Small Force, Big Impact: The Strategic Value of WWII Raiding Forces

Some of the greatest successes in warfare have come with relatively little bloodshed. Throughout history, raids have been used to force an enemy force to draw away its own strength to protect its threatened rear areas. Strategically, raiding can allow one to achieve some goals with the least expenditure of blood and treasure. The mobility of World War II raiding forces presented opportunities never before known in warfare. The author examines raids conducted by the allied and axis forces during the war and draws some interesting conclusions about the value of using raiding parties in modern warfare.