The Black Devil Brigade: The True Story of the First Special Service Force in World War II

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Summary: A WWII MASTERPIECE!
Review: The Black Devil Brigade is the compelling account of the 1st Special Service Force as seen through the eyes of the men who were the pioneers of our modern day Special Force units. Simmering first-hand accounts bring the humorous day to day activities of the unit coupled with their terrible and tragic episodes of the war at a very personal level. The book is written is such a style that I found myself emotional attached to the men as most of the stories are powerful and moving. I felt as if I were there and personally knew these men. It's quite simply a passionate masterpiece of Second World War oral history and should be required reading for all infantry ranks.

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Summary: This is how oral histories should be written
Review: This book is possibly the finest oral history ever written. Springer has captured the true nature of brutal World War II combat a seen through the eyes of those who served in the mulitnational US and Canadian commando unit, the First Special Service Force, a little known commando unit which may have been the finest trained combat unit of WWII. The book's layout encompassed the lifespan of the unit but Springer focuses mostly on the day to day trials and tribulations of the mental and physical aspects of the men. It is obvious a unit history is not what Springer wanted but a personal narrative of men in combat. By writing in this uniqe style Springer was the catalyst for the vets who had a truly remarkable and extraordinary story to tell. And do these men have a story to tell. Consisting of Canadian and US army volunteers the men were hand selected for their various specialties, (which consisted of volunteers who were single, and with backgrounds in demolitions, skiing, hunting, gamewardens, backwoodsmen, mountaineering, and firearm specialist.)I have never read, heard, or witnessed anything like the men of this unusual unit. The US and Canadians alike hold NOTHING back in their personal narratives. And I mean quite literally. Springer connects the reviting material in a flowing narrative so what you read is the story of events as how the men themselves witnessed them. This narrative is just about as close as you can get without the men sitting in your living rooms telling you of their experiences. I found myself laughing on one page and shedding tears on the next. And the recall of the veterans is amazing. Anyone interested in small unit actions, or personal narratives of commando or infantry combat in World War II WILL LOVE THIS BOOK. I cannot say enough to explain the emotion and contribution this book represents to the US and Canadian fighting man of World War II.