III.

SBS and SAS

The Special Boat Section, and the Special Boat Squadron, confusingly both called the SBS (although they were separate organizations), used canoes and other small boats to conduct reconnaissance, attack targets near the coast, and provide navigational guidance to major beach landings. The Royal Marine Boom Patrol Detachment (RMBPD) was a cover name for an organization trained to use canoes and limpet mines to attack enemy shipping in harbour. Combined Operations Assault Pilotage Parties (COAPPs) were responsible for clandestine beach surveys in many British-fought theatres of war. All of these units used submarines, fast patrol boats, and fishing vessels to transport them—and their canoes or craft—to and from their operating area.

The SAS today is the lineal descendant of its World War II namesake and has also taken on the role of the LRDG. There are three SAS regiments: one regular, and two reserve; their motto is “Who Dares Wins”. The Special Boat Service (SBS) has assumed the tasks of both World War II SBS organizations, the RMBPD, and the COAPPs. The SBS, whose motto is “Not by Strength, by Guile”, is now part of the Royal Marines. Both organizations are controlled by one Special Forces headquarters reporting directly to the Ministry of Defence. In 2006 an additional unit, the Special Forces Support Group (SFSG), was created to both further support special forces and strengthen anti-terrorist operations.

Since World War II the SAS and SBS have taken part in numerous operations in many parts of the world—either in conjunction with main force activities or independently. These have included deep jungle reconnaissance; assistance to local forces; operations against terrorists and guerrillas; long-range penetration patrols; attacks on high-value targets; clandestine beach reconnaissance and surveys; and training of foreign forces. The SAS operation which launched it to public prominence was the siege and storming of the terrorist-occupied Iranian Embassy in London in May 1980. Insertion of special forces is by a variety of means, including helicopter, parachute, truck, canoe, fast inflatable craft, and on foot.