Special Service Unit No. 1

The Special Services Unit No. 1 was a short lived special forces unit during World War II. Formed in July 1943, they undertook reconnaissance for intelligence about proposed landing sites. Initially based at Cairns, Australia formed of both American and Australian personnel, they trained and undertook courses in martial arts, hand-to-hand combat, map making, rubber craft operation, jungle survival training, pidgin English, and underwater coral formations and sea creatures recognition. In August 1943 they moved to Fergusson Island, New Guinea and later in November 1943 the unit was relocated to Milne Bay, with many men being redeployed to other units. In December 1943, the remaining officers and men of unit returned to their respective services.

Missions were undertaken at Finschhafen, Arawe, Gasmata and Cape Gloucester.

References

Cunningham, Chet; The Frogmen of World War II: An Oral History of the U.S. Navy's Underwater Demolition Teams. ISBN 0-7434-8216-6

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