Dragon 1/35 2nd SAS Regiment (France 1944) # 6199

The 2nd SAS (Special Air Service) Regiment, also known as the 2nd Special Air Service Regiment, was a specialized unit of the British Army that played a significant role in the French campaign of 1944 during World War II.

Comprising mainly French personnel, the regiment was formed to conduct covert operations behind enemy lines and support the resistance movement in occupied France.

The 2nd SAS Regiment was established in July 1943, following the successful operations of the original SAS in North Africa.

Led by Lieutenant Colonel Pierre-Louis Bourgoin, a French officer, the regiment consisted of volunteers from the French Free Forces and other nationalities, all committed to the liberation of France.

The unit's primary tasks included sabotage, intelligence gathering, and disrupting German supply lines.

Equipped with a range of weapons, including small arms, explosives, and jeeps armed with machine guns, the 2nd SAS conducted hit-and-run raids, ambushes, and acts of sabotage against enemy targets.

They operated in small, highly mobile teams, utilizing their knowledge of the French countryside and support from the local resistance to their advantage.

The 2nd SAS Regiment's activities played a vital role in supporting the larger Allied invasion of Normandy in June 1944, known as D-Day.

Prior to the invasion, they conducted reconnaissance missions, destroyed enemy infrastructure, and disrupted German communications to weaken their defenses and create confusion behind enemy lines.

During the subsequent months, the 2nd SAS Regiment continued their operations, assisting the advancing Allied forces and coordinating with local resistance groups.

They conducted raids on enemy garrisons, carried out intelligence gathering missions, and facilitated the movement of resistance fighters to support the liberation of France.

The 2nd SAS Regiment's contributions were instrumental in undermining German control and boosting the morale of the French population.

Their courage, resourcefulness, and determination in the face of adversity earned them a reputation as elite warriors and a symbol of resistance against the occupation.

Overall, the 2nd SAS Regiment played a significant role in the French campaign of 1944, supporting the Allied forces in their efforts to liberate France from German occupation.

Their daring actions and close collaboration with the French resistance demonstrated the effectiveness of specialized units in irregular warfare and contributed to the eventual victory of the Allies in Europe.