In Southern France with the Force.

[FAAA]

Upon departing Lake Albano, the Force was reassigned to the Seventh US Army under the command of Lieutenant General Alexander Patch. General George Marshall had requested veteran Fifth Army Units for the invasion of Southern France, and General Patch immediately selected the well worn 3rd, 36th and 45th Infantry Divisions. Amongst the war raised units was the First Special Service Force.

 

“When Allied Units reached the Franco-Italian border, the Force Regiments helped establish and maintain a static defence line along the frontier. This low key defensive posture was in stark contrast to any other previous Force assignment. Over the next 3 months, patrols, usually quite small, probed for enemy resistance and to determine enemy strength.

 

On rare occasions, fighting did occur, but for most Forcemen, the situation on the border was characterised by artillery duels and boredom”

 

Sgt JOE DAUPHINAIS

1st Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Regiment

 

Pictures taken at the "War In The Vale" event

 

 

Patrol is dropped off a few miles South of their outpost location

 

 

 

 

The Force dig in along the Franco-Italian border

 

 

 

[FAAA]

While higher up in the Alps snow could be seen covering the mountains, in the foothills it was still hot, the Force looked forward to moving higher for the cooler climate, the Champaign Campaign in Southern France would always be remembered for the extream heat.

Once defensive locations were established sections prepared to deploy on outpost tasks.

 

 

 

[FAAA]

It was hard going to get to the outposts, we would be quite isolated for some time, we were on our guard on the way up and we kept in contact with Force HQ throughout.

 

 

It would not be for another 4 days before we were relieved on the line, on our return down the mountain it was a hot meal that was on all our minds.

 

 

 

 

Our numbers had been reduced due to continued combat, we had lost a lot of good men, little did we know that in only a few short weeks the Force would disband and we would find ourselves under new commands and wearing a different patch on our shoulder. But for now we waited further orders and yet another move.

 

[Black Devils]

me and Paul done that in southern france a few years ago with the french and italian guys good to see someone giving it another try. Enjoy

:thumbsup:

[Black Devils]

me and Paul done that in southern france a few years ago with the french and italian guys good to see someone giving it another try. Enjoy

:thumbsup:

[jumpwings]

me and Paul done that in southern france a few years ago with the french and italian guys good to see someone giving it another try. Enjoy

:thumbsup:

 

Seems like yesterday when we done it for real* Phil:

...

 

Nice set of photos FAA, I'm well impressed, here's some more from our trip there in 2008 to compliment and add to the impression:

Heading to Force Position:

 

At actual Force position (This is the three FSSF groups in Europe, France, Britain, and Italy):

 

"Our Man in France", Bruno, and myself opening a well earned C ration after a hard days patrolling:

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Clarify, "real" as in France, not a photoshoot in the UK

[ptogi]

I enjoy reading your posts... you guys do some really cool stuff!!!