2nd Special Service Brigade

The 2nd Special Service Brigade was formed in late 1943 in the middle east and saw service in Italy the Adriatic the landings at Anzio and operations in Yugoslavia. [Army Commandos 1940-45 By Mike Chappell,p 31] On December 6 1944 the Brigade was re named 2nd Commando Brigade, removing the hated title "Special Service" and its association with the German SS. [British Commandos 1940-46 By Timothy Robert Moreman,p 32]

In 1945 they were involved in the Lake Comacchio battle, Operation Roast where Cpl Tom Hunter of No.43 RM Commando earned a posthumous Victoria Cross for conspicuous Gallantry in single handedly clearing a farmstead housing three Spandaus after charging across 200 metres of open ground firing his Bren gun from the hip, then moving to an exposed position to draw fire away from his comrades by engaging further Spandaus entrenched on the far side of the canal. Afeter Operation Roast the Brigade was involved in the follow up actions until the German surrender.They remained in the area on security duties until being disbanded in 1946 [Army Commandos 1940-45 By Mike Chappell,p 31]

Italian Campaign

The Brigade as a formation was not involved in Operation Husky the invasion of Sicily but 40 RM Commando was involved in the assault landings as Army Troops. In Operation Shingle the assault at Anzio No9 Army Commando and 43 RM Commando were the only units involved. the whole Brigade would be involved in the Spring 1945 offensive in Italy.In 1945 they were involved in the Lake Comacchio battle, Operation Roast where Cpl Tom Hunter of No.43 RM Commando earned a posthumous Victoria Cross for conspicuous Gallantry in single handedly clearing a farmstead housing three Spandaus after charging across 200 metres of open ground firing his Bren gun from the hip, then moving to an exposed position to draw fire away from his comrades by engaging further Spandaus entrenched on the far side of the canal. Afeter Operation Roast the Brigade was involved in the follow up actions until the German surrender.They remained in the area on security duties until being disbanded in 1946 [Army Commandos 1940-45 By Mike Chappell,p 31]

Formation

*Brigadier Ronnie Tod
**No 2 Army Commando
**No 9 Army Commando
**No 40 Royal Marine Commando
**No 43 Royal marine Commando

References

ee Also

*1st Special Service Brigade
*3rd Special Service Brigade
*4th Special Service Brigade
*British Commandos