2nd SAS Shoulder Title

Pair of WW2 2nd 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). In 1943, a second regiment, the 2nd SAS, was raised under the command of the now Colonel Stirling’s eldest brother, William. It served with the British First Army in Tunisia. The 2nd SAS went on to take part in the Allied invasion of Sicily and went on to fight on mainland Italy.

Near the end of the year however, the 1st SAS and 2nd SAS regiment were withdrawn from Italy and placed under command of the 1st Airborne Division.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.

2nd 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!