With the SAS in North Africa: A Thrilling Account of Covert Operations in the Desert

The Special Air Service (SAS) is one of the most elite special forces units in the world. Its origins can be traced back to the Second World War, when it was formed to carry out covert operations behind enemy lines. One of the most significant theaters of operation for the SAS during the war was North Africa, where they played a vital role in the Allied victory.

Born of the Desert: With the SAS in North Africa

by Russ Baker

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14605 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	354 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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This article will provide an overview of the SAS's operations in North Africa, from their early beginnings to their daring raids and ambushes. We will also explore the challenges and dangers that the SAS faced, as well as their legacy as one of the most effective special forces units in history.

Early Operations

The SAS was formed in July 1941, at a time when the Allies were facing a series of setbacks in North Africa. The unit's first commanding officer was Lieutenant Colonel David Stirling, a young officer who had previously served with the Scots Guards. Stirling's vision for the SAS was to create a small, highly trained force that could operate independently behind enemy lines.

The SAS's early operations in North Africa were focused on gathering intelligence and carrying out sabotage missions. They would often operate in small groups, infiltrating enemy territory and gathering information on troop movements, supply lines, and defenses. The SAS also carried out a number of successful sabotage missions, blowing up bridges, railways, and fuel depots.

Daring Raids and Ambushes

As the SAS gained experience, they began to undertake more daring raids and ambushes. One of their most famous operations was the raid on the Tobruk airfield in September 1942. The SAS successfully infiltrated the airfield and destroyed a number of enemy aircraft, causing significant damage to the Luftwaffe.

The SAS also carried out a number of successful ambushes on enemy convoys. In one such ambush, the SAS attacked a German convoy near the Libyan town of El Agheila. The SAS destroyed over 100 vehicles and killed over 200 enemy soldiers.

Challenges and Dangers

The SAS faced a number of challenges and dangers during their operations in North Africa. The desert environment was unforgiving, with extreme heat, lack of water, and treacherous terrain. The SAS also had to contend with the enemy, who was often better equipped and had superior numbers.

Despite these challenges, the SAS managed to achieve a number of significant successes. Their operations in North Africa played a vital role in the Allied victory, and they earned a reputation as one of the most effective special forces units in the world.

Legacy

The SAS's legacy in North Africa is one of courage, determination, and innovation. The unit's success in carrying out covert operations behind enemy lines helped to turn the tide of the war in favor of the Allies. The SAS's tactics and techniques have been adopted by special forces units around the world, and the unit continues to be one of the most respected and feared special forces units in the world today.

The SAS's operations in North Africa are a testament to the courage, determination, and innovation of the unit's members. Their success in carrying out covert operations behind enemy lines played a vital role in the Allied victory, and their legacy as one of the most effective special forces units in history continues to this day.

Born of the Desert: With the SAS in North Africa

by Russ Baker

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14605 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	354 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE