First Special Service Force 1942-44

In late May 1942 the concept papers for "Plough" were scrutinized by a young officer in the Operations Division of the US General Staff, LtCol Robert T.Frederick. His report identified many drawbacks, including the unit's organization, and the question of how it was to be withdrawn once its mission had been accomplished. Geoffrey Pyke was a man of great gifts but little interest in practical details, and up to this point no plan existed to extract the raiders from enemy-occupied countries after earning out their attacks. The first US officer picked to lead the special unit, LtCol H.R.Johnson, resigned immediately after his first exposure to the eccentric Pyke. His replacement was suggested by Adm Mountbatten, and assigned by MajGen Dwight D.Eisenhower, head of the Operations Division: LtCol Frederick himself was given the task of creating an elite fighting unit for Project "Plough", and was promoted to colonel to command it. (By early July 1942, Col Frederick had gently eased Geoffrey Pyke out of the picture.)
Download (rapidshare.com)