Dan Snow's History Hit Podcast: The Secret Origins of the SAS

Episode Title: The Secret Origins of the SAS
Release Date: October 30, 2024
Host: History Hit
Guest: Tom Petsch, Author of Speed, Aggression, Surprise: The Secret Origins of the Special Air Service

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Secret Origins of the SAS", historian Dan Snow delves into the enigmatic life of Brigadier Dudley Clark, an unsung hero whose innovative strategies laid the foundation for the British Special Air Service (SAS). Joined by Tom Petsch, a former British Army soldier and author, the discussion unravels the covert operations and brilliant deceptions orchestrated by Clark that have had a lasting impact on modern Special Forces.

Early Life and Influences

Dudley Clark's formative years were shaped by dramatic and tumultuous events. As a baby, he survived the Siege of Ladysmith during the Boer War in South Africa, an experience that seemingly left an indelible mark on his psyche. Clark's athletic fervor continued as he joined the Royal Artillery during World War I, albeit briefly due to his young age, before transitioning to the Royal Flying Corps in Egypt. Here, he was profoundly influenced by Lawrence of Arabia, whose charisma and guerrilla warfare tactics inspired Clark's future strategies.

Dan Snow [05:20]: "Clark was completely taken in by Lawrence of Arabia and his ideas about warfare."

The Birth of the Commandos

With the outbreak of World War II, Clark emerged as a visionary eager to revolutionize British military tactics. Disillusioned by the high casualties of traditional warfare, he proposed the creation of Commando units—small, highly trained groups capable of executing unconventional operations. This idea caught the attention of General Jack Dill, leading to the swift establishment of the Commandos within weeks.

Tom Petsch [05:51]: "Clark goes, look, I've got this idea, we'll create our own insurgency Groups, we'll call them the Commandos. And by lunchtime that day, they're in business."

Despite resistance from the British military establishment, who were skeptical of such unorthodox methods, Clark's proposal gained momentum, especially with the support of Winston Churchill, who recognized the potential of these elite units in turning the tide against the Axis powers.

Formation and Evolution of the SAS

Clark's ingenuity didn't stop with the Commandos. Recognizing the limitations of sea-based operations due to the dominance of the Luftwaffe, he pivoted towards parachute operations, advocating for small units to be dropped behind enemy lines—a concept that would evolve into the SAS. This transition faced internal power struggles, notably between the RAF and the Army, but ultimately led to the establishment of the SAS in 1940 under the designation Special Air Service.

Dan Snow [08:01]: "Clark created a parachute unit called 2 Commando... when they transferred to the regular army, they became what was called Special Service troops."

The SAS quickly distinguished itself through daring missions and psychological warfare, utilizing deception to mislead German forces about Allied intentions.

Mastery of Deception: Operation Cascade and Beyond

One of Clark's most notable contributions was his expertise in military deception. Through operations like Operation Cascade, he successfully misled German commanders about the strength and movements of Allied forces. By fabricating fake units, complete with fake tanks and even a lookalike of General Bernard Law Montgomery, Clark caused significant strategic confusion among the Axis powers.

Tom Petsch [23:57]: "Clark tied dyes a load of tents, black ships them up to the front line, sticks like fake guns out of them and puts them all over the place. The German assessment is we have 300 tanks, which we just don't have at all, waiting behind the front line."

These deceptions extended to creating the illusion of air forces and airborne units, further complicating enemy intelligence assessments. Clark's ability to blend theatricality with military strategy, such as cross-dressing for undercover missions, showcased his unique approach to warfare.

Dan Snow [12:52]: "In every play in the military where there's a female role, Clark is doing the female role. He uses women's clothes in the war as part of his disguise."

Personal Traits and Leadership

Dudley Clark was not the stereotypical military officer. Described as charismatic and Machiavellian, he balanced his flamboyant personal life with strategic military acumen. His penchant for amateur dramatics and cross-dressing not only aided his deception tactics but also reflected his creative and unorthodox thinking.

Dan Snow [09:11]: "Clark's a 40-year-old bomberville, he's a cross dresser... he's very Bright. He's very, very Machiavellian in his thinking."

Despite his eccentricities, Clark earned the respect of senior officers who valued his innovative solutions to complex military challenges. However, his relentless pursuit of deception sometimes led to friction when operations did not go as planned on the ground.

Legacy and Post-War Life

After the war, Clark's desire to document his experiences was thwarted by military censorship. His proposed book, "The Secret War", remained unpublished to protect valuable military secrets from Soviet intelligence. Instead, only a limited account was released in his book, "Seven Assignments", leaving many of his contributions in obscurity.

Tom Petsch emphasizes the significance of Clark's work in reshaping modern warfare and the importance of recognizing his contributions.

Tom Petsch [29:53]: "I hope that my book in some small way has lifted his profile. I think he deserves a lot more credit."

Clark's strategies laid the groundwork for future Special Forces operations and highlighted the pivotal role of intelligence and deception in modern military doctrine.

Conclusion

"The Secret Origins of the SAS" episode sheds light on Dudley Clark's pivotal role in shaping British Special Forces through innovative strategies and masterful deception. His legacy, though long overshadowed by more publicly recognized figures, remains integral to understanding the evolution of modern warfare. Through Tom Petsch's insightful recounting and Dan Snow's engaging narration, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of Clark's military genius and the clandestine operations that have had enduring impacts on global military practices.

Notable Quotes:

• Dan Snow [05:20]: "Clark was completely taken in by Lawrence of Arabia and his ideas about warfare."
• Tom Petsch [05:51]: "Clark goes, look, I've got this idea, we'll create our own insurgency Groups, we'll call them the Commandos. And by lunchtime that day, they're in business."
• Dan Snow [08:01]: "Clark created a parachute unit called 2 Commando... when they transferred to the regular army, they became what was called Special Service troops."
• Tom Petsch [23:57]: "Clark tied dyes a load of tents, black ships them up to the front line, sticks like fake guns out of them and puts them all over the place. The German assessment is we have 300 tanks, which we just don't have at all, waiting behind the front line."
• Dan Snow [12:52]: "In every play in the military where there's a female role, Clark is doing the female role. He uses women's clothes in the war as part of his disguise."
• Dan Snow [09:11]: "Clark's a 40-year-old bomberville, he's a cross dresser... he's very Bright. He's very, very Machiavellian in his thinking."
• Tom Petsch [29:53]: "I hope that my book in some small way has lifted his profile. I think he deserves a lot more credit."

About the Hosts and Guest:

• Dan Snow: A renowned historian and the face of History Hit, Dan Snow explores pivotal moments in history to illuminate their impact on the present.
• Tom Petsch: A former British Army soldier and author of "Speed, Aggression, Surprise: The Secret Origins of the Special Air Service", Petsch brings firsthand military experience to his analysis of Clark's contributions.

Further Listening:

For those intrigued by the origins of Special Forces and military deception, this episode provides a deep dive into the lesser-known aspects of World War II that have shaped modern military tactics. Subscribe to Dan Snow's History Hit for more engaging historical narratives released on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.