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Fire from the Forest: The Sas Brigade in France, 1944
This is a comprehensive account of the behind-the-lines operations that preceded and supported the D-Day landings and the breakout from Normandy. The French resistance played a key role in undermining German resistance during the liberation of France in 1944.They destroyed vital railways, ambushed convoys and tied down large numbers of German troops in security patrols. Many attacks were spearheaded by British and American special forces, the SAS and US 'Jedburgh teams' (ancestors of the 'Green Berets'). From the early hours of 6 June 1944 to the destruction of the German army in France, this is the story of how small teams of SAS men fought their secret war behind enemy lines
308 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2003
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August 18, 2025
This was not what I expected and at times I was almost tempted to put it aside. I try not to do that but almost in this case.
It starts with High Command, even Special Forces Headquarters (SFHQ), not seeming to know what to do with troops such as these. As they were not "regular" troops, they were ineffective whenever placed in that role. It didn't help that their founder , David Stirling, was a POW at this point in the war.
Cooperation between SAS, SOE & OSS in these "behind the lines" missions was negligible. At times, at odds with one another or acting at cross purposes. The relationships with the French Resistance was uneasy and dangerous, "sold out" time and again by collaborators.
After action reports, according to the author, are terse, confusing and contradictory. Some information, at the time of the writing of this book, still considered "Top Secret." In my opinion, there was too much of "what comes after the war", politically speaking.
Trying to equip these men after their insertion was trying and many of the things they tried were new. There was a high mortality rate among the jeeps they dropped! Many were destroyed or damaged when dropped by parachute. Even so, keeping them re-supplied with fuel and spare parts hurt a number of missions. Supplies earmarked for SAS units, including French Francs, that fell into the hands of the Maquis didn't always find their way into the right hands.
A knowledge of French would help, particularly with place names. The maps could've been better too. I found it redundant in many places.
Surprisingly enough the SAS was disbanded after the war but many, including Churchill, kept its spirit and service in mind. So as circumstances dictated, it was re-established into what we know it as today.
It starts with High Command, even Special Forces Headquarters (SFHQ), not seeming to know what to do with troops such as these. As they were not "regular" troops, they were ineffective whenever placed in that role. It didn't help that their founder , David Stirling, was a POW at this point in the war.
Cooperation between SAS, SOE & OSS in these "behind the lines" missions was negligible. At times, at odds with one another or acting at cross purposes. The relationships with the French Resistance was uneasy and dangerous, "sold out" time and again by collaborators.
After action reports, according to the author, are terse, confusing and contradictory. Some information, at the time of the writing of this book, still considered "Top Secret." In my opinion, there was too much of "what comes after the war", politically speaking.
Trying to equip these men after their insertion was trying and many of the things they tried were new. There was a high mortality rate among the jeeps they dropped! Many were destroyed or damaged when dropped by parachute. Even so, keeping them re-supplied with fuel and spare parts hurt a number of missions. Supplies earmarked for SAS units, including French Francs, that fell into the hands of the Maquis didn't always find their way into the right hands.
A knowledge of French would help, particularly with place names. The maps could've been better too. I found it redundant in many places.
Surprisingly enough the SAS was disbanded after the war but many, including Churchill, kept its spirit and service in mind. So as circumstances dictated, it was re-established into what we know it as today.
Displaying 1 of 1 review