Gavin Mortimer reveals the 12 legendary Special Forces commanders of World War II.
Prior to the war, the concept of 'special forces' simply didn't exist, but thanks to visionary leaders like David Stirling and Charles Hunter, our very concept of how wars can be fought and won has totally changed.
These 12 men not only reshaped military policy, but they led from the front, accompanying their troops into battle, from the sands of North Africa to jumping on D-Day and infiltrating behind enemy lines.
Mortimer also offers a skilful analysis of their qualities as military commanders and the true impact that their own personal actions, as well as those of their units, had on the eventual outcome of the war.

Gavin Mortimer is a writer, historian and television consultant whose groundbreaking book Stirling's Men remains the definitive history of the wartime SAS. Drawing on interviews with more than 60 veterans, most of whom had never spoken publicly, the book was the first comprehensive account of the SAS Brigade. He has also written histories of the SBS, Merrill's Marauders and the LRDG, again drawing heavily on veteran interviews. He has published a variety of titles with Osprey including The Long Range Desert Group in World War II and The SAS in World War II.

Introduction

Anders Lassen Special Boat Squadron
David Stirling Special Air Service
Edson Raff 82ND Airborne
Evans Carlson Marine Raiders
Robert Frederick 1ST Special Service Force
Paddy Mayne Special Raiding Squadron
Ralph Bagnold Long Range Desert Group
Junio Valerio Borghese Tenth Light Flotilla
Baron von der Heydte Fallschirmjäger
Adrian von Fölkersam Brandenburgers
Orde Wingate Chindits
Charles Hunter 5307th Composite Unit
Endnotes
Glossary
Bibliography
Acknowledgements
Index