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As early as 1940 political leaders and military commanders responsible for the conduct of the Allied operations relalised that, after a string of disastrous setbacks, national morale could only be restored by taking offensive action against the enemy. With the limited resources available Churchill’s stirring call to ‘set Europe ablaze’ called for unconventional solutions and action.

From these uncertain beginnings was born a plethora of Allied Special Force units. Inevitably some are household names but others are little known, having had brief and covert existences in far flung parts of the world.rnrnAll, however, had distinctive identities and their proudly worn insignia represent a fascinating and often elusive challenge for militaria collectors. This is due, not just to the scarcity of items in many cases, but to the mystery of their origin; a number of these units were established on an ad hoc and spontaneous basis.

Peter Taylor’s aim in compiling Allied Special Forces Insignia 1939-1948 is to fill a gap in the growing bibliography of militaria collecting. At the same time, Brigadier Bryan Watkins’ introduction sets in context the growth and development of Allied Special Forces during the global conflict 1939-45.

Lavishly illustrated, this work will prove an essential reference work and companion guide for the expert collector and all interested in military history.