Videotape of the First Special Service Force Association 50th Anniversary Reunion
https://collections.galtmuseum.com/link/descriptions17287
- Material Type
- Recording
- Date Range
- 1992
- Accession No.
- 20001052010
- Physical Description
- VHS videotape
- Scope and Content
- Videotape of the dedication ceremony for the cenotaph of the First Special Service Force in Helena, Montana, and the banquet that followed the ceremony.
- Material Type
- Recording
- Date Range
- 1992
- Creator
- Top of the Class TV Productions
- Physical Description
- VHS videotape
- Physical Condition
- Excellent
- History Biographical
- The First Special Service Force (FSSF) was created as the result of a chain of events that started with a proposal for a new military vehicle capable of operating in snow. The vehicle was conceived by Englishman Geoffrey Pike, but England did not have the resources to develop the idea. The proposal was passed to the United States in March 1942, code-named “Plough”. Over time, the proposal had evolved into a plan to attack hydroelectric installations and the heavy water plant in Norway. It was decided to create a special force to carry out “Plough”. The United States Army appointed a commander to form the unit, but he quickly requested re-assignment because of differences with the very eccentric Geoffrey Pike. Command of the force, and responsibility for its creation, was then given to Lieutenant Colonel Robert T. Frederick. Lieutenant Colonel – later Major General – Frederick is the man who is credited with many of the ideas that distinguished the FSSF from other Allied military units: the Canadian – American composition of the force, the regimen of special training and the adoption of new and innovative weapons and equipment. The FSSF was organized in three regiments, each with American and Canadian soldiers. The organization and initial training of the FSSF took place at Fort William Henry Harrison in Helena, Montana. Training was also conducted in Vermont prior to the unit’s first action, the invasion of Kiska in the Aleutian Islands on 15 August 1943. On 3 December 1943 the FSSF saw its second action, this time an attack on Monte La Difensa in Italy. The force climbed cliffs considered impregnable by the German Army, and in two hours captured the position that Allied forces had failed to capture in two weeks. After Monte La Difensa, the FSSF took part in fighting along Highway 6, Monte Vischiataro and Anzio. The FSSF capped its Italian campaign by being one of the first Allied units to enter Rome on 4 June 1944. On 15 August 1944 the FSSF was part of the invasion of southern France. The force helped pushed the Germans back to France’s border with Italy. On 26 November 1944 the unit was pulled out of the fighting in France, and on 2 December 1944 the FSSF was disbanded. The First Special Service Force Association is composed of men who served in the First Special Service Force during World War 2. The unit was a joint creation of Canada and United States, and members from both countries' armed forces served in the First Special Service Force.
- Language
- English
- Acquisition Source
- Knight Jack L
- Scope and Content
- Videotape of the dedication ceremony for the cenotaph of the First Special Service Force in Helena, Montana, and the banquet that followed the ceremony.
- Notes
- This recording is copyrighted to Top of the Class TV Productions in Edmonton. Permission for use must be obtained.
- Access Restrictions
- Public Access
- Accession No.
- 20001052010
- Collection
- Archive
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