My Grandma's brother was part of the Devils Brigrade. My grandma had no idea what her brother took part of in WW2 until 2015 when he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal (the highest honour for a non-American citizen) from the United States Government. He was a Canadian man named Gerard Lafleche of Timmins, Ontario. He was too old to travel at the time, so a representative came to Timmins to present him with the award. He was 96 years old when he was recognized for his service during the war. He passed away in 2016.
I'm not far from there and for some reason feel like I've heard that name. I had relatives who joined but didn't get anything for whatever they did Lol. That's pretty crazy tho, good for him and may he rest in peace.
I’m in Canada. I worked as a surveyor in the Arctic with a gentleman who was in this brigade. He received the highest award given to a Canadian Serviceman. His name was Vern Doucette. A wonderful person.
Thanks for the 😊such important work you're doing for Canadians. Arctic must be great but also difficult place to be but you have surely the chance to see Aurores boréales , c' est votre cadeau pour vos services, well deserved gifts for your services. 👍✌️
@@Joy-fc6kgyes the Northern Lights are indescribable up past the Arctic Circle. I’ve been, only a 2 day drive from hone to hit the Circle lol and brrrr 🥶 but ALWAYS remember Ursus Maritimus may find you too. Zero fear of humans, in fact nothing alive scares the Polar Bear.
@@14goldmedals Thanks for aknowleging my comment, just being curious, why is your account name is 14 goldmedals, and what exactly is the purpose of your work, looking out for what, if it's ok for you to answer. Thanks and hope you have a peaceful sky👍✌️😊
@@Joy-fc6kg I chose it as a name when Canada hosted the Winter Olympics. Canada won 14 golds which was more than USA for the first time ever! I was there as a police security force member.
My Great Uncle was part of the Devils Brigade. He was a Canadian called Sgt. Edgar Stewart Fines, and ended up recieving the medal below the medal of honour during the campaign in italy.
Thank you for being respectful towards us Canadians My grandfather was a Canadian Field medic in the battle of Normandy . Respect to you ( I’m Canadian with a beautiful Scottish wife) 🇨🇦❤️
There was a movie in 1968 called The Devil's Brigade about this force. I highly recommend you watch it if you can. An Aboriginal Canadian Tommy Prince was a part of the Devil's Brigade in W.W. II and he also served in the Korean War. He distinguished himself in both wars. There is a Heritage Minute about him.
@@kevinsacks3185 It was fun to watch but totally ridiculous. The Americans were not a bunch of criminals kicked out of their units, they were the best of their units.
Agreed, It's a good film for it's era. Stands well alongside The Longest Day and A Bridge Too Far. Well worth a watch. As a Canadian, I very much enjoyed the fraternal jabs at our neighbors and friends.
The C 4th highlanders were highly trained by Canadian armed group. By the records the Americans were a bunch of drunks and losers. The movie explains it very well, the video that you’re watching now is an extremely generic version. I’m guessing created and written and narrated by an American.
My grandfather was a member of the Devils Brigade as well. He didn't talk about it much, but he did teach me a lot of the skills; bushcraft, self defence and such. He was one Hell of a guy!
Tommy Prince was my favourite member of the Devil's Brigade. He was a Native Canadian with a lot of great feats. A couple examples: during one raid on a German barracks he cut the throats of every third sleeper so that each man would wake up next to corpse and fear how close it came to being them. Another time he hid in a farmhouse callin in artillery when a stray round cut the telephone cable he was using so he dressed in farmers clothing and grabbed a hoe. He then pretended to hoe the field until he found the break, spliced it back together while pretending to tie his boots, shook a fist at the nearby Germans, then went back inside to continue calling in artillery.
Tommy Prince did not slit the throats of every third German sleeping in their barracks. That is a tale that has been told for generations about the Gurkhas of the Indian Army. Tommy Prince does not need you embellishing his accomplishments.
Watching all these videos really puts in perspective how lucky I am to be born. My Great Grampa fought in both the world wars and he even lost his eye. But so many soldiers paid the ultimate price for our freedoms. Thank you to all our Grampa's that fought for us ❤
Many times, while exploring many World War Films / Stories, especially interviews, I'll begin to tear up. It's Bitter Sweet. I've been in the military, though not in real combat, but have seen the destruction that can be unleashed. My deceased Father was in North Africa, Sicily, Italy then sent to clear the Atlantic Wall and Liberate Holland. Yes, he was a Canadian and there were 7 other Relatives that were in WW1 / WW2 and only 3 returned home. I know that ' I can't even imagine ' is said a lot. But, maybe, once in awhile, you can imagine. Hence the tear.
@@ArKay-nj2nh I can only now imagine what he must have seen and gone through. We used to ask him questions but he was humble and would only tell us kids to be thankful for our freedoms ❤️🙏
My grandfather was in FSSF. He never talked about it. Except one time. He went to all the reunions every year untill his late 80s. He passed away days before the Canadian members were being awarded a medal by the American government. Was lucky and proud he was my grandfather
My neighbour as a kid was this very nice older guy who lived on the street his whole life. I was working at a local museum here and picked up a book. It was written by him, and about his time in the 1SSF. I was very shocked!
Ralph Mayville of Windsor Ontario was a member of this brigade. Tough as nails only scratches the surface of this brave man’s strength. He broke his hip at 95 and still participated in a wreath laying ceremony a couple weeks later. He trained as a para but never jumped in ww2 so he wouldn’t wear his silver wings. At 92yo he jumped and earned his wings. Sadly he passed in 2019 at 98yo. He remains an example to others of bravery and honour. The German troops were afraid of these guys and named them the black devils for good reason. RIP Ralph
The gentleman I met, joined the FSSF in Italy, served 99 days in Anzio, then Rome. He helped liberate the two islands mentioned, the n went into the mountains where he was hit with shrapnel from a shell. He didn't wear his paratroopers wings until age 92 when he did a tandem jump as he was sent before they completed their jumps. I last was him before his jump. Congressional medal and French Legion of honor recipient. RIP Ralph Mayville 1921-2019
Winnipeg Native American here. As much as we all bicker and banter with one another with all our countless differences here in Canada, I believe and I also assume that regardless of where we all stand and live here on Canadian territory as well as where we stand on the political & spiritual spectrum. That if canada went to war or was attacked that we would put our differences aside and remind the world about our WWI reputation and just how much we can top that ten fold with our modern and increased population coupled with our technological advancement.
I had an old man across the street. He was a sniper with the First Canadian Parachute Battalion, attached to the British 6th airborne. His first mission was landing behind Juno Beach on D day. He was in intense fighting. Lost behind enemy lines. Fought his way back to be part of the liberation of Bergen Belson. He never talked about the war till late into his life. I had to write a book about him. The Boy Who Cried Soldier. Canadian young men were unbelievable brave, but humble in their hearts.
An elderly gentleman from our town was honored for being a member of the Devil's Brigade. It was prior to the showing of the movie at our local theater. I had the opportunity to speak with him years later. I asked if he was at Normandy on D Day. He said they were there two days before.
the training these men received was quite different and quite extreme,and is a story unto itself.they were trained for just about anything by the best experts they could rustle up no matter where they came from.there was nothing average about it,those that could stay with it and complete it,had to be beyond strong...and typical us/canada rivalry likely pushed soldiers from each country to their best,neither side willing to be outdone by the other...the whole black devils thing tho,that was likely Canadian inspired..its pretty much ww1 trench raiding tactics,absolutely brutal raids by night that the Canadians were well known for in the great war...the psychological effects on the enemy were quite well known to them, even in ww1
Comparing what Tier 1 Units who are allies do together are 2 totally different things. This was a Commissioned unit that trained together from day 1. Apples and Oranges.
@@nag2129 I agree completely. I didn’t mean to imply that they were 😊. I thought he asked if Canada And the US still do special operations together. But as far as I know, we certainly don’t have anything like the devil’s brigade in current times.
@@gryph01 No shit, I wear the Spearhead every were I go, tell me something else I also know Captain Obvious lol. Stick to CH-146 Griphons bud. I personally know the CO who runs 427 SOAS.
My Father, born in Saskatchewan Canada, was there. He was a Sniper, and I have a picture of him leaning up against a Howitzer. His uniform is very strange, with a patch on the left shoulder with a stylized face of a Cat, being the only marking. The top is a hoody in a jagged block camouflage pattern with a large central chest pocket, that is completely different than any other military uniform I've ever seen.
Any way to scan that picture or even just take a photo of it? Would love to see it identified.. lots of military history buffs here but more importantly you can contact the Legion or actual military to track it down I'm sure..
@@FIORGOBASAUDEAMUS He was in the P.P.C.L.I. if that helps at all. To me, it almost looks more like a custom or one-off kind of thing than a Production Unit/Reg. style, I cannot detect any surrounding border edges when zooming in.
@@balghair1 For sure. Do you have a safe "temporary" or disposable e-mail address or something I can send it to? I'm rather paranoid nowadays and quite abysmal when it comes to understanding how to otherwise transmit media, I'm afraid lol
My grandpa was a member of the FSSF. He was in 4-1. He never spoke about his time during the war, but he did make it to most of the FSSF Association's yearly reunions, which my mom remembers going to when she growing up.
My neighbour was a member. He hated Germans until he died. He rarely talked about it but what he told me was over the top nuts. He said the biggest problem was if you were wounded they had trouble with which country would treat them and how to get back to their unit was a big problem again for same reason. Apparently neither side cooperated so it was a real problem. He was behind lines a lot, was a radio operator and got in trouble after returning from behind lines because he was so frustrated he used the f bomb and some monitoring station heard him. Trouble was they were under fire at the time. He used to always comment on how good the German radio stuff was. Also at Anzio they used death cards as they kill Germans silently and leave their card to freak them out. He hated Anzio… said it was hell.
Thanks for sharing this. The sad part is, most Canadian and American youth will never know what preceded them. WW2 was so long ago and has all but faded except for the oldest of minds. My dad was in the Canadian artillery but was never overseas as the war ended before they were deployed. I'm 75 now. Grew up watching black and white Hollywood movies of WW2 in the 1950s. Now, still interested in the real stories that took place Especially as a proud Canadian.
When I was growing up one of my dad's best friends was in the Devils Brigade. He was a very nice mild mannered soft spoken man. Who had looked right in the eyes of some of the men he killed. They were truly scary.
My uncle was in this unit. The FSSF had annual reunions because such a huge bond was built during training and battle. The reunions alternated back and forth between Canada and the US. One year it might be in Nov Scotia and the next year in Texas. Even though just about all of the men has passed, their families continue to plan reunions every year to carry on the tradition of their fathers, grandfathers and other family members. My uncle was a soft spoken man who loved to smile and laugh. He didn't talk about the war except to say that he was sent to do a job and he did it.
My Grandfather LLoyd Dunlop was a wireless radio operator for First Special Service Force aka devil's brigade, he was from Cape Breton passed away at 93 in Yarmouth Nova Scotia. He spoke very rarely about the war.
My late neighbour Jack Callowhill served with the FSSF at Monte la Difensa. Thanks again for your service and all the stories you shared with me Jack 🇨🇦
My dad was a vet. He worked with Jack Callowhill. I took my to meetings he had in Hamilton at legion. They had beer etc. I met Mr Callowhill at what my dad said was the old fart club , all the guys were WW2 vets
These guys are the inspiration of the Inglorious Bastards. A well earned reputation for getting it done against the enemy regardless of the odds and challenges. Very impressive indeed!!
Exactly primary. Allie’s and friends with no history of aggression or violence for hundreds of years. Something both countries should be very proud of. I’m very lucky to have our American brothers and sisters as my neighbour. Let that never change.
I'm glad you're doing this because as a millenial 🇨🇦 i don't remember this being taught in school. Our military has been degraded and i think these should be shown more so we know our identity. Trudeau says we don't have one.
Liberals hate history.. that is why they desecrate monuments and pull down statues.. they hate that strong men can resist them.. also why they push "toxic masculinity " and feminism and the alphabet mafia stuff.. they are afraid of strong men willing to die for a good cause.. also why the word Jesus hurts their ears and they allow/ encourage church burnings.. also mandates for jabs.. lol they tried to dei the military and they got the Freedom Convoy instead.. losers gonna lose.. bunch of bureaucrats gonna replace everyone with dei and robots? Fat chance.. the blood of the strong still lives.. and that is why THEY hate us.. we will resist their plans.. till death- then we talk to Jesus, so no fear either. The main tool for them is propaganda and FEAR. If you believe in God you should be immune to both
My uncle was a Canadian member of the 1SSF. He fortunately survived but rarely spoke of the war. Learning of their contribution to the war and heavy losses, I now understand why.
One of the original selectee/volunteers was from my local regiment that I was a part of for a few years. Keddy was his last name and I was honored to have the chance to meet him and his son. He told me some quite interesting stories, one involving him forcing a group of Germans to surrender at point blank bazooka point.
I did not know about this unit until today, thank-you. The SAS actually trains near me for winter/mountain operations (I'm near Banff, and yes, the water really us that amazing colour)
I said this last video about Canada in WW2, but my great grandfather was in both the devil’s brigade and the 1st canadian special service battalion in the Italian front. He died in 1944 during the battle of monte cassino. I don’t know much else about him, but he brought back a Czech VZ.24 bayonet, and I got it when my grandmother died.
I actually served in 3 PPCLI jump company. The FSSF or devils brigade had a quite a few troops from ppcli. Around 2010 a handful of these vet came to our battalion lines and we did a parachute demonstration for them. Afterwards I picked a handful of guys and we went to the Ramada hotel and got drunk with them lol.
I love how you seek out information. The FSSF is legendary and there's a great and rich backstory and history. Unfortunately, this video is very US-centric. Mountbatten and Churchill were very hot to see this come to life. The Canadians were already pretty facile with a nordic environment and skills. The strategic importance of Norway was significant, but "bring an early end to the war"?? I look forward to seeing what other things you unearth about this unit. I hope you enjoy your explorations as much as we do in your sharing them. *Respect*. Thank you. Keep it up!!
You made me want to go back and watch the movie again. I has been about 30 years since I last saw it. It is streaming for free on some services. Great movie.
It is important to keep in mind the movie is Hollywoodized in the way they did in the 50s/60s (think The Longest Day and A Bridge Too Far), but it certainly captures the key points and makes clear, particularly at the end, the terrific sacrifice and impact these men of men had and the respect they have earned.
BE VERY PROUD OF THE DEVILS BRIGADE, THE GERMANS NAMED THEM THAT! We refused to give ground, with a tear I say they would die before they lost a single battle! They were and will remain the heroes that changed the history of war and taught the Germans to FEAR US because you had to kill us to win and that broke them because the cost was to high to fight us! Be very very proud of those beautiful men that lost their lives but literally saved the lives of millions! German soldiers would flee when the Red Brigade came..beautiful men that I respect…give that meaning to the unnamed soldier and you will think differently about their sacrifice! I believe you will see them in heaven if YOU get there because I think they Are at the right hand of the Lord Jesus right now…
There was a movie made about it made in the 50s or 60s titled "The Devil's Brigade " . It didn't have the Aleutian island incident that I recall, so thanks for that
@@daveusubiaga4102 lol you are welcome my friend.. people like us pass along knowledge like the ancient Celtic folk.. we can NOT trust wikipedia anymore.. we have to start the word to mouth again.. consider yourself a bard or perhaps druid in training.. we he to keep facts alive.. if you even see me misspeak- please correct me as I would rather learn the truth than be right... cheers and God bless btw..
My father was with the FSSF. His Name Lawrence Stanley Dickie form Montreal Canada. He was transferred from the Canadian 1st Paratrooper Corp. He was wounded three times in battle. He did not talk to much about his War years except to say that he was with Special Forces. He passed away from a heart attack in 1972. He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal Honour in 2015. I also remember one instance where I had his military portrait on display in 2004 and a gentleman came up to the photo and I could see he was remembering. We talked for a bit and he asked if was related and I said yes he was my father. He said that my dad was fearless and a " Mean SOB" when in battle as his eyes were watering up.
Great video, Both Canada and the U.S. could use some of the spirt, courage and pride shown by these brave men. Today's excuses for men in many areas of leadership in both countries are a disgrace and that is being kind.
I found out after he passed away that a man who went to my church, Jack Callowhill, was a member of the Devil's Brigade. We sang in the choir together for years and I never knew that he was such an important part of history. A very nice man, hard to imagine him being a terror on the battlefield.
That's the thing with real heroes. They had a job to do and they did it. They didn't make a big fuss about it, unlike the phony bragging of the pretenders. When they came back they had no interest in glorifying war or their part in it. They just wanted to live a peaceful life and raise a family. I'm sure most of them had PTSD (shell shock in those days) but they didn't talk about that either.
FSSF was disbanded in 1995 (to my knowledge)...I was SSF in 1 RCR London Ontrio in 1982-85...I wore the winged OSONS dagger on my uniform. I was in combat support company "ECHO" mortar platoon, PRO PATRIA.
The 1st Special Service Force was often confused with the 1st Special Forces Services. The 1stSFS was the Entertainment Services for American Forces. The Force earned its name The Devil's Brigade during Operation Shingle, the invasion of Anzio
They never used the words 'Devil's Brigade'. There was a passage in a captured German diary that stated "the black devils are all around us" referring to the Forcemen's practice of blacking their faces and actively patrolling at night. That comment does not support the use of some BS made up nickname selected by a book publisher in 1966 and subsequently used in a 1968 movie.
Hello Just wanted to comment on the bagpipes. We use bagpipes at a lot of ceremonies depending on where you live. And some Universities and Colleges the graduates are piped in for there graduation. I will admit at these it always makes me cry because it feels more important with the pipers leading them.
Pink Floyd's Roger Waters' father was killed at Anzio, this fact is commemorated in the lines of the song When the Tigers Broke Free from the album Pink Floyd The Film. The soundtrack from The Wall movie with Bob Geldof.
The First Special Service Force was trained and barracked in Helena, Montana. Helena has a storied reputation of attracting gunfighters. Early Post Civil War, many former Confederate soldiers settled in and around here for a fresh start cattle & horse ranching. These former cavalrymen knew how to expertly weild thier sixguns from on top thier swift horses. They strongly influenced a young Elmer Kieth whom would go onto invent the .44 Magnum cartridge. So it seems fitting this joint American and Canadian commando force honed thier marksmanship and mountaineering skills in this very place. There must be something within Helena water & soil that attracts adventurous warrior gunmen. Would love to know if the local indigenous population have similar stories of like minded combatants pre-settler era.
When the movie was shown to the veterans of the Devil's Brigade, some yelled out "Spread out!" The actors were advancing in combat close together, to enable the camera to show their numbers. When the Force disbanded in December 1944, only 1 man in 5 was an original Montana-trained member. The rest were replacements who had to be trained in rear areas in six weeks. Compare that to the nine months of the original members training from July 1942 to April 1943 stateside. The original mission to Norway was considered a "one way" operation, with no specific plan to withdraw the Force when it was over. So likewise no plan for replacements had been prepared. Then the Force went to Italy and casualties were heavy. To fulfil its mission at Anzio and in France, replacements had to be found.
‘Scotland the Brave’ is an unofficial second national anthem in Canada. Pipe bands are popular, and as we are a multi-ethnic society, “You don’t have to be Scottish” to be part of one. Scottish regiments are commonplace; the kilt shows up in many a parade-even in small towns.
In one of my university work terms I met a fellow who said he was part of the Devil's Brigade. He said he was on the team that invaded Kiska in the Aleutians to retake it from the Japanese. As it turned out they landed without firing a shot because the Japanese had left a couple of weeks before. At the time I didn't know anything about the Devil's Brigade so never asked him any more about it.
Churchill's agents were trained there to parachute in and "set Europe alight". Camp X was actually situated in Oshawa Ontario. Quite a few Americans trained there ,survived the war and formed the CIA in peacetime America.
Interestingly enough, Canada certainly had it's share of military and intelligence originals. Another story you might want to check out is Canada's original Spymaster. The world knew him as The Man Called Intrepid. William Stephenson. Intrepid was his code name. Ian Fleming would use his character as the inspiration for a new character he created, the one and only James Bond. Stephenson's exploits during WW1&WW2 would be recognized not only by Canada but the UK and the US as crucial to the new world of intelligence he would help to create. Great job with the Devil's Brigade.
There was a movie in 1968 called The Devil's Brigade about this force, and lets just say Hollywood didn't quite follow the true story line. But it did get people talking who new nothing of this unit, which was good. They are the forerunners to every "special ops" units today.
So you know. Yeah - my background is U.S. and Canadian. My family is from Norway. Notably Fagerness. That area was major resistance to the Nazis by Norwegian men. One cool story - The Norwegians (and this Canadian/US unit) were so plucky - that they picked off numerous Nazis. One night - in Fagerness - Norwegian soldiers rapelled down a rock-face, and painted the Norwegian Flag on the rock. Later that morning, occupying Nazis litterally took their hats off, not knowing how to get the flag off. Yeah, and these Norwegian, Canadian, U.S., boys were cold. These guys stopped the Nazi's get for nuclear weapons. Our boys were BIG BOYS.
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My Grandma's brother was part of the Devils Brigrade. My grandma had no idea what her brother took part of in WW2 until 2015 when he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal (the highest honour for a non-American citizen) from the United States Government. He was a Canadian man named Gerard Lafleche of Timmins, Ontario. He was too old to travel at the time, so a representative came to Timmins to present him with the award. He was 96 years old when he was recognized for his service during the war. He passed away in 2016.
I'm not far from there and for some reason feel like I've heard that name. I had relatives who joined but didn't get anything for whatever they did Lol.
That's pretty crazy tho, good for him and may he rest in peace.
@@colejarvis666 You don't join the 1SSF.
The Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) are the offspring of the Devil's Brigade.
You come from fearsome stock! Thank goodness for your great uncle
Google the list of people who have revived that medal.
My uncle was a Canadian volunteer member of the FSSF "Devil's Brigade. Sgt. George Robinson, 6-2, KIA'd Feb. 18/44 at Anzio.
I’m in Canada. I worked as a surveyor in the Arctic with a gentleman who was in this brigade. He received the highest award given to a Canadian Serviceman. His name was Vern Doucette. A wonderful person.
Thanks for the 😊such important work you're doing for Canadians. Arctic must be great but also difficult place to be but you have surely the chance to see Aurores boréales , c' est votre cadeau pour vos services, well deserved gifts for your services. 👍✌️
@@Joy-fc6kgyes the Northern Lights are indescribable up past the Arctic Circle. I’ve been, only a 2 day drive from hone to hit the Circle lol and brrrr 🥶 but ALWAYS remember Ursus Maritimus may find you too. Zero fear of humans, in fact nothing alive scares the Polar Bear.
@@14goldmedals Thanks for aknowleging my comment, just being curious, why is your account name is 14 goldmedals, and what exactly is the purpose of your work, looking out for what, if it's ok for you to answer.
Thanks and hope you have a peaceful sky👍✌️😊
@@Joy-fc6kg I chose it as a name when Canada hosted the Winter Olympics. Canada won 14 golds which was more than USA for the first time ever! I was there as a police security force member.
Doucette? That sounds like a family name around here.. in particular my grandmothers name.. would he have come from P.E.I. in any way?
My Great Uncle was part of the Devils Brigade. He was a Canadian called Sgt. Edgar Stewart Fines, and ended up recieving the medal below the medal of honour during the campaign in italy.
Thank you for being respectful towards us Canadians
My grandfather was a Canadian Field medic in the battle of Normandy . Respect to you ( I’m Canadian with a beautiful Scottish wife) 🇨🇦❤️
Us Americans know full-well what our Canadian brothers are capable of and how tough they are. There's NOBODY I'd rather have my back than a Canadian.
There was a movie in 1968 called The Devil's Brigade about this force. I highly recommend you watch it if you can.
An Aboriginal Canadian Tommy Prince was a part of the Devil's Brigade in W.W. II and he also served in the Korean War. He distinguished himself in both wars. There is a Heritage Minute about him.
The scene when the Canadians arrive, marching to Scotland The Brave, is excellent.
@@kevinsacks3185 It was fun to watch but totally ridiculous. The Americans were not a bunch of criminals kicked out of their units, they were the best of their units.
@@kevinsacks3185 I love when the Canadian combat instructor (Jeremy Slate) is introduced during the mess hall scene with Claude Akins.
Agreed, It's a good film for it's era. Stands well alongside The Longest Day and A Bridge Too Far. Well worth a watch. As a Canadian, I very much enjoyed the fraternal jabs at our neighbors and friends.
The C 4th highlanders were highly trained by Canadian armed group. By the records the Americans were a bunch of drunks and losers. The movie explains it very well, the video that you’re watching now is an extremely generic version. I’m guessing created and written and narrated by an American.
My grandfather was a member of the Devils Brigade as well. He didn't talk about it much, but he did teach me a lot of the skills; bushcraft, self defence and such. He was one Hell of a guy!
"The Devil's Brigade" is still one of my favourite war movies
Tommy Prince was my favourite member of the Devil's Brigade. He was a Native Canadian with a lot of great feats. A couple examples: during one raid on a German barracks he cut the throats of every third sleeper so that each man would wake up next to corpse and fear how close it came to being them. Another time he hid in a farmhouse callin in artillery when a stray round cut the telephone cable he was using so he dressed in farmers clothing and grabbed a hoe. He then pretended to hoe the field until he found the break, spliced it back together while pretending to tie his boots, shook a fist at the nearby Germans, then went back inside to continue calling in artillery.
Tommy Prince did not slit the throats of every third German sleeping in their barracks. That is a tale that has been told for generations about the Gurkhas of the Indian Army. Tommy Prince does not need you embellishing his accomplishments.
Was Indigenous/Aboriginal/First Nation. Now, break it down he was of The Ojibway Nation. I never heard the term "Native Canadian" from my family.
@@FIORGOBASAUDEAMUS no need to be a dickhead about it, eh bud?
@@Plupx must be meaning yourself.
thats such a good story thanks for sharing. what a badass
Watching all these videos really puts in perspective how lucky I am to be born. My Great Grampa fought in both the world wars and he even lost his eye. But so many soldiers paid the ultimate price for our freedoms. Thank you to all our Grampa's that fought for us ❤
Many times, while exploring many World War Films / Stories, especially interviews, I'll begin to tear up. It's Bitter Sweet. I've been in the military, though not in real combat, but have seen the destruction that can be unleashed. My deceased Father was in North Africa, Sicily, Italy then sent to clear the Atlantic Wall and Liberate Holland. Yes, he was a Canadian and there were 7 other Relatives that were in WW1 / WW2 and only 3 returned home. I know that ' I can't even imagine ' is said a lot. But, maybe, once in awhile, you can imagine. Hence the tear.
@@ArKay-nj2nh I can only now imagine what he must have seen and gone through. We used to ask him questions but he was humble and would only tell us kids to be thankful for our freedoms ❤️🙏
We may make jokes about eachother like little siblings, but god we're awesome when we work together.
My grandfather was in FSSF. He never talked about it. Except one time.
He went to all the reunions every year untill his late 80s.
He passed away days before the Canadian members were being awarded a medal by the American government.
Was lucky and proud he was my grandfather
Can you not claim that medal in his honour? Perhaps look to the USVA
My neighbour as a kid was this very nice older guy who lived on the street his whole life. I was working at a local museum here and picked up a book. It was written by him, and about his time in the 1SSF. I was very shocked!
So you never know what that old white dude that some people may bully has for a history.. lol..
Ralph Mayville of Windsor Ontario was a member of this brigade. Tough as nails only scratches the surface of this brave man’s strength. He broke his hip at 95 and still participated in a wreath laying ceremony a couple weeks later. He trained as a para but never jumped in ww2 so he wouldn’t wear his silver wings. At 92yo he jumped and earned his wings. Sadly he passed in 2019 at 98yo. He remains an example to others of bravery and honour. The German troops were afraid of these guys and named them the black devils for good reason. RIP Ralph
The gentleman I met, joined the FSSF in Italy, served 99 days in Anzio, then Rome. He helped liberate the two islands mentioned, the n went into the mountains where he was hit with shrapnel from a shell. He didn't wear his paratroopers wings until age 92 when he did a tandem jump as he was sent before they completed their jumps. I last was him before his jump. Congressional medal and French Legion of honor recipient. RIP Ralph Mayville 1921-2019
Winnipeg Native American here. As much as we all bicker and banter with one another with all our countless differences here in Canada, I believe and I also assume that regardless of where we all stand and live here on Canadian territory as well as where we stand on the political & spiritual spectrum. That if canada went to war or was attacked that we would put our differences aside and remind the world about our WWI reputation and just how much we can top that ten fold with our modern and increased population coupled with our technological advancement.
I had an old man across the street. He was a sniper with the First Canadian Parachute Battalion, attached to the British 6th airborne.
His first mission was landing behind Juno Beach on D day. He was in intense fighting. Lost behind enemy lines. Fought his way back to be part of the liberation of Bergen Belson. He never talked about the war till late into his life. I had to write a book about him. The Boy Who Cried Soldier.
Canadian young men were unbelievable brave, but humble in their hearts.
An elderly gentleman from our town was honored for being a member of the Devil's Brigade. It was prior to the showing of the movie at our local theater. I had the opportunity to speak with him years later. I asked if he was at Normandy on D Day. He said they were there two days before.
the training these men received was quite different and quite extreme,and is a story unto itself.they were trained for just about anything by the best experts they could rustle up no matter where they came from.there was nothing average about it,those that could stay with it and complete it,had to be beyond strong...and typical us/canada rivalry likely pushed soldiers from each country to their best,neither side willing to be outdone by the other...the whole black devils thing tho,that was likely Canadian inspired..its pretty much ww1 trench raiding tactics,absolutely brutal raids by night that the Canadians were well known for in the great war...the psychological effects on the enemy were quite well known to them, even in ww1
Google JTF2 an Navy Seals, they worked together in Afghanistan, the US commander had high praise for Canadian operators, and vice versa.
Comparing what Tier 1 Units who are allies do together are 2 totally different things. This was a Commissioned unit that trained together from day 1. Apples and Oranges.
@@nag2129 I agree completely. I didn’t mean to imply that they were 😊. I thought he asked if Canada And the US still do special operations together. But as far as I know, we certainly don’t have anything like the devil’s brigade in current times.
@@nag2129JTF2's pedigree is 1SSF.
@@gryph01 No shit, I wear the Spearhead every were I go, tell me something else I also know Captain Obvious lol. Stick to CH-146 Griphons bud. I personally know the CO who runs 427 SOAS.
@@nag2129 Why do you wear the spearhead? Did you earn it? I earned my badge....Ubique!
My Father, born in Saskatchewan Canada, was there. He was a Sniper, and I have a picture of him leaning up against a Howitzer. His uniform is very strange, with a patch on the left shoulder with a stylized face of a Cat, being the only marking. The top is a hoody in a jagged block camouflage pattern with a large central chest pocket, that is completely different than any other military uniform I've ever seen.
Would like to see that patch..only regiment with a cat is the Ontario Reg. But never heard of a patch.
Any way to scan that picture or even just take a photo of it? Would love to see it identified.. lots of military history buffs here but more importantly you can contact the Legion or actual military to track it down I'm sure..
@@FIORGOBASAUDEAMUS He was in the P.P.C.L.I. if that helps at all. To me, it almost looks more like a custom or one-off kind of thing than a Production Unit/Reg. style, I cannot detect any surrounding border edges when zooming in.
@@balghair1 For sure. Do you have a safe "temporary" or disposable e-mail address or something I can send it to? I'm rather paranoid nowadays and quite abysmal when it comes to understanding how to otherwise transmit media, I'm afraid lol
My grandpa was a member of the FSSF. He was in 4-1. He never spoke about his time during the war, but he did make it to most of the FSSF Association's yearly reunions, which my mom remembers going to when she growing up.
My neighbour was a member. He hated Germans until he died. He rarely talked about it but what he told me was over the top nuts. He said the biggest problem was if you were wounded they had trouble with which country would treat them and how to get back to their unit was a big problem again for same reason. Apparently neither side cooperated so it was a real problem. He was behind lines a lot, was a radio operator and got in trouble after returning from behind lines because he was so frustrated he used the f bomb and some monitoring station heard him. Trouble was they were under fire at the time. He used to always comment on how good the German radio stuff was. Also at Anzio they used death cards as they kill Germans silently and leave their card to freak them out. He hated Anzio… said it was hell.
Thanks for sharing this. The sad part is, most Canadian and American youth will never know what preceded them. WW2 was so long ago and has all but faded except for the oldest of minds.
My dad was in the Canadian artillery but was never overseas as the war ended before they were deployed.
I'm 75 now. Grew up watching black and white Hollywood movies of WW2 in the 1950s. Now, still interested in the real stories that took place Especially as a proud Canadian.
My father fought in Italy. Was at the battle of Monte Cassino. It's not so long ago as all that.
When I was growing up one of my dad's best friends was in the Devils Brigade. He was a very nice mild mannered soft spoken man. Who had looked right in the eyes of some of the men he killed. They were truly scary.
My uncle was in this unit. The FSSF had annual reunions because such a huge bond was built during training and battle. The reunions alternated back and forth between Canada and the US. One year it might be in Nov Scotia and the next year in Texas. Even though just about all of the men has passed, their families continue to plan reunions every year to carry on the tradition of their fathers, grandfathers and other family members.
My uncle was a soft spoken man who loved to smile and laugh. He didn't talk about the war except to say that he was sent to do a job and he did it.
One of my sons is a member of CSOR, who can trace their origin back to the SSF. Love this history.
My Grandfather LLoyd Dunlop was a wireless radio operator for First Special Service Force aka devil's brigade, he was from Cape Breton passed away at 93 in Yarmouth Nova Scotia. He spoke very rarely about the war.
There is a great movie on this, and it is called The Devil's Brigade.
With Cliff Robertson and William Holden
'Great' may be an overstatement, but it is very entertaining.
My late neighbour Jack Callowhill served with the FSSF at Monte la Difensa. Thanks again for your service and all the stories you shared with me Jack 🇨🇦
My dad was a vet. He worked with Jack Callowhill. I took my to meetings he had in Hamilton at legion. They had beer etc. I met Mr Callowhill at what my dad said was the old fart club , all the guys were WW2 vets
Check out Sgt Prince one of most decorated soldier in Canada. He was in this unit. He was decorated for heroism in WW2 and also in Korea.
My Grandfather served in The First Special Service Force. He was a Canadian Member. Palmer O Griffiths HQ Det 1st Rgt
I call bullshit
@@jakegingrich2374 Believe what you want Troll. Obviously you have nothing better to do with your time
So was mine. LaVergne J. Paul.
A former mayor of Kincardine, Ontario, was a member of the Devil’s Brigade. His name was Charlie Mann.
Us Canadians still and have always specially trained for icy snowy mountain conditions, so it makes sense.
The Canadian premiere of the movie The Devil Brigade was in my community, a very exciting time for us.
These guys are the inspiration of the Inglorious Bastards.
A well earned reputation for getting it done against the enemy regardless of the odds and challenges.
Very impressive indeed!!
There's a reason our border is unchallenged.... the US won't mess with us Canadians...
Cause we're allies
Exactly primary. Allie’s and friends with no history of aggression or violence for hundreds of years. Something both countries should be very proud of. I’m very lucky to have our American brothers and sisters as my neighbour. Let that never change.
We're keeping the cup on our side of the border. Just FYI
@@RGately we’ll have to wait and see at this point. Who you got winning this year?? Redwings are my favourite team!!
😂😂Haha
I'm glad you're doing this because as a millenial 🇨🇦 i don't remember this being taught in school. Our military has been degraded and i think these should be shown more so we know our identity. Trudeau says we don't have one.
You're deranged.
Liberals hate history.. that is why they desecrate monuments and pull down statues.. they hate that strong men can resist them.. also why they push "toxic masculinity " and feminism and the alphabet mafia stuff.. they are afraid of strong men willing to die for a good cause.. also why the word Jesus hurts their ears and they allow/ encourage church burnings.. also mandates for jabs.. lol they tried to dei the military and they got the Freedom Convoy instead.. losers gonna lose.. bunch of bureaucrats gonna replace everyone with dei and robots? Fat chance.. the blood of the strong still lives.. and that is why THEY hate us.. we will resist their plans.. till death- then we talk to Jesus, so no fear either. The main tool for them is propaganda and FEAR. If you believe in God you should be immune to both
As a Canadian i didn't know about this, great to know thanks
These guys were so well trained, It was like they were eating up the enemy.
My uncle was a Canadian member of the 1SSF. He fortunately survived but rarely spoke of the war. Learning of their contribution to the war and heavy losses, I now understand why.
One of the original selectee/volunteers was from my local regiment that I was a part of for a few years. Keddy was his last name and I was honored to have the chance to meet him and his son. He told me some quite interesting stories, one involving him forcing a group of Germans to surrender at point blank bazooka point.
Respect to Mr. Gerard Lafleche! Thank you for keeping us free. And from Timmins,,,,a fine town here in Ontario!
I did not know about this unit until today, thank-you. The SAS actually trains near me for winter/mountain operations (I'm near Banff, and yes, the water really us that amazing colour)
I said this last video about Canada in WW2, but my great grandfather was in both the devil’s brigade and the 1st canadian special service battalion in the Italian front. He died in 1944 during the battle of monte cassino. I don’t know much else about him, but he brought back a Czech VZ.24 bayonet, and I got it when my grandmother died.
Both those units you named are the exact same unit. He served in only 1 unit not 2.
I actually served in 3 PPCLI jump company. The FSSF or devils brigade had a quite a few troops from ppcli. Around 2010 a handful of these vet came to our battalion lines and we did a parachute demonstration for them. Afterwards I picked a handful of guys and we went to the Ramada hotel and got drunk with them lol.
This is what JTF2 and CSOR drew their roots from.
And US Army Green Berets, Specifically 1st SFG
@@4evrane342 NO IF ANYTHING SAS
@@alpearson9158 the SAS has no ties to this unit whatsoever, the SAS already existed when the devils brigade was stood up
@@4evrane342 No, the Devils Briagde was the first special force in the world at the time of WW2.
@@thesinistermango1533 incorrect, read a book some time
I love how you seek out information. The FSSF is legendary and there's a great and rich backstory and history.
Unfortunately, this video is very US-centric. Mountbatten and Churchill were very hot to see this come to life. The Canadians were already pretty facile with a nordic environment and skills. The strategic importance of Norway was significant, but "bring an early end to the war"??
I look forward to seeing what other things you unearth about this unit. I hope you enjoy your explorations as much as we do in your sharing them. *Respect*. Thank you. Keep it up!!
If you're ever in Helena, MT, the have a museum on the base where they trained. Def worth a visit and appreciation. These guys were truly supermen.
My wife’s great uncle was a devil he gave his life in Italy. He was also Canadian from Ontario
I luv your vids Mert. You have a way of making me proud to be Canadian, if only for the time I’m watching your content.
Great information! Both my Grandfathers were involved in these operations. Never taked about much.
I personally met a member of the Devil’s Brigade…..the one portrayed by the big red headed actor
I love the infographic show. I'm from Atlantic Canada but never even new about this group until i seen it awhile back on there channel
You may enjoy the movie, Devil’s Brigade.
You made me want to go back and watch the movie again. I has been about 30 years since I last saw it. It is streaming for free on some services. Great movie.
It is important to keep in mind the movie is Hollywoodized in the way they did in the 50s/60s (think The Longest Day and A Bridge Too Far), but it certainly captures the key points and makes clear, particularly at the end, the terrific sacrifice and impact these men of men had and the respect they have earned.
They never went away they live on today as the Green Barret and CSOR respectively and still wreak havoc when they team up
A friend of mine his dad was a member from Wheatley on Canada proud of his tather
Hey I wanted to say I love your content! Been a subscriber for about a month, keep up the excellent work Mert (I don't know if it's your first name).
God, they put Canadians and Americans together in a military unit ? That's a scary thought for any enemy !
BE VERY PROUD OF THE DEVILS BRIGADE, THE GERMANS NAMED THEM THAT! We refused to give ground, with a tear I say they would die before they lost a single battle! They were and will remain the heroes that changed the history of war and taught the Germans to FEAR US because you had to kill us to win and that broke them because the cost was to high to fight us! Be very very proud of those beautiful men that lost their lives but literally saved the lives of millions!
German soldiers would flee when the Red Brigade came..beautiful men that I respect…give that meaning to the unnamed soldier and you will think differently about their sacrifice! I believe you will see them in heaven if YOU get there because I think they Are at the right hand of the Lord Jesus right now…
There was a movie made about it made in the 50s or 60s titled "The Devil's Brigade " .
It didn't have the Aleutian island incident that I recall, so thanks for that
I think i made the suggestion! Thanks for this!
Great content man, keep up the great work !
For further Canadian war time actions look into WWI Canadian victory at Vimy Ridge.
Canadians had been the first into 'special forces' starting in WW1. The Germans coined the term Storm troopers to describe the Canadians in WW1.
Storm troopers
@@balghair1 Thanks, corrected
@@daveusubiaga4102 lol you are welcome my friend.. people like us pass along knowledge like the ancient Celtic folk.. we can NOT trust wikipedia anymore.. we have to start the word to mouth again.. consider yourself a bard or perhaps druid in training.. we he to keep facts alive.. if you even see me misspeak- please correct me as I would rather learn the truth than be right... cheers and God bless btw..
@@balghair1 'perhaps druid in training.. we he to keep facts'- had
@@daveusubiaga4102 lol have..😂 oops.
Great subject matter and great reaction!
My father was with the FSSF. His Name Lawrence Stanley Dickie form Montreal Canada. He was transferred from the Canadian 1st Paratrooper Corp. He was wounded three times in battle. He did not talk to much about his War years except to say that he was with Special Forces. He passed away from a heart attack in 1972. He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal Honour in 2015. I also remember one instance where I had his military portrait on display in 2004 and a gentleman came up to the photo and I could see he was remembering. We talked for a bit and he asked if was related and I said yes he was my father. He said that my dad was fearless and a " Mean SOB" when in battle as his eyes were watering up.
My third video
Don't mess with Canadian
Great video, Both Canada and the U.S. could use some of the spirt, courage and pride shown by these brave men. Today's excuses for men in many areas of leadership in both countries are a disgrace and that is being kind.
One of the Brigade came from the Sudbury Ontario area.
I found out after he passed away that a man who went to my church, Jack Callowhill, was a member of the Devil's Brigade. We sang in the choir together for years and I never knew that he was such an important part of history. A very nice man, hard to imagine him being a terror on the battlefield.
That's the thing with real heroes. They had a job to do and they did it. They didn't make a big fuss about it, unlike the phony bragging of the pretenders. When they came back they had no interest in glorifying war or their part in it. They just wanted to live a peaceful life and raise a family. I'm sure most of them had PTSD (shell shock in those days) but they didn't talk about that either.
The Green Beret was Originally Canadian and US special forces use it today
FSSF was disbanded in 1995 (to my knowledge)...I was SSF in 1 RCR London Ontrio in 1982-85...I wore the winged OSONS dagger on my uniform. I was in combat support company "ECHO" mortar platoon, PRO PATRIA.
American Tech, Canadian Army, British Officers... scariest combo.
In Canada they had "Camp X" the training centre for special operations for many allied forces during WW2
The 1st Special Service Force was often confused with the 1st Special Forces Services. The 1stSFS was the Entertainment Services for American Forces. The Force earned its name The Devil's Brigade during Operation Shingle, the invasion of Anzio
They never used the words 'Devil's Brigade'. There was a passage in a captured German diary that stated "the black devils are all around us" referring to the Forcemen's practice of blacking their faces and actively patrolling at night. That comment does not support the use of some BS made up nickname selected by a book publisher in 1966 and subsequently used in a 1968 movie.
Hello
Just wanted to comment on the bagpipes. We use bagpipes at a lot of ceremonies depending on where you live. And some Universities and Colleges the graduates are piped in for there graduation. I will admit at these it always makes me cry because it feels more important with the pipers leading them.
Pink Floyd's Roger Waters' father was killed at Anzio, this fact is commemorated in the lines of the song When the Tigers Broke Free from the album Pink Floyd The Film. The soundtrack from The Wall movie with Bob Geldof.
A friend of mine, his uncle was one of the members of the Devil's Brigade (Maurice White). He lived in Edmonton.
I learned stuff, liked the movie and your videos
knew a Canadian member of the Devils Brigade who after the war became a DR .. Worked at times with him when I was a Paramedic .. .
The First Special Service Force was trained and barracked in Helena, Montana. Helena has a storied reputation of attracting gunfighters. Early Post Civil War, many former Confederate soldiers settled in and around here for a fresh start cattle & horse ranching. These former cavalrymen knew how to expertly weild thier sixguns from on top thier swift horses. They strongly influenced a young Elmer Kieth whom would go onto invent the .44 Magnum cartridge. So it seems fitting this joint American and Canadian commando force honed thier marksmanship and mountaineering skills in this very place. There must be something within Helena water & soil that attracts adventurous warrior gunmen. Would love to know if the local indigenous population have similar stories of like minded combatants pre-settler era.
When the movie was shown to the veterans of the Devil's Brigade, some yelled out "Spread out!" The actors were advancing in combat close together, to enable the camera to show their numbers. When the Force disbanded in December 1944, only 1 man in 5 was an original Montana-trained member. The rest were replacements who had to be trained in rear areas in six weeks. Compare that to the nine months of the original members training from July 1942 to April 1943 stateside.
The original mission to Norway was considered a "one way" operation, with no specific plan to withdraw the Force when it was over. So likewise no plan for replacements had been prepared. Then the Force went to Italy and casualties were heavy. To fulfil its mission at Anzio and in France, replacements had to be found.
You might want to check out Camp X
America and Canada still work together via 'NORAD'. I believe the second in command is a Canadian.
‘Scotland the Brave’ is an unofficial second national anthem in Canada. Pipe bands are popular, and as we are a multi-ethnic society, “You don’t have to be Scottish” to be part of one. Scottish regiments are commonplace; the kilt shows up in many a parade-even in small towns.
North American badass. 😀
Yes they had made a movie about them and it was worth watching
In one of my university work terms I met a fellow who said he was part of the Devil's Brigade. He said he was on the team that invaded Kiska in the Aleutians to retake it from the Japanese. As it turned out they landed without firing a shot because the Japanese had left a couple of weeks before. At the time I didn't know anything about the Devil's Brigade so never asked him any more about it.
The Devil's brigade is a really good movie. should watch it
you should check out the CBC documentary on Camp X it was in Ontario Canada ,, even the writer of the james bond books/movies went through there
Churchill's agents were trained there to parachute in and "set Europe alight".
Camp X was actually situated in Oshawa Ontario.
Quite a few Americans trained there ,survived the war and formed the CIA in peacetime America.
Two things the Germans were terrified of. The Devil’s Brigade and the Gurkhas.
Interestingly enough, Canada certainly had it's share of military and intelligence originals. Another story you might want to check out is Canada's original Spymaster. The world knew him as The Man Called Intrepid. William Stephenson. Intrepid was his code name. Ian Fleming would use his character as the inspiration for a new character he created, the one and only James Bond. Stephenson's exploits during WW1&WW2 would be recognized not only by Canada but the UK and the US as crucial to the new world of intelligence he would help to create. Great job with the Devil's Brigade.
There was a movie in 1968 called The Devil's Brigade about this force, and lets just say Hollywood didn't quite follow the true story line. But it did get people talking who new nothing of this unit, which was good. They are the forerunners to every "special ops" units today.
Hollywood made a great movie called the Devils Brigade depicting the story . I highly recommend it !
The book “A Perfect Hell” by John Nadler is about the FSSF.
So you know.
Yeah - my background is U.S. and Canadian. My family is from Norway. Notably Fagerness. That area was major resistance to the Nazis by Norwegian men.
One cool story - The Norwegians (and this Canadian/US unit) were so plucky - that they picked off numerous Nazis.
One night - in Fagerness - Norwegian soldiers rapelled down a rock-face, and painted the Norwegian Flag on the rock. Later that morning, occupying Nazis litterally took their hats off, not knowing how to get the flag off. Yeah, and these Norwegian, Canadian, U.S., boys were cold.
These guys stopped the Nazi's get for nuclear weapons.
Our boys were BIG BOYS.