Were The Black Devils The Best Allied Unit Of WW2?

The First special Service Force was the first combined American/Canadian unit of WW2. They earned the nicknames “The Black Devils” and “The Devil’s Brigade” from their elite skillsets and high kill rates. This film follows veterans of this infamous unit as they retrace their steps around the battlefields of Europe.

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[InterestedAmerican]

The Devil's Brigade. The movie, though not nearly accurate, is how I came to know this unit existed and the heroism they displayed in fighting the enemy during WWII. *SALUTE*

[palmergriffiths]

My Grandfather was a Canadian Member of The First Special Service Force. Palmer O Griffiths HQ Det 1st Rgt

[maryholder]

Thank you for bring this story of the US and Canadian special regiment called the " Black Devils". I never heard of this regiment and the actions they where involved in in Italy the Italian mountains, then onto - the battles of Anizo, then onto Rome. Later onto France, Nice, ect.

"The Forceman" as Mann who served in the Black Devils. RIP thank you for your service.

[seanwiley]

In the Navy BMR, on the first page, is a quote from George Santanya. "Those who done remember the past are condemned to repeat it". That is why I love documentaries like this. As a Navy Seabee Vet, I say thank you for keeping the history alive!

[arniewilliamson]

My uncle from Northern Saskatchewan was in this unit. They were feared as were the Gurkhas.

[robertdelacruz]

What a wonderful documentary about our North American heroes! Exceptionally Well Done! 1st Bn., 509th Airborne, 1976-1980.

[richhaff]

This is so good to see. My boys great grandfather was in this unit from Montana.

[frandsenphilip]

I live in Montana, albeit in a more mountainous area than Helena. Going up mountains into snow and back down is great training for sure.

[mohammedsaysrashid]

Attractive and thrilled watching memories of US-Canadian commando brigade ( Black Devils)

[NarayanKulkarni-muyp]

I hearty congrats of all our U, S and Canadian joint Black Davil commandos unit of ww2

[jamestwilkins]

The British historian Sir John Keegan wrote a book called the first World war (1998). On page 262, he says the best soldiers of the 20th century were New Zealanders. They were the original LRDG when it was still a combat unit (not just a taxi service). Rommel said he would prefer to see them locked up and not have to fight them, while Westphal called them 'outstanding fighters'. In WW2, their leader was Freyberg who Montgomery said was "easily the best fighter commander... the best he had known." (NB Rommel also ranked the Aussies)

[chris.]

My grandmother was in nursing school in Helena during 1942. She would watch the boys as they made their jumps. She also treated many a broken and sprained ankle during that year.

[rickdenesha]

This is a wonderful tribute to these brave men, Heroes all. Thank you

[Bgwizard]

Favorite video on the channel by far. And a very important time in our countries to send the message this video puts out!

[gruntforever]

Certainly in the argument. the Germans thought they were a full sized division and at their top strength they were less than half of one. There were four units holding the Anzio perimeter and they all held a quarter of it. The Devil's Brigade and three divisions

[hooligangeneral]

Amazing that they let people do the climbs!!

[scottjoseph]

I'd go with the Gurkhas, myself...

[gruntforever]

I had never heard of them being called the Black Devils and that certainly was not their recognized name

[RussellBond-zhqw]

I fortunately got meet several of these men. I was in Helena Mt. They where having a reunion and it waa a small place on LCG. That's Last Chance Gulch.

[garykreutzer]

My BIL was stationed in Germany in the 80s. They said they loved everywhere except France. He said the French were mean and arrogant. They loved Spain and would visit often. They disliked France after ONE trip and would always gas up on the Fench border, drive straight through and never stop in country. Spain was TOTALLY different. The Spanish were very nice and helpful. Motels were cheap and the food was and wine were delicious! On the way home same deal. Fill at the border and drive straight back to Germany without stopping. The average Frenchman hated Americans. NO gratitude at all by the 80s.