The First Special Service Force was a
highly trained volunteer force composed of Canadian and American troops.
On February 2, 1944, The Force was assigned to the eastern sector of the
Anzio bridgehead, facing troops of the Herman Goering Division across the
Mussolini Canal. It was felt that an offensive gesture by the Force would
help to offset the dim situation elsewhere in the bridgehead, and so it
was decided to seize the German-held village of Sessuno, hold it for the
night, and retire at daybreak. The raiders crossed the canal at 2000 hrs
under a full moon, while Sessuno was bombarded by 105mm howitzers. Upon
reaching the village one hour later, another barrage was called in, and
the "Black Devils" moved in on their objective.
Attacker: Canadian / American (Elements of the First Special Service Force)
Defender: German (Elements of the Hermann Göring Division)
