British SAS: History of The Special Air Service

World War II: The Birth of the SAS (1941-1945)

• The SAS was founded in July 1941 by David Stirling, a British Army officer who believed in using small, highly trained units for behind-enemy-lines operations.
• Originally called "L Detachment, Special Air Service Brigade," the name was meant to deceive the Germans into believing it was a large airborne division.
• The unit's first missions took place in North Africa, where they conducted hit-and-run raids on Axis airfields and supply lines, often using jeeps armed with machine guns.
• The SAS later fought in Italy, France (D-Day), and Germany, conducting sabotage and guerrilla warfare alongside resistance groups.

Post-War Disbandment and Reformation (1945-1952)

• After World War II, the SAS was disbanded in 1945, as Britain scaled down its military.
• However, due to growing global conflicts, it was re-established in 1950 during the Malayan Emergency to fight communist insurgents using jungle warfare tactics.

Cold War and Counterinsurgency (1950s-1980s)

• Malayan Emergency (1950-1960): The SAS refined jungle warfare and counterinsurgency tactics, setting the foundation for modern special forces.
• Oman (1957-1958): Assisted the Sultanate against insurgents, proving their effectiveness in desert warfare.
• Aden and Borneo (1960s): SAS operatives were involved in covert operations and counterinsurgency.
• The Iranian Embassy Siege (1980): The SAS gained global fame after storming the Iranian embassy in London, rescuing hostages from armed terrorists in a highly televised operation.

Modern Conflicts and the War on Terror (1990s-Present)

• Gulf War (1991): SAS teams conducted deep reconnaissance and sabotage missions in Iraq.
• Bosnia and Kosovo (1990s): Conducted covert operations against war criminals and terrorists.
• Afghanistan (2001-2021): Played a key role in fighting the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, conducting high-risk raids.
• Iraq War (2003-2011): Led direct action missions against Saddam Hussein's forces and later, insurgents.
• Counterterrorism Operations: Ongoing missions in the Middle East and Africa targeting ISIS and terrorist cells.

SAS Today
The SAS remains at the forefront of counterterrorism, hostage rescue, reconnaissance, and unconventional warfare worldwide. The unit's training, secrecy, and effectiveness make it one of the most feared and respected special forces in the world.