The Devil’s Brigade: The Legendary Canadian-American Commando Unit That Struck Fear into the Axis

In the shadowy corners of World War II history lies the tale of a unit so fierce, so unconventional, that their enemies called them "The Black Devils." This elite force was the First Special Service Force (FSSF), a unique joint Canadian-American commando unit that paved the way for modern special forces. Their daring missions, relentless training, and unmatched camaraderie forged a legacy that still echoes in military history.

The Birth of a Legend: Formation of the First Special Service Force

In 1942, the tides of World War II raged across Europe and the Pacific. Allied forces sought new ways to strike at the Axis powers, and an audacious idea emerged: a special operations unit trained for unconventional warfare. The brainchild of British military theorist Geoffrey Pyke, the original plan codenamed "Project Plough" envisioned small, highly trained teams capable of launching raids on German-held hydroelectric plants in Norway using tracked snow vehicles.

While Project Plough never materialized, the concept of a joint Canadian-American commando force took root. The U.S. and Canadian governments approved the formation of the FSSF, a 1,800-man unit composed of an equal mix of soldiers from both nations. They trained together, fought together, and became something more than allies, they became brothers-in-arms.

Training: Forged in Fire and Ice

The Devil’s Brigade trained at Fort William Henry Harrison in Montana, enduring one of the most grueling regimens ever devised. Under the ruthless command of Lt. Colonel Robert T. Frederick, the men learned hand-to-hand combat, demolitions, amphibious assaults, and winter warfare. They scaled cliffs, marched for miles with full gear, and honed their marksmanship to deadly precision.

Training knives became part of their identity, the V-42 stiletto, a wickedly sharp blade, symbolized their close-combat prowess.

The brutal regimen transformed these men into elite warriors, and their reputation spread like wildfire.

Into the Fight: The Devil’s Brigade in Action

By 1943, the FSSF was ready for action. Their first deployment took them to the Aleutian Islands to oust Japanese forces from Kiska.

The Battle That Wasn’t

The force landed on Kiska after months of brutal training, expecting fierce resistance. The landscape was treacherous, jagged rocks, constant fog, and bone-chilling rain. Soldiers struggled through waist-deep mud, carrying heavy packs and weapons. But as they pushed inland, they found... nothing.

The Japanese had quietly evacuated days earlier under cover of fog, leaving behind booby traps and abandoned fortifications.

The Black Devils suffered casualties from friendly fire and accidents, but the operation gave them valuable real-world experience in amphibious assaults and coordinating with larger forces.

This seemingly anticlimactic mission hardened the men, and they returned to Montana more determined than ever to prove themselves in combat.

Though the Japanese had already evacuated, the operation served as a live test of their abilities. The real crucible would come in Italy.

The Italian Campaign: Climbing into History

In late 1943, the Devil’s Brigade landed in Italy, tasked with breaching the German defensive lines in the mountains. Their most legendary mission came at Monte la Difensa, a strategic peak that had stalled Allied advances for weeks.

Monte la Difensa was part of the Winter Line, a series of heavily fortified German positions blocking the Allied advance to Rome. The mountain’s steep, rocky slopes were nearly vertical, and German machine guns covered every approach. Allied forces had tried and failed to take it, suffering devastating casualties.

Enter the Devil’s Brigade.

Colonel Robert Frederick, their fearless commander, devised a daring plan: the FSSF would scale the mountain’s sheer cliffs at night and launch a surprise assault from above.

The Ascent: In complete silence, the men climbed the jagged rock face using ropes, carrying full gear. Many slipped, scraping flesh against stone or dislocating shoulders, but no one fell.

The Attack: Just before dawn, the Forcemen crested the summit and charged into the German positions with knives, grenades, and submachine guns. The stunned defenders fell back in disarray, and after fierce hand-to-hand combat, the mountain was taken within hours.

The Aftermath: The victory cost the FSSF dearly, they lost nearly 25% of their strength. But their success cracked open the Winter Line, allowing the Allies to push forward.

The daring assault at Monte la Difensa became the Devil’s Brigade’s defining moment, showcasing their ability to achieve the impossible through sheer will and ferocity.

Monte Majo & the Liri Valley (January–May 1944)

The FSSF continued to spearhead the Allied advance through the Italian mountains, capturing Monte Majo and fighting through the Liri Valley. They perfected the art of night raids, sneaking behind enemy lines to kill sentries, destroy supply depots, and leave their signature black calling cards.

One patrol returned after a night raid carrying German weapons and helmets as trophies, grinning like hunters who had bagged big game. Their psychological warfare became just as effective as their combat skills.

Anzio: The Black Devils Rise

During the bloody stalemate at Anzio, the FSSF earned their infamous nickname. They conducted relentless night raids, slipping through enemy lines to sabotage supplies, slit throats, and sow chaos. The Germans, terrified of these shadowy warriors, dubbed them the "Schwarzer Teufel" (Black Devils) after finding calling cards left on dead soldiers, cards marked with the unit’s emblem and the chilling phrase:"Das dicke Ende kommt noch" (The worst is yet to come).

Their psychological warfare broke German morale. The mere whisper of the Black Devils in the area was enough to rattle even hardened troops.

The Final Push: Southern France and Beyond

After Italy, the FSSF joined Operation Dragoon, the invasion of southern France in 1944. They led the amphibious assault, rapidly capturing strategic points along the Riviera and driving deep into Nazi-held territory. Their relentless pace, combined with their ability to fight in rugged terrain, made them invaluable as the Allies pressed into Europe.

By late 1944, the Devil’s Brigade had become one of the most feared units in the entire war. But their days were numbered.

The Dissolution: Why the Devil’s Brigade Disbanded

In December 1944, the FSSF was disbanded. The official reason was logistical, maintaining a bi-national unit became increasingly complicated as the war dragged on. The Canadians returned to their divisions, and the Americans were folded into other units. But in truth, the FSSF had served its purpose.

They had proven that elite, joint-forces operations were not only viable but essential. Their tactics and training influenced the creation of modern special forces, including the U.S. Army Green Berets and Canada’s elite JTF2.

Though the Devil’s Brigade itself faded away, its spirit lived on.

Legacy: The Devils’ Eternal Flame

The legacy of the Devil’s Brigade endures. Veterans of the unit received the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal in 2015, and their daring exploits are immortalized in books, documentaries, and the 1968 film The Devil’s Brigade. The unit's motto, "Facta non verba" (Deeds, not words), remains a guiding principle for special forces worldwide.

Stories of Brotherhood and Bravery

The stories of the Devil’s Brigade are countless, but a few stand out:

• The Monte Majo Raid: After capturing Monte la Difensa, the FSSF stormed Monte Majo, fighting through days of brutal combat with minimal supplies. They never faltered, driving the Germans from yet another critical stronghold.

  
  

• The "Friendly" Firefight: During one night raid, a group of Black Devils accidentally stumbled upon another FSSF patrol. Mistaking each other for Germans, they engaged in a fierce firefight. It ended with both sides realizing their mistake and laughing about it over stolen German rations.

  
  

• The Unbreakable Bond: After the war, Canadian and American FSSF veterans held joint reunions. The bond they forged in combat remained unshakable, transcending borders and lasting a lifetime.

The Devils Who Shaped History

The Devil’s Brigade was more than a military unit, it was a symbol of what’s possible when nations set aside differences to fight for freedom. Their unrelenting ferocity, unwavering brotherhood, and innovative tactics changed the course of World War II and shaped the future of special operations.

Though the First Special Service Force no longer exists, their legacy is written in blood, sweat, and victory. And every time a modern commando scales a cliff, infiltrates enemy lines, or leaves behind a calling card of destruction, the Black Devils smile from the shadows, knowing that their worst is, indeed, yet to come.

Facta non verba.