Top 10 Facts about UK Special Forces SAS

The United Kingdom’s special forces, particularly the renowned Special Air Service (SAS) and Special Boat Service (SBS), are often overshadowed by the fame and popularity of their American counterparts. However, this does not diminish their exceptional capabilities and storied history. These elite units have not only inspired the creation of modern special forces around the world but have also played pivotal roles in some of the most critical military operations and domestic crises faced by the UK.

In this comprehensive article, we delve into Top 10 Facts about UK Special Forces SAS, providing a deeper appreciation for these unsung heroes of the British military.

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1. The SAS

The Special Air Service, or SAS, had rather humble beginnings during World War II. Initially known as L Detachment, the unit was tasked with daring commando missions against the Nazis. Surprisingly, after the war, the British government saw fit to disband the burgeoning SAS entirely.

However, this decision was short-lived, as the need for such an elite commando squad became increasingly apparent. Just a year later, the SAS was reformed as a new regiment, and over the years, additional units were added to expand its size and capabilities.

2. The SBS

While many may be familiar with the US Navy SEALs, the British have their own version of this elite special forces unit – the Special Boat Service (SBS). The SBS traces its roots back to World War II, when a daring British commando named Roger Courtney demonstrated his ability to sneak across the water undetected.

This led to the creation of a dedicated unit focused on amphibious operations, predating the establishment of the US Navy SEALs.

3. The SAS and the Troubles in Northern Ireland

During the Troubles in Northern Ireland, the SAS found itself increasingly involved in domestic affairs, a situation that often raises controversy when military units are employed in civilian matters. Initially, the SAS only provided advisory support to regular units, but their involvement escalated over time. They were tasked with abducting IRA leaders and even found themselves accidentally crossing the Irish border, leading to confrontations with local police.

While the SAS maintained remarkable restraint, the heavy-handed tactics resulted in a few unfortunate civilian casualties, highlighting the challenges of employing special forces in such complex domestic situations.

4. The Grueling SAS Selection Process

The SAS selection process is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous and demanding in the world. Aspiring candidates, who are already seasoned soldiers at the peak of their physical fitness, must endure a six-month training regimen that includes a 26-mile endurance march in Wales while carrying heavy gear, as well as an additional endurance test in the jungles of Belize.

The overall pass rate for this selection process is a mere 10%, making it an exceptionally challenging hurdle for even the most elite soldiers. Tragically, the intensity of the training has even resulted in the deaths of some recruits, leading to accusations of a “culture of death” within the SAS.

5. The Gurkhas Join the SAS

The Gurkhas, an elite fighting force from Nepal, have long been associated with the British military, serving alongside them in various campaigns. In recent years, it has been confirmed that a dozen Gurkhas have made their way into the ranks of the SAS, a remarkable achievement considering the notoriously demanding selection process.

The Gurkhas’ fierce warrior traditions and exceptional skills have made them highly sought-after additions to the SAS, with an impressive pass rate of around 25% for those attempting to join the elite unit.

6. The SAS and the Iranian Embassy Siege

The SAS’s international fame skyrocketed in 1980 during the Iranian Embassy siege in London. When a group of extremists from Iran took over the embassy and held 26 hostages, the British government, led by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, refused to negotiate with the terrorists.

After six days of standoff, the SAS was called in to storm the building, and they executed a daring rescue operation that saved all the remaining hostages without any casualties. This incident cemented the SAS’s reputation as one of the world’s most elite and capable special forces units.

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7. The SAS and the Iraq War

During the early days of the Iraq War, the SAS and the SBS found themselves in a public spat. A former SAS member had made disparaging remarks about the professionalism and capabilities of the SBS, leading to a heated exchange between the two elite units. The tensions stemmed from accusations that the SBS had fled from a confrontation with the Iraqi Republican Guard, as well as claims that the SBS did not undergo the same rigorous training as the SAS.

However, the SBS member who responded refuted these allegations, stating that the unit had been led into a trap and had managed to fight their way out despite being outnumbered.

8. The SAS and Bodyguard Work in Iraq

As the situation in Iraq descended into chaos following the toppling of Saddam Hussein’s regime, the need for security and protection grew exponentially. Many contractors, experts, and businessmen working on the reconstruction efforts in Iraq sought the services of bodyguards, and former SAS members found lucrative opportunities in this field.

Some were reportedly earning as much as £1,000 per day for their services, as the British special forces were highly sought after for their expertise and reputation.

9. Sir Christopher Lee’s Alleged SAS Exploits

The legendary actor Sir Christopher Lee claimed to have served with the SAS during World War II, but historians have recently questioned the veracity of these claims. While Lee did serve with the Royal Air Force as a liaison between them and special forces, there is no concrete evidence that he was ever formally part of the SAS or engaged in the kind of covert operations he had suggested. Nevertheless, Lee’s insistence on providing realistic fight choreography during the filming of The Lord of the Rings suggests that he had at least some experience with combat techniques.

10. The Rediscovery of the SAS’s Early History

In the 1990s, a remarkable treasure trove of historical information about the early days of the SAS came to light. An anonymous member of the unit had kept a detailed diary, complete with documents, photographs, and other invaluable records from the unit’s formative years during World War II. This diary remained hidden for decades until it was discovered and eventually republished, providing a rare and comprehensive glimpse into the origins and exploits of the SAS in its earliest incarnation.

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Conclusion

The UK’s special forces, particularly the SAS and SBS, have a rich history and a reputation for excellence that often goes unrecognized beyond their home country. From their humble beginnings to their pivotal roles in critical operations and domestic crises, these elite units have consistently demonstrated their exceptional capabilities and unwavering dedication to their missions.

The facts presented in this article shed light on the lesser-known aspects of the UK’s special forces, highlighting their remarkable achievements, the challenges they have faced, and the enduring legacy they have left on the world stage. As the world continues to grapple with evolving security threats, the role of these elite units will undoubtedly remain crucial in safeguarding the interests of the United Kingdom and its allies.

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