French 3rd and 4th SAS, the Belgian 5th SAS and F Squadron which was responsible for signals and communications.

1st SAS was tasked with parachute operations behind the German lines in France and carried out operations supporting the Allied advance through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and eventually into Germany.

The SAS Brigade was disbanded on the 8th of October 1945.

Each shoulder title is approximately 6.5 x 2.8 cm (2.5 x 1.1 inches) and uses light blue cotton on a Maroon backing.

Perfect for your Special Air Service collection!