1st Special Service Force | ghosts of 1945

Unit History

The 1st Special Service Force, often called the "Devil’s Brigade," was an elite joint U.S.-Canadian commando unit formed in 1942 during World War II. Specially trained in parachuting, mountain warfare, amphibious assaults, and demolitions, the regiment was designed for high-risk missions behind enemy lines. They first saw combat in 1943 in the Aleutian Islands, then earned a fierce reputation in Italy and southern France, where German soldiers dubbed them “Black Devils” for their stealthy night raids. Despite their relatively small size, the unit inflicted heavy losses on the enemy and became a model for modern special operations forces, leaving a lasting legacy that influenced groups like Delta Force and Canadian Special Operations.

Our Vision

Our reenactment of the 1st Special Service Force honors the legacy of this elite joint U.S.-Canadian unit by portraying them as a mobile infantry force, requiring members to maintain reasonable physical shape to reflect the demands of the original regiment. Because of the high standards and authenticity we strive for, new recruits must have several years of prior reenactment experience before joining. We engage in both living history displays and public battle demonstrations to educate the community, while also conducting private tacticals that allow members to sharpen their skills in a more immersive setting. Our group is primarily based in Ohio and Pennsylvania, drawing committed reenactors from across the region who share a passion for keeping the history of the “Devil’s Brigade” alive.

Equipment List:

Basic Uniform Impression

• M37 Wool (or Flannel) Shirt w/ First Special Service Force SSI & Rank sewn on sleeve(s)

• M37 Wool Trousers w/ belt. British Battle Dress Wool Trousers (For Canadians)

• M42 Mountain Trousers (required)

• M41 “Arctic” Jacket, M41 Field jacket, “Tanker” Jacket, or M43 Field Jacket

• Corcoran Jump Boots (preferred) or M43 Double Buckle Boots

• M1 Helmet w/ liner

• HBT cap or Wool Jeep Cap, & Garrison Cap w/ red, white, blue (Gold & Black for Officers) piping.

• Dog Tags w/ Name & Serial# typed on them.

• Zippo Lighter.

Uniform Substitute-Standard

• HBT Shirt & Trousers (Recommend lighter shade OD Green, or “Earlier style HBT’s)

• M42 Paratrooper trousers (No Jacket)

• Tartan Kilt (For Canadians)

• Tam-O’Shay wool cap (For Canadians)

• Type II Rough-out boots w/ M38 Leggings.

Enhanced Uniform (Optional)

• 1st or 2nd pattern Reversible Ski Parka

• Leather palm OD Wool Gloves, or knitted wristlets

• Snow Camo Trousers

• Rubber Goulashes (Over Shoes)

• M1C or M2 Paratrooper Helmet w/ liner and leather chin cup.

• HBT Cover-alls

• A-2 Leather Bomber Jacket (Dark Brown)

• Wool High Neck Sweater

Class A Dress Uniform

• M37 Wool Shirt w/ FSSF SSI & Rank Sewn on (Enlisted ranks)

• M37 Wool Trousers w/ belt (Enlisted)

• Cotton-Wool blend Khaki Necktie

• Wool Service/ Garrison Cap with Red, White, Blue Piping.

• Enlisted men’s 4 pocket Service Coat or Ike Jacket w/ FSSF SSI & Rank Sewn on.

• Collar Disks (1) U.S. or CANADA print & (2) Crossed Arrows branch of Service

• Officer’s OD 51 (Chocolate) or D54 (Pink) wool shirt w/ FSSF SSI Sewn on.

• Officer’s OD 51 (Chocolate) or D54 (Pink) wool Trousers w/ belt

• Wool Mohair Khaki or OD 51 (Chocolate) necktie (Officers)

• OD 51 (Chocolate) or D54 (Pink) Wool Service/Garrison Cap w/ Gold & Black Piping

• Officer’s 4 pocket OD 51 Dress Service Coat

• Officer’s Rank insignia pinned on shoulders.

• Officer’s U.S. or Canada Collar Insignia & Crossed Arrows Collar Insignia

• Mirror Polished Corcoran Jump Boots or Service Shoes

• Red, White, Blue Fourragere Shoulder Cord (All Members)

• Red, White, Blue Vertical stacked Parachute Oval w/ Jump Wings (All Members)

• Combat Infantrymen’s Badge (ONLY AUTHORIZED AWARD)

• Ribbon Rack with only: (in Order) Asiatic-Pacific Campaign ribbon, American Campaign ribbon,

European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign ribbon on it. (ONLY AUTHORIZED AWARDS)

NOTE These are the ONLY awards members will be tolerated to be allowed to wear!

Equipment

• M1910, M1923 Cartridge belt, M1936 Pistol Belt, or M1937 BAR Belt.

• M1924 First-aid kit & Pouch

• M1910 Canteen & Cup & Cover

• M1936 Combat Suspenders (Optional)

• M1910 or M1943 E-tool & cover

• M1936 Musette Bag

• M1910/1928 Haversack

• M42 Rucksack

• M41/42 Packboard

• M1 GP bag

• M1 or M3 Ammunition bag

• M1 Carbine or M1911 Magazine Pouch

• M6 Lightweight Gas Mask Bag

• Mess Kit and eating Utensils.

• Cotton Bandoleers

• Wool Blanket

• Shelter Half w/ Pole, rope and pegs

• Arctic 2-man Tent

• Mountain Cook Set

• M41 or M42 1-burner Stove

• 100’x .75(+/-)” Manila Climbing Rope

Weapons (Allied)

• V-42 Stiletto Dagger w/ Leather Sheath. (Required)

• M1911(a1) .45 Pistol (per TO&E, Every member could carry one)

• M3 Trench Knife

• M1 Bayonet

• M1918mkI Trench Knife

• Ulster Mountain Pocket Knife

• M1 Garand Rifle

• M1(a1) Carbine Rifle

• M1918(a2) Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR)

• M1941 Johnson Light Machine Gun (LMG)

• M1928a1, M1, M1a1 Thompson Sub Machine Gun (SMG)

• M3(a1) “Grease” Sub Machine Gun (SMG)

• M1919(a4, a6) Browning .30 Cal. Machine Gun

• M1917a1 Browning .30 Cal. Machine Gun

• M2 Browning .50 Cal. Heavy Machine Gun (HMG)

• M1 or M9 “Bazooka” Rocket Launcher w/ M6(a1 & A3) rockets

• 60mm or 81mm Mortar & rounds

• MkII “Pineapple” Grenades, and Rifle Grenades

• Composite B TNT Blocks

Leadership Contact

If you’re interested in stepping into the boots of the legendary 1st Special Service Force, we encourage you to reach out to our leadership team with any questions. Whether you’re curious about requirements, events, or the commitment involved, our staff is happy to guide you. Don’t hesitate to contact us—we’re always eager to welcome dedicated reenactors who want to help keep this history alive.

Jeremy Bowles

Captain (REENACTED)

1st SSF 3/2 LH/R Unit

Steven Smith

2nd Lt. (Reenacted)

1st SSF 3/2 LH/R Unit

Contact