The Untold Stories of Barrie Pitt's Special Boat Squadron that will leave you speechless!

The rise of the Special Boat Squadron and its legendary commander Barrie Pitt

World War II witnessed numerous incredible stories of bravery and heroism, and among them, the Special Boat Squadron led by Barrie Pitt stands out as an epitome of courage against all odds.

The birth of the Special Boat Squadron

During World War II, the British military recognized the need for small groups of highly trained men who could carry out special operations clandestinely. In response to this demand, the Special Boat Squadron (SBS) was formed in 1940 under the guidance of Captain Roger Courtney.

Special Boat Squadron

by Barrie Pitt (Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1606 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	302 pages
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The SBS was initially tasked with conducting coastal raids along the enemy-occupied coastlines of France, serving as a reconnaissance unit, demolitions team, and intelligence gatherer. These daring missions required a unique set of skills, and Barrie Pitt was the man who possessed the vision to turn the SBS into an elite fighting force.

The rise of Commander Barrie Pitt

Barrie Pitt, a former journalist and Royal Navy officer, took charge of the SBS in 1944. Under his command, the unit underwent a transformation that cemented its place in history.

Pitt understood the importance of detailed planning, rigorous training, and above all, the camaraderie among his men. He revolutionized the way the SBS operated, ensuring that his soldiers were not only skilled navigators and marksmen but also experts in sabotage, intelligence gathering, and survival.

One of the most memorable operations led by Pitt was the famous demolition of the Rhine railway bridge at Remagen in Germany. This daring act crippled the German supply lines and played a crucial role in the Allied advance. Pitt's ability to execute such daring missions with surgical precision earned him immense respect among both his troops and the Allied command.

Untold stories of the Special Boat Squadron

The feats achieved by the Special Boat Squadron under the leadership of Barrie Pitt are nothing short of extraordinary. Their courage, determination, and resilience in the face of adversity are the stuff legends are made of.

One captivating story revolves around a small team led by Pitt who conducted a covert operation behind enemy lines in Italy. Despite facing relentless German counterattacks, the team successfully destroyed key enemy installations and inflicted heavy casualties.

Another gripping tale recounts the bravery of the SBS in the Aegean Sea, where they sabotaged enemy shipping and rescued downed Allied airmen under constant threat of enemy fire. These acts of daring not only turned the tide of the war but also saved countless lives.

Legacy and Recognition

Barrie Pitt's leadership and the accomplishments of the Special Boat Squadron have not gone unnoticed. Pitt himself was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his exceptional command and bravery.

The legacy of the SBS continues even today, with modern-day Special Forces drawing inspiration from their exploits. Their extraordinary skills, unwavering determination, and ability to adapt and overcome have set the bar high for special operations units worldwide.

In , Barrie Pitt's Special Boat Squadron remains an enduring symbol of valor and military excellence. Their untold stories inspire us to push our limits, challenge the norm, and serve as a reminder of the indomitable spirit of the human will in the face of adversity.

Special Boat Squadron

by Barrie Pitt (Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1606 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	302 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled

FREE

'As much a thriller as it is a history book.' The Daily Mail

Not by strength but by guile.

Only since the Falklands campaign have the initials SBS become known to the public.

Yet this clandestine formation of Britain’s armed forces has been in existence since the Second World War.

Barrie Pitt, who himself served with the SBS, describes how the it came into being in 1941.

How they fought with distinction in the Aegean, where one of their exploits inspired The Guns of Navarone.

How they earned rapport in the Adriatic, in Greece and in Italy.

How the SBS was reorganised in 1946 as part of the Royal Marines and has since played a role in Korea, Borneo and the Falklands.

Equally interesting is the author’s report of the training and specialized skills required by the boat units, and the essential tasks facing them — infiltration from the sea, reconnaissance, sabotage, survival, resistance to interrogation, escape from captivity — and the expertise and determination to complete them.

As Barrie Pitt's superb account of the formative years of this elite force shows, these qualities have been present from the very beginning.

Barrie Pitt (1918-2006) was well known as a military historian and editor of Purnell’s History of the Second World War and History of the First World War. His publications include 'Coronel and Falkland', 'Churchill and the Generals' and 'The Crucible of War', a trilogy covering the North African campaign of the Second World War. He was born in Galway and later lived near Ilminster in Somerset.