1st Special Service Brigade

1st Special Service Brigade
1st Commando Brigade
Active1941–1946
Country United Kingdom
Branch British Army
TypeCommando
RoleAmphibious warfare
Anti-tank warfare
Artillery observer
Bomb disposal
Close-quarters combat
Cold-weather warfare
Direct action
HUMINT
Irregular warfare
Long-range penetration
Mountain warfare
Patrolling
Raiding
Reconnaissance
Special operations
Special reconnaissance
Urban warfare
SizeBrigade
EngagementsOperation Ambassador
Operation Archery
Operation Claymore
Operation Jubilee
Operation Overlord
Operation Plunder
Commanders
Notable
commanders
Brigadier The Lord Lovat
Brigadier Derek Mills-Roberts
Insignia
Combined Operations Shoulder PatchInsignia of Combined Operations units it is a combination of a red Thompson submachine gun, a pair of wings, an anchor and mortar rounds on a black backing

The 1st Special Service Brigade was a commando (special operations capable) brigade of the British Army. Formed during the Second World War, it consisted of elements of the British Army (including British Commandos) and the Royal Marines. The brigade's component units saw action individually in Norway and the Dieppe Raid (in France), before being combined under one commander for service in Normandy during Operation Overlord. On 6 December 1944, the Brigade was redesignated 1st Commando Brigade, removing the title Special Service and its association with the German SS.[1]

  1. ^ Moreman, Tim (10 March 2006). British Commandos 1940–46: Battle Orders 18. United Kingdom: Osprey Publishing. p. 32 & 94. ISBN 978-1-84176-986-8.