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{{Short description|Special forces unit of the Royal Navy}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2020}}
{{Good article}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name                     = Special Boat Service
| dates                         = 1940–present
| image                         = Insigne Special Boat Service (SBS).svg
| image_size                    = 140px
| caption                       = Cap badge of the Special Boat Service<ref name="Globe2003" /><ref name=pickup>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/military-obituaries/special-forces-obituaries/5309727/Col-Richard-Pickup.html|title=Col Richard Pickup&nbsp;– Obituary|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date=11 May 2009|access-date=9 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100525112932/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/military-obituaries/special-forces-obituaries/5309727/Col-Richard-Pickup.html|archive-date=25 May 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>
| country                       = {{flag|United Kingdom}}
| allegiance                    = 
| branch                        = {{flagicon image|Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg}} [[Royal Navy]]<ref name=pickup/>
| type                          = [[Special forces]]
| role                          = [[Special operations]]<br />[[Counter-terrorism]]
| size                          = One regiment
| command_structure             = [[United Kingdom Special Forces]]
| current_commander             = 
| garrison                      = [[RM Poole]], [[Dorset]], England
| ceremonial_chief              = 
| ceremonial_chief_label        = 
| colonel_of_the_regiment       = 
| nickname                      = 
| patron                        = 
| motto                         = "By Strength and Guile"<ref name="Globe2003" />
| colours                       = 
| march                         = 
| mascot                        = 
| battles                       = {{Tree list}}
* [[Second World War]]
* [[Palestine Emergency]]
* [[Korean War]]
* [[Cyprus Emergency]]
* [[Indonesian Confrontation]]
** [[Operation Claret]]
* [[Falklands War]]
** [[Operation Paraquet]]
* [[Gulf War]]
* [[1999 East Timorese crisis]]
** [[INTERFET|International Force East Timor]]
* [[Sierra Leone Civil War]]
** [[Operation Barras]]
* [[The Troubles]]
* [[War on terror]]
** [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|War in Afghanistan]]
** [[Iraq War]]
** [[Boko Haram insurgency]]
** [[Military intervention against ISIL]]
*** [[Operation Shader]]
* [[First Libyan Civil War]]
** [[Operation Ellamy]]
{{tree list/end}}
}}
{{Royal Navy}}

The '''Special Boat Service''' ('''SBS''') is the [[special forces]] unit of the United Kingdom's [[Royal Navy]]. The SBS can trace its origins back to the [[Second World War]] when the Army Special Boat Section was formed in 1940.<ref name="nam.ac.uk">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/special-forcesWW2|title = Origins of the Special Forces &#124; National Army Museum}}</ref> After the Second World War, the Royal Navy formed special forces with several name changes—Special Boat Company was adopted in 1951 and re-designated as the Special Boat Squadron in 1974—until on 28 July 1987 when the unit was renamed as the Special Boat Service after assuming responsibility for [[naval|maritime]] [[counter-terrorism]]. Most of the operations conducted by the SBS are highly [[classified information|classified]], and are rarely commented on by the [[Government of the United Kingdom|British government]] or the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]], owing to their sensitive nature.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=14 April 2010|author=Secretary of State for Defence Geoffrey Hoon|website=UK Parliament|title=Special Forces|date=14 January 2002|publisher=House of Commons Hansard|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200102/cmhansrd/vo020114/debtext/20114-03.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100425042732/http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200102/cmhansrd/vo020114/debtext/20114-03.htm|archive-date=25 April 2010|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report |last1=Knowles |first1=Emily |title=Britain's culture of no comment |date=July 2016 |url=https://www.oxfordresearchgroup.org.uk/Handlers/Download.ashx?IDMF=ba1f3001-4e2d-4fa1-9530-782079869bf8 |access-date=4 January 2021 |publisher=Remote Control; Oxford Research Group |location=London}}</ref>

The Special Boat Service is the naval special forces unit of the [[United Kingdom Special Forces]] and is described as the sister unit of the [[British Army]] [[Special Air Service|22 Special Air Service Regiment]] (22 SAS), with both under the operational control of the [[Director Special Forces]]. In October 2001, full command of the SBS was transferred from the [[Commandant General Royal Marines]] to the [[Commander-in-Chief Fleet]].<ref name="Croaker2003">{{cite magazine |last1=Wakely|first1=S.|title=Cap Badge Inauguration Ceremony 18th November 2003| magazine=The Croaker |date=Spring 2004}}</ref> On 18 November 2003, the SBS were given their own cap badge with the motto "By Strength and Guile".<ref name="Globe2003">{{cite magazine|magazine=The Globe & Laurel – The journal of the Royal Marines|author1=OC SBS|title=The New SBS Cap Badge|publisher=Simpson Drewett & Co Ltd|location=Richmond, Surrey|date=November–December 2003|issn=0017-1204}}</ref><ref name="Croaker2003"/> SBS operators are mostly recruited from the [[Royal Marines Commandos]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Special Boat Service |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/royal-marines/special-boat-service/special-boat-service |website=Royal Navy |access-date=15 November 2023}}</ref>

==Role==
The principal roles of the SBS are [[Special reconnaissance|Surveillance and Reconnaissance]] (SR), including information reporting and target acquisition; [[Direct action (military)|Offensive Action]] (OA), including the direction of air strikes, artillery and naval gunfire, designation for precision guided munitions, use of integral weapons and demolitions; and Support and Influence (SI), including overseas training tasks.<ref name="RMCareersGuide">{{cite web |author1=Royal Marines |title='A Corps of Specialists' – A Careers Guide to The Royal Marines Specialisations |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/-/media/careers-section-redesign/pdfs/20151027-_440-rm-career-guide-2015-r---specialisms.pdf?la=en-gb |website=Royal Navy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328022246/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/-/media/careers-section-redesign/pdfs/20151027-_440-rm-career-guide-2015-r---specialisms.pdf?la=en-gb |archive-date=28 March 2017 |page=79 |edition=2015 |date=August 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The SBS also provides immediate response Military [[Counter-terrorism|Counter Terrorism]] (CT) and Maritime Counter Terrorism (MCT) teams.<ref name="RMCareersGuide"/>

The operational capabilities of the SBS and the SAS are broadly similar. However, the SBS (being the principal Royal Navy contribution to [[United Kingdom Special Forces|UKSF]]) has the additional training and equipment required to lead in the maritime, amphibious and riverine environments. Both units come under the operational command of HQ Directorate of Special Forces (DSF) and undergo an identical selection process.<ref>{{cite book |author=Royal Navy |title=BRD3 Volume 1 – Naval Personnel Management |date=February 2022 |no-pp=yes |page=Section 4 – Other Issues page 24, Chapter 91 – Royal Marines Other Ranks Promotion, Part 8 – Promotion |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/-/media/royal-navy-responsive/documents/reference-library/br-3-vol-1/br3d-vol-1-feb-2022/ch91_compressed.pdf |access-date=16 November 2022 |chapter=UK Joint Special Forces Selection – Assignment Process for RN/RM Candidates}}</ref>

==History==
===Origin: Second World War===
[[Roger Courtney]] became a [[British Commandos|commando]] in mid-1940 and was sent to the Combined Training Centre at [[Achnacarry]] in Scotland. He was unsuccessful in his initial attempts to convince [[Admiral of the Fleet (Royal Navy)|Admiral of the Fleet]] [[Roger Keyes, 1st Baron Keyes|Sir Roger Keyes]] and later Admiral [[Theodore Hallett]], commander of the Combined Training Centre, that his idea of a [[folding kayak]] [[brigade]] would be effective. He decided to infiltrate {{HMS|Glengyle}}, an [[Landing Ship, Infantry|infantry landing ship]] anchored in the [[River Clyde]]. Courtney paddled to the ship, climbed aboard undetected, wrote his initials on the door to the captain's cabin, and stole a [[deck gun]] cover. He presented the soaking cover to a group of high-ranking [[Royal Navy]] officers meeting at a nearby [[Inveraray]] hotel. He was promoted to [[Captain (British Army and Royal Marines)|captain]] and given command of twelve men as the first Special Boat Service/Special Boat Section.{{sfn|Breuer|2001|pp=46–47}}

The unit, on the shores of Sannox, Isle of Arran, was initially named the [[Folboat]] Troop, after the type of folding canoe employed in raiding operations and then renamed No. 1 Special Boat Section in early 1941.<ref name=richards>Richards, p. 240</ref> One training exercise required SBS members to navigate folboats {{convert|140|mi|km}} over three days and three nights from [[Ardrossan]] to [[Clachan, Kintyre|Clachan]], via the [[Isle of Kerrera]], where they reconnoitred and sketched [[RAF Oban]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=David |first1=Saul |author-link=Saul David |title=SBS – Silent Warriors: The Authorised Wartime History |date=26 May 2022 |publisher=William Collins |isbn=978-0008394561  |language=en |page=115}}</ref> Attached to [[Layforce]], it moved to the Middle East.<ref>Chappell, p. 15</ref> The unit worked with the [[1st Submarine Flotilla]] based at [[Alexandria]] and did beach reconnaissance of [[Rhodes]], evacuated troops left behind on [[Crete]], and carried out a number of small-scale raids and other operations.<ref name =richards/> In December 1941 Courtney returned to the United Kingdom where he formed No2 SBS,<ref name=richards/> and No1 SBS became attached to the [[Special Air Service]] (SAS) as the Folboat Section.<ref>Molinari, p. 25</ref> In June 1942 they took part in the [[June 1942 Crete airfield raids|Crete airfield raids]]. In September 1942 eight men of the SBS carried out [[Operation Anglo]], a raid on two airfields on the island of Rhodes; all but two of the men were captured after carrying out their mission. Destroying three aircraft, a fuel dump and numerous buildings, the two uncaptured SBS men had to hide in the countryside for four days before they could reach the waiting submarine.<ref>Haskew, p. 54</ref> After the Rhodes raid, the SBS was absorbed into the SAS due to the heavy casualties they had suffered.<ref>{{cite news|date=16 March 2006|title=Obituary, Colonel David Sutherland|url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/colonel-david-sutherland-z6h9ttkpxr0|newspaper=[[The Times]]|access-date=17 March 2010|url-access=subscription }}</ref>{{#tag:ref|The events of the raid were portrayed in the movie ''[[They Who Dare]]'' in 1954 starring [[Dirk Bogarde]]<ref>{{cite news|date=22 March 2009|title=Obituary, Commander Michael St John |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/5033783/Commander-Michael-St-John.html|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=17 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090604113543/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/5033783/Commander-Michael-St-John.html|archive-date=4 June 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>|group=nb}}
[[File:Oper frankton cockle.jpg|thumb|alt=twotwoman canoes at sea|''Cockles'' MK II]]

The [[Royal Marines]] Boom Patrol Detachment (RMBPD) was formed on 6 July 1942, and based at [[Southsea]], [[Portsmouth]].{{sfn|Rees|2008|p=25}} The RMBPD was under the command of Royal Marines [[Major (rank)|Major]] [[Herbert Hasler|Herbert 'Blondie' Hasler]] with [[Captain (British Army and Royal Marines)|Captain]] J. D. Stewart as second in command.{{sfn|Rees|2008|p=25}} The detachment consisted of 34 men and was based at [[Lumps Fort]], and often exercised in the [[Portsmouth Harbour]] and patrolled the harbour [[Boom barrier|boom]] at nights.{{sfn|Rees|2008|p=25}}<ref name=royal>{{Cite web|access-date=13 May 2010 |publisher=[[Royal Marines]]|title=Operation Frankton |url=http://www.royalmarinesregimental.co.uk/histcockmain.html|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080908012310/http://www.royalmarinesregimental.co.uk/histcockmain.html|archive-date=8 September 2008}}</ref>

[[File:British Special Forces in the Aegean, 1944 E29095.jpg|thumb|A Special Boat Service corporal sharpening his knife before combat on a boat in the [[Aegean Sea]], July 1944]]

In April 1943, 1st SAS was divided, with 250 men from the SAS joining the [[Small Scale Raiding Force]] to form the Special Boat Squadron under the command of Major [[George Jellicoe, 2nd Earl Jellicoe|the Earl Jellicoe]].<ref>Morgan, p. 15</ref> They moved to [[Haifa]] and trained with the [[Sacred Band (World War II)|Greek Sacred Regiment]] for operations in the Aegean.<ref>Thompson, p. 55</ref>

They later operated among the [[Dodecanese]] and [[Cyclades]] groups of islands in the [[Dodecanese Campaign]] and took part in the [[Battle of Leros]] and the [[Battle of Kos (1943)|Battle of Kos]]. They, with the Greek Sacred Band, took part in the successful [[Raid on Symi]] in July 1944 in which the entire German garrison was either killed or captured. In August 1944 they joined with the [[Long Range Desert Group]] in operations in the Adriatic, on the [[Peloponnese]], in Albania, and, finally, in [[Istria]]. So effective were they that, by 1944, the 200–300 men of the SBS were holding down six German divisions.<ref>Thompson, p. 56</ref>

Throughout the war, No.2 SBS did not use the Special Boat Squadron name but instead retained the name Special Boat Section. They accompanied US Major General [[Mark W. Clark|Mark Clark]] ashore before the [[Operation Torch]] landings in October 1942 on [[Operation Flagpole (World War II)|Operation Flagpole]]. Later, one group, Z SBS, which was based in Algiers from March 1943, carried out the beach reconnaissance for the [[Salerno landings]] and a raid on Crete, before moving to Ceylon to work with the [[Special Operations Executive]]s, [[Force 136]] and later with [[Special Operations Australia]]. The rest of No. 2 SBS became part of South-East Asia Command's Small Operations Group, operating on the [[Chindwin]] and [[Irrawaddy River|Irrawaddy]] rivers, and in the [[Rakhine State|Arakan]], during the [[Burma campaign]].<ref>{{cite book|first1=I. C. B.|last1=Dear|first2=M. R. D.|last2=Foot |chapter=Special Boat Section|title=The Oxford Companion to World War II|year=2001}}</ref>

Although their roles always overlapped to some extent, the various canoe and boat units became more specialised from late 1942 onwards. The RMBPD focused on ship attack and harbour sabotage, the Special Boat Section and [[Combined Operations Pilotage Parties]] (COPP) undertook covert beach surveys, and the Special Boat Squadron engaged in raiding, sabotage and reconnaissance above the high-water mark.<ref name="nam.ac.uk"/>

===Post-war era===
In 1946, the SBS, whether of Commando or SAS parentage, was disbanded.<ref name=paul>{{cite web|first1= James|last1= Paul|first2= Martin|last2= Spirit|title= The Special Boat Service|publisher= Britain's Small Wars Site Index|year= 2008|url= http://www.britains-smallwars.com/main/SBS.htm|format= Web|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100304200232/http://www.britains-smallwars.com/main/SBS.htm|archive-date= 4 March 2010|df= dmy-all}}</ref> The RMBPD was the only British Special Forces unit to survive the end of World War II intact, and one of three Special Service units to survive (the other two being the RM Commandos and the [[Parachute Regiment (United Kingdom)|Parachute Regiment]]). In 1946, the RMBPD became the School of Combined Operations Beach and Boat Section (SCOBBS) at [[Fremington Army Camp|Fremington, Devon]].<ref>''Mammoth Book of Special Forces'', Jon E. Lewis {{page?|date=April 2023}}{{ISBN?}}</ref><ref>''Behind Enemy Lines; Captain Derek Oakley MBE RM,'' Royal Marines Historical Society</ref> Lt-Col [[Herbert Hasler|"Blondie" Hasler]] RM became the adviser to SCOBBS and wrote the pamphlet "''General Notes on the Use of Special Parties''". The basic SCOBBS course of fourteen weeks covered the range of skills of the wartime COPPS, SRU, SBS and Detachment 385. In October 1947 SCOBBS dropped the word School from its name and moved to [[Eastney Barracks|RM Eastney]] to become the Small Raids Wing (SRW) of the Amphibious School, Royal Marines. The school's Chief Instructor [[Norman Tailyour]] established the Royal Marines Special Boat Sections taking on the roles proposed in Hasler's paper.<ref>Blondie, [[Ewen Southby-Tailyour]], Leo Cooper, London, 1998, Chapter 11</ref> Their first missions were in [[Mandatory Palestine|Palestine]], involving [[Bomb disposal|ordnance removal]], and [[limpet mine]] removal from ships in [[Haifa]].<ref name=paul/> The SBS went on to serve in the [[Korean War]], deployed on operations along the North Korean coast, as well as operating behind enemy lines destroying lines of communication, installations and gathering intelligence. During the Korean War the SBS operated from submarines like their wartime predecessors.<ref name=paul/>

In the early 1950s, NATO doctrine for the defence of Western Europe called for a rapid fall-back to the west bank of the Rhine River, a natural defensive barrier. Royal Navy Rhine Flotilla's SBS detachment had the task of demolishing the bridges over the river as well as destroying the many river barges on the river. The SBS teams of a radio operator and two SBS swimmer-canoeists would then stay behind on the eastern side of the river providing reconnaissance and intelligence and to sabotage Warsaw Pact forces logistics. 2 SB Section, and later also the newly formed 3 SB Section, were part of the Rhine Squadron until around 1958 and took part in all major [[British Army of the Rhine]] (BAOR) exercises when they would be joined by 4 and 5 SB Section, formed from the [[Royal Marines Reserve]].<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Eyes on target: 'Stay-behind' forces during the Cold War|first=Tamir|last=Sinai|date=8 December 2020|journal=War in History|volume=28|issue=3|pages=681–700|doi=10.1177/0968344520914345|doi-access=free}}</ref>

In 1952, SBS teams were held at combat readiness in [[Egypt]] in case [[Gamal Abdel Nasser]]'s [[Egyptian Revolution of 1952|revolution]] turned more violent than it did. The SBS were also allegedly operating in [[Cyprus]] during the [[Cyprus Emergency|emergency]] and on alert during the [[Suez Crisis]] of 1956 and [[Muammar al-Gaddafi#Military coup d'état|coup]] against King [[Idris I of Libya]] (1959), but in the cases of Egypt and Libya, not seeing action.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Dimitrakis |first=Panagiotis |year=2008 |title=The International journal of intelligence and counter intelligence |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.1080/08850600701854474?needAccess=true |journal=[[Taylor & Francis]] |volume=21 |issue=2 |pages=388 |doi= 10.1080/08850600701854474|issn=0885-0607 |quote=Allegedly, some members of the Special Air Service and the Special Boat Squadron (based abroad, not in Cyprus) conducted secret operations against EOKA members.|url-access=subscription }}</ref> In 1961, SBS teams carried out reconnaissance missions during the [[Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation|Indonesian Confrontation]] (see [[Operation Claret]]).<ref>Kennedy, p. 209</ref> In the same year, Iraq threatened to invade [[Kuwait]] for the first time, and the SBS put a detachment at [[Bahrain]]. In 1972, the SBS came into prominence when members of a combined SBS and [[RAOC]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local-news/welsh-bomb-disposal-expert-1970s-2046417|title = Welsh bomb disposal expert in 1970s QE2 drama|date = 30 March 2012}}</ref> team parachuted into the Atlantic Ocean after a bomb threat on board the cruise liner ''[[Queen Elizabeth 2]]''. A thorough search of the ship found no evidence of any device drawing the conclusion that it was a hoax.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chriscunard.com/qe2_history.php |title=QE2 History|work=Chris' Cunard Page |access-date=5 January 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100531152557/http://www.chriscunard.com/qe2_history.php|archive-date=31 May 2010}}</ref> The SBS conducted operations in [[Northern Ireland]] during [[The Troubles]] including with submarines.{{sfn|Hennessy|Jinks|2015}} In January 1975, two SBS kayak teams were inserted from [[HMS Cachalot (S06)|HMS ''Cachalot'']] to conduct an anti-gun-running operation in the area between Torr Head and Garron.{{sfn|Hennessy|Jinks|2015}}

===Special Boat Squadron===
In 1973, their name was changed to the Special Boat Squadron and in 1980 the SBS relinquished [[North Sea]] oil rig protection to [[43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines|Comacchio Company, Royal Marines]].<ref>{{cite web|access-date=16 March 2010|title=Other Marine units|publisher=[[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]]|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/royalmarines/units-and-deployments/other-royal-marine-units/fleet-protection-group-royal-marines/history/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091206114552/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/royalmarines/units-and-deployments/other-royal-marine-units/fleet-protection-group-royal-marines/history/|archive-date=6 December 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1982, after the Argentinian invasion of the [[Falkland Islands]], they deployed to [[South Georgia Island|South Georgia]]. The only losses to the SBS during the [[Falklands War]] occurred when the SBS and SAS were operating behind the lines and two members of the SBS were shot, one fatally, by an SAS patrol, who had mistaken them for Argentinians.{{sfn|Van der Bijl|Hannon|1995|p=16}}

===Special Boat Service===
In 1987, they were renamed Special Boat Service, and became part of the [[United Kingdom Special Forces]] Group alongside the Special Air Service and [[14 Intelligence Company]]. In the [[Gulf War]], there was no amphibious role assigned to the SBS. An "area of operations line" was drawn down the middle of Iraq; the SAS would operate west of the line and the SBS to the east. As well as searching for mobile [[Scud]] missile launchers, the SBS's assigned area contained a mass of fibre-optic cable that provided Iraq with intelligence; the location of the main junction of the network was 32 miles from Baghdad. On 22 January 1991, 36 SBS members were inserted by two Chinook helicopters from [[No. 7 Squadron RAF]] into an area full of Iraqi ground and air forces as well as spies and nomads. The SBS team managed to avoid these and destroyed a 40-yard section of the cable with explosives, neutralising what was left of the Iraqi communication grid.<ref>Cawthorne, Nigel, ''The Mammoth Book of Inside the Elite Forces'', Robinson, 2008  {{ISBN|978-1845298210}}, p. 509</ref> The SBS also carried out one of its most high-profile operations when it liberated the British Embassy in Kuwait, abseiling from helicopters hovering above the embassy.<ref name=bbc>{{cite news |work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=10 March 2010 |title=The secretive sister of the SAS |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/1659585.stm |date=16 November 2001|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080214225933/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/1659585.stm |archive-date=14 February 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> They also carried out diversionary raids along the Kuwaiti coast which diverted a number of Iraqi troops away from the main thrust of the coalition buildup, to the SBS area of operations.{{sfn|Van der Bijl|Hannon|1995|p=16}}

In September 1999, about 20 SBS members contributed to the Australian-led [[International Force for East Timor]] (INTERFET) in [[East Timor]].<ref>{{cite journal|title=Marines in spearhead|journal=Navy News|date=October 1999|page=1|url=https://issuu.com/navynews/docs/199910|access-date=8 November 2016|publisher=Ministry of Defence|issn=0028-1670|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109021314/https://issuu.com/navynews/docs/199910|archive-date=9 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Together with the Australian [[Special Air Service Regiment]] and the [[New Zealand Special Air Service]] they formed INTERFET's special forces element, named Response Force.{{sfn|Farrell|2000}}<ref name="Benjamin">{{cite web|author1=Benjamin James Morgan|title=A Brief History of Australian Army Operations in East Timor, 1999–2005 |date=6 January 2006 |url=http://www.geocities.com/benjamin.morgan/index.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20091023013318/http://www.geocities.com/benjamin.morgan/index.htm |archive-date=23 October 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Response Force departed from [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]] by [[C-130 Hercules]] transport aircraft and flew into [[Dili]] tasked with securing the [[Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport|airport]], a seaport and a heli-port to enable regular forces to land and deploy. The SBS were filmed driving a [[Land Rover Defender]] out of a Hercules.{{sfn|Farrell|2000}}<ref name="Benjamin" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/452208.stm |date=20 September 1999|title=British troops start work in East Timor|work=BBC News|access-date=11 September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100405013809/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/452208.stm |archive-date=5 April 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> Response Force was then used to perform a variety of tasks including direct action and special reconnaissance throughout East Timor. The British forces, including the SBS, withdrew in December 1999.{{sfn|Farrell|2000}}<ref name="Benjamin" /> Sergeant Mark Andrew Cox was awarded the [[Military Cross]] after his patrol came under fire from pro-Indonesian militia.<ref>{{cite journal|title=MC Award puts Royal Marine in record book|journal=Navy News|date=December 2000|page=2|url=https://issuu.com/navynews/docs/200012|access-date=8 November 2016|publisher=Ministry of Defence|issn=0028-1670|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109021455/https://issuu.com/navynews/docs/200012|archive-date=9 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{London Gazette|issue=56017|date=3 November 2000 |page=12363|supp=y}}</ref>

===21st century===
====Sierra Leone====
In September 2000, the SBS, integrated with the SAS, were involved in [[Operation Barras]], a hostage rescue operation in [[Sierra Leone]] that successfully rescued six captured [[Royal Irish Regiment (1992)|Royal Irish Regiment]] soldiers.<ref name=tele/><ref>{{cite thesis|last1=Feuerherm|first1=Maj P. N.|title=Joint special and conventional force integration: a model for all nations|url=https://www.cfc.forces.gc.ca/259/290/294/286/feuerherm.pdf |access-date=24 August 2022|degree=Master's|publisher=Canadian Forces College|date=2008|pages=11, 15, 29–30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Operation Barras |url=https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/operation-barras |website=National Army Museum |access-date=24 August 2022}}</ref>

====Afghanistan====
[[File:DeltaSBSTora.jpg|thumb|right|SBS with [[Delta Force|U.S. Delta Force]] at the [[Battle of Tora Bora]]]]
In November 2001, C and M squadron SBS had an extensive role in the [[United States invasion of Afghanistan|invasion of Afghanistan]] at the start of the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|War in Afghanistan]], notably, members of M squadron, alongside members of [[Secret Intelligence Service|SIS]], were involved in the [[Battle of Tora Bora]].{{sfn|Neville|2015}}{{sfn|Corera|2012|p=338}}<ref>{{cite news|last=Sengupta|first=Kim|date=3 December 2001|title=British forces to take part in assault on cave complex |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/british-forces-to-take-part-in-assault-on-cave-complex-9201165.html|newspaper=[[The Independent]]|access-date=9 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925183718/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/british-forces-to-take-part-in-assault-on-cave-complex-9201165.html|archive-date=25 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The SBS was integrated directly into [[United States invasion of Afghanistan#Command structure|Task Force Sword]] – a [[Black operation|Black]] unit, under direct command of [[Joint Special Operations Command|JSOC]], this was a so-called hunter-killer force whose primary objective was capturing or killing senior leadership and [[High-value target]]s within al-Qaeda and the [[Taliban]]. Troops from C squadron (reinforced by teams from X and Z squadron, with at least one [[United States Navy SEALs|SEAL]] attached to them) were tasked with several missions, some with [[Abdul Rashid Dostum]]'s [[Northern Alliance]] forces at [[Mazar-e-Sharif]]. On 10 November, C squadron inserted into the recently captured [[Bagram Airbase]], which caused an immediate political quandary with the Northern Alliance leadership which claimed that the British had failed to consult them on it before the deployment, in addition to fighting with Dostum's forces, they worked alongside TF Sword in [[Shah-i-Kot Valley]].{{sfn|Neville|2015|pp=29, 69–70}}{{Sfn|Neville|2008}} Members of M squadron SBS, were involved in a prison revolt during the [[Battle of Qala-i-Jangi]], members of the SBS along with US and Northern Alliance troops eventually quelled the uprising, however during one [[close air support]] mission, a misdirected [[Joint Direct Attack Munition|JDAM bomb]] wounded four SBS personnel to various degrees. In appreciation for the SBS contribution to the battle, the [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] attempted to recognise the personnel with US decorations, but due to military and political bureaucracy, the decorations were never awarded. The SBS continued to work with Task Force Sword and the CIA.{{sfn|Neville|2015|pp=29, 72–75}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/1418557/US-honours-Briton-in-Afghan-raid.html|title=US honours Briton in Afghan raid|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=10 March 2010|first=Michael|last=Smith|date=11 January 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111214623/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/1418557/US-honours-Briton-in-Afghan-raid.html|archive-date=11 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

In Spring 2005, the Director of Special Forces re-balanced British special forces deployments so that Afghanistan would be the responsibility of the SBS and Iraq would be the 22 SAS Regiment's.{{sfn|Urban|2012a|pp=92–93}} In Spring 2006, the British military [[Operation Herrick#Helmand|deployed over 4,000 troops]] to southern Afghanistan and the SBS were assigned to take the lead in supporting the deployment.{{sfn|Urban|2012a|p=135}} The SBS were part of Task Force 42{{sfn|Neville|2015|p=146}} the British contingent in the Joint Special Forces command; their deployment with other British special forces units was codenamed Operation Kindle (similar to the SAS and other British SF deployment in Iraq, known as Operation Crichton);{{sfn|Neville|2016|p=49}} the SBS carried out missions all over southern Afghanistan with [[AgustaWestland Apache|AgustaWestland Apache helicopters]].<ref name="Macy p.2-3">Macy, Ed, ''Apache'', Harper Perennial, 2009 {{ISBN|978-0007288175}}, pp. 2–3, 8–9</ref> Along with training and mentoring Afghan Provincial Response Companies, Afghan police tactical units the operated jointly with Coalition SOF, TF 42 conducted operations in direct support of the British Battle Group deployed in Helmand Province and for ISAF SOF Command and operations directly for the Americans in pursuit of high-value targets.{{sfn|Neville|2015|p=146}} The main objective of the SBS (and later on other British special forces units with Afghan forces) was targeting Taliban leaders and drug barons using "[[Carrot and stick]]" tactics.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/jul/02/special-forces-killed-afghanistan|title=British special forces member killed in Afghanistan|work=The Guardian|date=2 July 2010|access-date=16 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817111053/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/jul/02/special-forces-killed-afghanistan|archive-date=17 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> On 27 June 2006, a 16-man unit from C Squadron and members of the [[Special Reconnaissance Regiment]] (SRR) carried out Operation Ilois: an operation that silently captured four Taliban leaders in compounds on the outskirts of [[Sangin]], [[Helmand]] province. As they returned to their Land Rover vehicles, they were ambushed by an estimated 60–70 Taliban insurgents, with one vehicle disabled by RPG fire, the team took cover in an irrigation ditch and requested assistance while holding off the Taliban force. The Helmand Battle Group had not been informed of the operation until it went wrong; a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) made up of a platoon of [[Gurkhas]] responded but ran into another insurgent ambush; one SBS member was seriously injured in the ambush. After an hour-long gunfight (some sources say three hours{{Which|date=March 2018}}), Apache attack helicopters, the Gurkha QRF and the 16-man unit, supported by a US [[Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II|A-10 Thunderbolt]] and two [[British Aerospace Harrier II|Harrier GR7s]] managed to break contact and return to the closest FOB; two of the four Taliban leaders were killed in the firefight while the other two escaped in the chaos. Upon reaching the FOB it was discovered that Captain David Patton, SRR, and Sergeant Paul Bartlett, SBS were missing—one was helping wounded out of a vehicle when he was shot and assumed killed, and the other went missing during the firefight. An RAF Chinook carrying a company from the [[Parachute Regiment (United Kingdom)|Parachute Regiment]] took off to find them, a pair of Apaches spotted the bodies and the Paras recovered them. One SBS member was awarded the MC for his actions in the ambush.{{sfn|Neville|2015|pp=239–241}}<ref name="Macy p.2-3"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/5152430.stm|access-date=9 March 2010|work=BBC News|title=Killed NI soldier 'was due home|date=6 July 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080225213326/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/5152430.stm|archive-date=25 February 2008|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 12 May 2007, an SBS team killed the Taliban leader [[Dadullah|Mullah Dadullah]] after JSOC and the [[Intelligence Support Activity|ISA]] tracked him to a compound—where his associates were meeting—near [[Bahram Chah]], Helmand province. The ISA confirmed he was there and an SBS reconnaissance element carried out reconnaissance of the compound which showed that Dadullah was protected by 20 insurgents. That night, with the ISA monitoring the target, the majority of C Squadron were inserted by RAF [[Boeing Chinook (UK variants)|Chinook HC.2]] helicopters while Apache helicopters provided cover. The troops stormed the compound and an hour long firefight took place as small groups of Taliban were hunted down and killed. Four SBS personnel were wounded (one seriously). Eventually Dadullah was shot in the chest and head, a brief [[site exploitation]] was conducted and the assault force was picked up by helicopter.{{sfn|Neville|2015|pp=241–242}}<ref>{{cite news|work=BBC News|title=Long haul fight to defeat the Taliban|access-date=9 March 2010|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6237290.stm|date=25 June 2007|first=Alastair|last=Leithead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100818233056/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6237290.stm|archive-date=18 August 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> On 29 July 2007, members of the SBS were carrying out a special mission in [[Nimruz]] when they were involved in a firefight with Taliban insurgents, Lance Corporal Michael Jones was killed and three other members were wounded.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1559131/Royal-Marine-killed-in-Taliban-fight-named.html|title=Royal Marine killed in Taliban fight named|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=1 August 2007|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205042231/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1559131/Royal-Marine-killed-in-Taliban-fight-named.html|archive-date=5 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/fatalities/lance-corporal-michael-jones-royal-marines-killed-in-afghanistan|title=Lance Corporal Michael Jones Royal Marines killed in Afghanistan|publisher=Government of the United Kingdom|date=31 July 2007|access-date=4 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205045038/https://www.gov.uk/government/fatalities/lance-corporal-michael-jones-royal-marines-killed-in-afghanistan|archive-date=5 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6924232.stm|title=Dead UK Afghanistan marine named|publisher=BBC|date=31 July 2007|access-date=4 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028152115/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6924232.stm|archive-date=28 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> On 24 September 2007, members of C squadron SBS and the Italian SOF unit [[9th Parachute Assault Regiment|Col Moschin]] rescued two Italian intelligence agents who were kidnapped two days before by the Taliban in [[Herat province]] near [[Farah, Afghanistan|Farah]]. Col Moschin parachuted onto a drop zone and marched overnight to surround the target compound, while the SBS were standing by in [[Westland Lynx|Lynx]] and Chinook helicopters to provide cut off groups in case the insurgents attempted to escape. A US Predator drone also supported the British and Italians. The insurgents brought the hostages out of the compound and loaded them into vehicles before the Italians were in position to rescue them, but the SBS closed in on the vehicles: aerial snipers using [[Barrett M82#M82A1|M82A1 anti-materiel rifles]] forced the vehicles to stop. A Chinook dropped off more than a dozen SBS personnel who engaged the Taliban who were disembarking the vehicles. Eight Taliban insurgents were killed and the hostages were rescued, although one died of gunshot wounds.{{sfn|Neville|2015|pp=242–243}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/sep/25/italy.afghanistan|title=Elite UK troops rescue Italians in Afghanistan|work=The Guardian|date=25 September 2007|access-date=16 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005020248/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/sep/25/italy.afghanistan|archive-date=5 October 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1564157/British-forces-help-free-Italians-in-Afghanistan.html|title=British forces help free Italians in Afghanistan|publisher=the telegraph|date=25 September 2007|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028151732/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1564157/British-forces-help-free-Italians-in-Afghanistan.html|archive-date=28 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 18 February 2008, Taliban leader [[Abdul Matin (Taliban leader)|Mullah Abdul Matin]] and one of his sub-commanders, Mullah Karim Agha, along with several bodyguards were travelling through the desert near [[Girishk|Gereshk]], Helmand province on motorbikes when they were ambushed and killed by an SBS unit dropped into his path by helicopter.{{sfn|Neville|2015|p=242}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.scotsman.com/world/Key-Taliban-warlord-killed-in.3805965.jp|title=Mullah Abdul Matin|newspaper=[[The Scotsman]]|access-date=16 March 2010|date=22 February 2008}}</ref> In February 2009, members of the SBS took part in [[Operation Diesel]], which resulted in the seizure of £50&nbsp;million of heroin and the killing of at least 20 Taliban insurgents.<ref>{{cite news|last=Harding|first=Thomas|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/onthefrontline/4681443/British-forces-in-Afghanistan-seize-50m-of-heroin-and-kill-20-Taliban.html|title=British forces in Afghanistan seize £50m of heroin and kill 20 Taliban|work=The Telegraph|date=18 February 2009|access-date=3 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324164317/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/onthefrontline/4681443/British-forces-in-Afghanistan-seize-50m-of-heroin-and-kill-20-Taliban.html|archive-date=24 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> On 29 August 2009, Sergeant Lee Houltram of the SBS was killed by an IED during a Special Forces operation to destroy a bomb factory near Gereshk in Helmand province.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forces.net/remembrance/iremember-sas-who-dares-wins-stars-sign|title=#IRemember: 'SAS Who Dares Wins' Stars Sign Up|publisher=forces.net|date=27 November 2016|access-date=4 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205194710/http://www.forces.net/remembrance/iremember-sas-who-dares-wins-stars-sign|archive-date=5 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/fatalities/sergeant-lee-andrew-houltram-royal-marines-killed-in-afghanistan-on-29-august|title=Sergeant Lee Andrew Houltram, Royal Marines, killed in Afghanistan on 29 August|publisher=Government of the United Kingdom|date=30 August 2009|access-date=4 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205045134/https://www.gov.uk/government/fatalities/sergeant-lee-andrew-houltram-royal-marines-killed-in-afghanistan-on-29-august|archive-date=5 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> On 9 September 2009, an SBS team supported by the [[Special Forces Support Group]] (SFSG) rescued ''Times'' journalist [[Stephen Farrell (journalist)|Stephen Farrell]] from a Taliban safe house in [[Char Dara District]], Kunduz Province after he and his Afghan interpreter had been captured by the Taliban while reporting on the [[2009 Kunduz airstrike|Kunduz airstrike]]. The British special forces were forced to act when intercepted communications of the Taliban leader showed them discussing moving the hostages into Pakistan. They were inserted before dawn by [[160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne)|160th SOAR]] helicopters directly onto the target building. While the SFSG set up a cordon, the Afghan interpreter was accidentally shot and killed, and two civilians were killed by an explosive breaching charge on the compound. Although an SFSG soldier was killed, Farrell was successfully rescued.{{sfn|Neville|2015|p=243}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/sep/09/british-soldier-killed-afghanistan|title=British soldier killed during rescue of kidnapped journalist in Afghanistan|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date=9 September 2009|access-date=16 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816095630/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/sep/09/british-soldier-killed-afghanistan|archive-date=16 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|access-date=8 October 2013|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|title=Army anger as soldier killed saving journalist who ignored Taliban warning|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/6163453/Army-anger-as-soldier-killed-saving-journalist-who-ignored-Taliban-warning.html|first=Andrew|last=Pierce|date=9 September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130903213129/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/6163453/Army-anger-as-soldier-killed-saving-journalist-who-ignored-Taliban-warning.html|archive-date=3 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 July 2010 during an operation against insurgents in Haji Wakil, Helmand Province, Corporal Seth Stephens of the SBS was killed during a heavy firefight while clearing a compound, as a result of his actions during that operation, he was awarded the [[Conspicuous Gallantry Cross]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-13520529|title=Marine Cpl Seth Stephens shot in the head by Afghanistan insurgent|work=BBC News|date=24 May 2011|access-date=21 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127134112/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-13520529|archive-date=27 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 15 April 2012, during the [[April 2012 Afghanistan attacks|Taliban attack on Kabul]], SBS members cleared Taliban militants from a central location overlooking foreign embassies.<ref name=SkyNews>{{cite news|last=Stone|first=Mark|title=UK Troops Crucial in Ending Kabul Attack|url=http://news.sky.com/story/11034/uk-troops-crucial-in-ending-kabul-attack|access-date=18 April 2012|publisher=Sky News|date=18 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427204809/http://news.sky.com/story/11034/uk-troops-crucial-in-ending-kabul-attack|archive-date=27 April 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> A heavily armed insurgent suicide squad occupied a six-storey, half-built tower block, and began firing small arms and RPGs on nearby buildings including the British and German embassies. SBS and Afghan troops fought a close quarters battle for eight-and-a-half hours to eventually clear the militants from the structure. The mission to end the siege is thought to have been one of the most decorated actions of Britain's involvement in Afghanistan, with several gallantry awards given to the participants. A combat assault dog, a [[Belgian Malinois]] known as Mali, received the [[Dickin Medal]] for his actions during the battle. Despite being badly injured by grenade shrapnel, Mali stayed by the side of his handler and continued to find safe routes for the British and Afghan troops as they fought their way up the tower floor-by-floor, preventing the operators from suffering major casualties.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/11/17/special-forces-dog-wins-animal-victoria-cross-taliban-raid-heroics/|title=Special forces dog wins 'animal Victoria Cross' for Taliban raid heroics|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=17 November 2017|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409120621/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/11/17/special-forces-dog-wins-animal-victoria-cross-taliban-raid-heroics/|archive-date=9 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> On 23 December 2013, Captain Richard Holloway was serving with the SBS when he was killed by Taliban small arms fire while conducting an operation to suppress the Taliban in a joint SBS-Afghan forces raid (with air support) on Taliban insurgents in a valley east of [[Kabul]] ahead of the Afghanistan elections.<ref>{{cite news |last=Farmer|first=Ben|date=27 November 2014 |title=Special Forces soldier died in perilous raid on Taliban haven |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/11258477/Special-Forces-soldier-died-in-perilous-raid-on-Taliban-haven.html|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=29 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150423174632/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/11258477/Special-Forces-soldier-died-in-perilous-raid-on-Taliban-haven.html|archive-date=23 April 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Iraq====
In the [[2003 invasion of Iraq]], M Squadron deployed to [[Jordan]] as Task Force 7, which was part of [[Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - West]] (CJSOTF-West) and were earmarked for a heliborne assault on several Iraqi oil facilities that had their own desert airstrips that once captured would be used for [[special operations forces]]' staging areas. In northern Iraq in early March, a small reconnaissance team from M Squadron mounted on Honda [[All-terrain vehicle]]s inserted into Iraq from Jordan, its first mission was to conduct reconnaissance of an Iraqi air base at al-Sahara. The team was compromised by an anti-special forces [[Fedayeen Saddam|Fedayeen]] unit and barely escaped thanks to a US [[McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle]] that flew air cover for the team and the bravery of an RAF Chinook that extracted the team under the Fedayeen's 'noses'.{{sfn|Neville|2015|pp=88–90, 121–122}}

M Squadron launched a second operation at full strength ("Zero Six Bravo") in a mix of land rovers and ATVs into northern Iraq from [[H-2 Air Base]], the objective was to locate, make contact and take the surrender of the Iraqi 5th Army Corps somewhere past [[Tikrit]] and to survey and mark viable temporary landing zones for follow-on forces. However the Squadron was compromised by a goat herder; the SBS drove for several days while unknown to them anti-special forces Fedayeen units followed them. At an overnight position near [[Mosul]] the Fedayeen ambushed the Squadron with DShK heavy machine guns and RPGs, the SBS returned fire and began taking fire from a [[T-72]], the Squadron scattered and escaped the well-constructed trap. A number of Land Rovers became bogged down in a nearby wadi, so the troops mined the vehicles and abandoned them—though several did not detonate and were captured and exhibited on Iraqi television.{{sfn|Urban|2012a|p=148}} The SBS was now in three distinct groups: one with several operational Land Rovers was being pursued by the Iraqi hunter force, a second mainly equipped with ATVs was hunkered down and trying to arrange extraction, the third with just 2 personnel on an ATV raced for the Syrian border. The first group tried to call in coalition strike aircraft but the aircraft could not identify friendly forces because the SBS were not equipped with infra-red strobes—although their vehicles did have [[Blue Force Tracking|Blue Force Tracker]] units, they eventually made it to an emergency rendezvous point and were extracted by an RAF Chinook. The second group was also extracted by an RAF Chinook and the third group made it to [[Syria]] and was held there until their release was negotiated, there were no SBS casualties.{{sfn|Neville|2015|pp=122–123}}

M Squadron also had a 3-month tour in early 2003. Corporal Ian Plank, an SBS member attached to the SAS was killed by Iraqi insurgents during a house-to-house search for a wanted high-ranking Islamist terrorist in an insurgent compound in [[Ramadi]] on 31 October 2003, he was the first UKSF combat casualty of the Iraq War.{{sfn|Urban|2012a|p=31}} The SBS was also very active as part of Task Force Black, C squadron deployed to Baghdad as part of the task force in 2004, in its four-month deployment it mounted 22 raids.{{sfn|Urban|2012a|p=88}} On 23 July 2005, M squadron, supported by troops from the SAS and US forces carried out [[Operation Marlborough]], killing three members of [[Tanzim Qaidat al-Jihad fi Bilad al-Rafidayn|AQI]].{{sfn|Urban|2012a|pp=87–90}}

====Libya====
On 27 February 2011, during the [[First Libyan Civil War]], the BBC reported that C Squadron assisted in the evacuation of 150 oil workers in three flights by RAF C-130 Hercules from an airfield near [[Zella, Libya|Zella]] to [[Valletta]] in [[Malta]].<ref>{{cite AV media |last=Urban |first=Mark |date=19 January 2012 |title=SAS on ground during Libya crisis |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-africa-16624401 |medium=Television documentary |work=[[Newsnight]] |publisher=[[BBC Two]] (broadcast 18 January 2012)|access-date=21 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Davies |first1=Caroline |last2=Norton-Taylor |first2=Richard |title=SAS assist in evacuation of British oil workers from Libyan desert |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/feb/27/sas-evacuation-british-workers-libya |access-date=20 April 2022 |work=The Guardian |date=28 February 2011}}</ref>

====Nigeria====
{{main|Sokoto hostage rescue attempt}}
On 8 March 2012, a small SBS team [[Sokoto hostage rescue attempt|attempted to rescue]] two hostages, Chris McManus (British) and Franco Lamolinara (Italian), who were being held in Nigeria by members of the [[Boko Haram]] terrorist organisation that was loyal to al-Qaeda. The two hostages were killed by their captors before or during the rescue attempt. All the hostage takers were reportedly killed.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Watt|first1=Nicholas|last2=Norton-Taylor |first2=Richard|last3=Vogt|first3=Andrea|date=8 March 2012|title=British and Italian hostages killed in Nigeria |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/mar/08/british-italian-hostages-killed-nigeria|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=8 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911040840/http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/mar/08/british-italian-hostages-killed-nigeria|archive-date=11 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

====United Kingdom====
On 21 December 2018, SBS personnel resolved a situation by [[Grande Tema incident|storming the container ship ''Grande Tema'']] where four stowaways hijacked the ship, demanding to enter the UK.<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Thames Estuary cargo ship 'stowaways' deny hijack bid|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-essex-47334435|work=BBC|date=22 February 2019 |access-date=26 October 2020}}</ref>

On 25 October 2020, SBS personnel [[Nave Andromeda incident|stormed the oil tanker ''Nave Andromeda'']] south-east of the [[Isle of Wight]]. The vessel was suspected to have been hijacked by seven Nigerian stowaways seeking asylum in Britain, who were later handed over to Hampshire Police.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-54687379|title=Tanker stowaways: 'Hijacking' ends after special forces storm ship|work=BBC News|date=26 October 2020}}</ref><ref name=graun25oc20/>

==Organisation==

The [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] does not comment on special forces matters, and there is consequently little verifiable information in the public domain.<ref name=scotsman>{{cite web|access-date=9 March 2010|newspaper=[[The Scotsman]]|title=Special forces quitting to cash in on Iraq|url=http://www.sandline.com/hotlinks/Scotsman_Spec-forces.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615202732/http://www.sandline.com/hotlinks/Scotsman_Spec-forces.html|archive-date=15 June 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> The SBS is under the Operational Command of [[Director Special Forces]] and is based in Hamworthy barracks, [[Poole]], Dorset.<ref name=tele>{{cite news|last=Rayment|first=Sean |date=1 August 2004|title=End your rift, SAS and SBS are told |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1468360/End-your-rift-SAS-and-SBS-are-told.html|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=9 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111010180600/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1468360/End-your-rift-SAS-and-SBS-are-told.html|archive-date=10 October 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

According to military sources in 2020, the SBS numbers about a couple of hundred personnel. Members are on standby at all times. While women have been eligible to join since 2018, there is no official information on women serving on the frontline.<ref name=graun25oc20>{{Cite web|title=What do we know about the SBS?|last1=Defence|first1=Dan Sabbagh |newspaper=The Guardian|date=26 October 2020|url= https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/oct/25/what-do-we-know-about-the-sbs}}</ref>

In 1987, when renamed the Special Boat Service, the SBS was also reformed along SAS lines, with 16-person troops (each equivalent to a [[platoon]]) instead of the traditional sections.<ref>{{cite journal|access-date=17 March 2010|publisher=Cambridge University Press|title=The arrested development of UK special forces and the global war on terror|year=2009 |doi=10.1017/S0260210509990398 |url=http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayFulltext?type=1&fid=6459928&jid=RIS&volumeId=35&issueId=04&aid=6459920|last1=Finlan |first1=Alastair |journal=Review of International Studies |volume=35 |issue=4 |pages=971–982 |s2cid=59450530 |url-access=subscription }}</ref>
About 200–250 commandos make up the SBS at any one time,<ref>{{cite news|last=MacErlean|first=Neasa |date=20 January 2002|title=The Special Boat Service |url=https://www.theguardian.com/money/2002/jan/20/wageslaves.careers|newspaper=The Guardian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140613011448/http://www.theguardian.com/money/2002/jan/20/wageslaves.careers|archive-date=13 June 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first1=Peter|last1=Almond |first2=John|last2=Elliott|date=20 March 2005 |title=Fallen SBS leader set up jungle rescue|url=https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/uk-travel/england/london-travel/fallen-sbs-leader-set-up-jungle-rescue-h877bdwg37d|newspaper=[[The Times]]|url-status=live|url-access=subscription|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517043854/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article432603.ece|archive-date=17 May 2008}}</ref> and once qualified, personnel are known as "Swimmer Canoeists". They are experts in swimming, diving, parachuting, navigation, demolition and reconnaissance.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=9 March 2010|publisher=[[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]]|title=Career Specialisations|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/royalmarines/careers/career-specialisations/#f9|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212161617/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/royalmarines/careers/career-specialisations/#f9|archive-date=12 February 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>

Since the SBS joined the UKSF Group in the 1980s, it has been restructured. Previously, each squadron was tasked with a permanent specialist role. The unit has since adopted the same system of each squadron rotating through the unit's different roles used in the SAS.{{sfn|Lewis|2007}} Each Squadron rotates through counter terrorism duties and conventional operations and tasking. For example, in December 2001 C squadron was on MCT Role, and was called in to intercept the MV Nisha while M and Z Squadron were deployed in Afghanistan.{{sfn|Lewis|2007}}

The SBS Reserve (SBS(R)) provides individual reservists to augment the regular SBS.<ref name="SBS(R)"/> Recruits need to be serving members of UK reserve forces and a high level of commitment is required.<ref name="SBS(R)">{{cite web |title=Special Boat Service Reserve|url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/royal-marines/special-boat-service/special-boat-service/special-boat-service-reserve |website=Royal Navy|access-date=26 January 2020|language=en}}</ref> The SBS(R) is based at various locations throughout the United Kingdom, but training is carried out in the South of England.<ref name=sbsr>{{cite web|access-date=8 March 2010|publisher=[[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]]|title=Special Boat Service (Reserve)|url=http://www.army.mod.uk/specialforces/10558.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100315100646/http://www.army.mod.uk/specialforces/10558.aspx|archive-date=15 March 2010}}</ref>

===Structure===

The structure of the SBS is as follows:<ref>{{cite web |title=Special Boat Service (SBS) {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Special-Boat-Service |website=www.britannica.com |date=7 January 2024 |language=en |quote=It is organized into four squadrons...}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Tucker |first1=Spencer C. |title=The encyclopedia of Middle East wars: the United States in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq conflicts |date=2010 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |location=Santa Barbara, Calif. |isbn=9781851099481 |page=1152 |quote=The SBS consists of four squadrons: C, X, M, and Z, each containing around 60 men.}}</ref>
* C Squadron{{sfn|Urban|2012a|loc=Target AQI}}
* M Squadron
** HQ Troop, 4 Troop, 5 Troop,{{sfn|Camsell|2001|p=18|loc=he was drafted direct to 5 Troop SBS, M squadron with me}} 6 Troop{{sfn|Lewis|2013|p=17}}
* X Squadron
* Z Squadron
* SBS(Reserve) R Squadron

The SBS has a subunit dedicated to operating [[SEAL Delivery Vehicle|Swimmer Delivery Vehicles]] (SDVs) known as the SDV Troop.{{sfn|Lewis|2013|p=29}}{{sfn|Parker|2013|p=219}}<ref name="JSP754">{{cite web |author1=Ministry of Defence |title=Tri-Service Regulations for Pay and Charges |url=https://moam.info/jsp-754-moneyforce_5a1d57451723ddba458a1862.html |via=MOAM.INFO |access-date=19 July 2022 |series=Joint Service Publication 754| edition=18| date=1 April 2013| page=6-12-3}}</ref>

===Commanding Officers===
{{incompletelist|date=August 2025}}

* 1943 [[George Jellicoe, 2nd Earl Jellicoe]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://guardsmagazine.com/bookreviews/2021%20Autumn/02%20George%20Jellico.html|title=George Jellicoe: SAS and SBS commander|publisher=Guards Magazine|year=2021|access-date=24 August 2025}}</ref>
* 1952 [[Hugh Bruce]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Major Hugh Bruce |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1419707/Major-Hugh-Bruce.html |access-date=24 August 2025 |work=The Telegraph |date=23 January 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122090708/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1419707/Major-Hugh-Bruce.html |archive-date=22 November 2021 |language=en}}</ref>
* 1970s Rupert Van der Horst<ref>{{cite web |title=Falklands 40: Rupert van der Horst |url=https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us/our-national-campaigns/falklands-40/falklands-40-rupert-van-der-horst/ |website=www.ssafa.org.uk |publisher=SSAFA |access-date=24 August 2025 |language=en}}</ref>
* 2002 [[Ed Davis (Royal Marines officer)|Ed Davis]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Change of Governor of Gibraltar: Lieutenant-General Edward Davis |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/change-of-governor-of-gibraltar--2 |website=GOV.UK |publisher=Foreign & Commonwealth Office |access-date=24 August 2025 |language=en |date=1 October 2015}}</ref>
* 2003 Richard Van der Horst<ref>{{cite news |title=Lt-Col Richard Van der Horst |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1486284/Lt-Col-Richard-Van-der-Horst.html |access-date=24 August 2025 |work=The Telegraph |date=24 March 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250427210655/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1486284/Lt-Col-Richard-Van-der-Horst.html |archive-date=27 April 2025 |language=en}}</ref>
* 2009 [[Gwyn Jenkins]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Romaniello |first1=Federica |title=New Vice Chief of the Defence Staff appointed |url=https://www.forces.net/news/major-general-gwyn-jenkins-appointed-new-vice-chief-defence-staff |website=Forces Network |access-date=10 September 2023 |language=en |date=27 July 2022}}</ref>

==Equipment==

In 2019, the SDV Troop operated three [[SEAL_Delivery_Vehicle#Mark_8_SDV|Mk8 Mod 1 SDVs]], with an order to replace them with three new [[Shallow Water Combat Submersible|Mk11 SWCS SDVs]].<ref name="NavyOutlook"/><ref>{{Cite press release|title=United Kingdom – SEAL Delivery Vehicles (SDV) MK 11 Shallow Water Combat Submersibles (SWCS) |url=https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/united-kingdom-seal-delivery-vehicle-sdv-mk-11-shallow-water-combat|website=Defense Security Cooperation Agency|date=20 September 2018|series=Transmittal No. 18-36|access-date=28 August 2022}}</ref> An SDV can be housed in an [[Astute-class submarine]]'s [[dry deck shelter]].<ref name="NavyOutlook">{{cite news |title=In focus: Royal Navy submarine special forces delivery systems |url=https://www.navylookout.com/in-focus-royal-navy-submarine-special-forces-delivery-systems/ |access-date=28 August 2022 |work=Navy Lookout |date=23 April 2019}}</ref> SBS members are provided with assistance by Fleet Diving Group divers when using dry deck shelters.<ref name="NavyOutlook"/>

Fast Insertion/Interceptor Craft (FIC) are also in use with the SBS. They have a reported maximum speed of up to 55 knots and the hull features a highly stealthy design and advanced 'wave piercing' qualities. They are similar to the American [[Mark V Special Operations Craft]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Bush|first=Steve|title=British Warships and Auxiliaries|year=2014|publisher=Maritime Books|pages=35–39 |isbn=978-1904459552}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Fast Interceptor Craft |url=https://www.baesystems.com/en/product/fast-interceptor-craft|website=BAE Systems |access-date=20 May 2023}}</ref> The SBS use Klepper Aerius [[Folding kayak|folding canoes]],<ref>{{cite book |last1=Thompson |first1=Leroy |title=Secret techniques of the elite forces: how to train and fight like the elite and special operations forces of the world |date=2005 |publisher=Greenhill [u.a.] |location=London |isbn=9781853676529 |page=106}}</ref> [[Rigid Raider]]s,<ref name="mccrery-2021"/><ref name="miller-2002">{{cite book |last1=Miller |first1=David |last2=Bonds |first2=Ray |title=Illustrated Directory of Special Forces |date=2002 |publisher=Voyageur Press |isbn=9780760314197 |page=110}}</ref> Avon Searider [[Rigid inflatable boat|Rigid Inflatable Boats]] (RIBs),<ref name="stilwell-2014"/> and Dräger LAR-V [[rebreathers]].<ref name="mccrery-2021">{{cite book |last1=McCrery |first1=Nigel |title=The Complete History of the SAS |isbn=9781787396968 |year=2021 |chapter=The SAS Today|publisher=Welbeck Publishing }}</ref>

==Recruitment, selection and training==

===Pre-selection aptitude test===

Before progressing to joint UKSF selection, SBS aspirants must pass a 2-week aptitude test, which involves the following:{{sfn|Parker|2013|loc=Epilogue}}
* Boating phase (1 week)
** Combat fitness test
** SBS swimming test
*** Swim 600 metres in 15 minutes
*** Swim 50 metres clothed with a weapon and belt
*** Swim 25 metres underwater while holding your breath
** Multiple canoe trials including:
*** Carrying a folding canoe and fully loaded bergen for {{convert|3|mi|km}}
*** {{convert|20|mi|km|adj=on}} canoe paddle
* Diving phase (1 week)
** Complete a number of dives with confidence and willingness
** Learn and demonstrate diving drills with sufficient quality

===UKSF selection===

{{See also|UK Joint Special Forces Selection}}

SBS candidates take part in Joint Special Forces Selection alongside SAS candidates, with their selection and training diverging after the end of the JSFS course. JSFS lasts ≈&nbsp;6 months. It is broken down into multiple phases, including cross-country marches in the aptitude phase and teaching and testing soldiering skills in the jungle phase. It also involves training in other fields, such escape and evasion and [[resistance to interrogation]] (RTI).<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2004/may/08/iraq.iraq | location=London | title=UK forces taught torture methods | date=8 May 2004 |work=The Guardian  | first=David | last=Leigh|access-date=13 July 2023}}</ref>

Originally, the SBS had its own independent end-to-end selection programme to qualify as a [[Frogman|Swimmer Canoeist]], but its selection course was integrated into the joint UKSF selection course with candidates for the SAS. In the past, the SBS was staffed almost entirely by the Royal Marines. Today, all members of His Majesty's Armed Forces can be considered for special forces selection.{{#tag:ref|The regular elements of United Kingdom Special Forces never recruit directly from the general public.{{sfn|Ryan|2009|p=17}}|group=nb}} Approximately 40% of all UK Special Forces are recruited from the Royal Marines.{{sfn|Royal Marines|2015|p=78}}

There are two selection courses each year: one in Winter and the other in Summer.{{sfn|Ryan|2009|p=17}} Candidates wishing to serve with the Special Boat Service must have completed at least two years regular service and are only accepted into the SBS after completion of the selection process.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/royalmarines/careers/your-questions-answered/ask-us/search-results/how-do-you-join-the-sbs/*/changeNav/7137|title=How do you join the SBS (Special Boat Service)?|website=Royal Navy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090806181117/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/royalmarines/careers/your-questions-answered/ask-us/search-results/how-do-you-join-the-sbs/*/changeNav/7137|archive-date=6 August 2009}}</ref>

====SC3 course====

After passing joint UKSF selection, at which point SAS aspirants have passed, SBS aspirants continue to the Swimmer Canoeist, Third Class<ref>{{cite book |last1=Welham |first1=Michael G. |title=Combat Divers: An Illustrated History of Special Forces Divers |date=19 January 2023 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |isbn=9781472856029 |page=164}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Queen's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions for the Government of Her Majesty's Naval Service |date=1953 |publisher=H.M. Stationery Office |page=20 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KiwtAQAAMAAJ |access-date=25 May 2023}}</ref> (SC3) course, sometimes called the boating and diving course.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cawthorne |first1=Nigel |title=The Mammoth Book of Inside the Elite Forces |date=2012 |isbn=9781780337319 |chapter=Qualification|publisher=Little, Brown Book }}</ref><ref name="bennett-2011"/> It lasts eight weeks and covers specialist maritime skills such as canoeing, diving, boating, underwater navigation and demolition, negotiating surf zones, and submarine infiltration.<ref name="bennett-2011">{{cite book |last1=Bennett |first1=Richard M |title=Elite Forces |date=2011 |isbn=9780753547649 |chapter=UK |publisher=Random House |quote=SBS students go on to their own 8-week boating and diving course, including underwater navigation and demolition, negotiating surf zones and navigating a 55km course in the Klepper canoe, and infiltration via submarine. Following this Marines are rated as Swimmer Canoeist Class 3, and entitled to wear the badge of this specialist qualification on the left cuff of their blue and green dress uniforms, " SC" over a wreath.}}</ref>{{sfn|Parker|2013|loc=Epilogue}} The course includes a {{convert|55|km|mi|order=flip|adj=on}} course in a canoe. After passing the SC3 course, SBS aspirants have passed selection as a whole and join an operational troop on probation.<ref name="stilwell-2014">{{cite book |last1=Stilwell |first1=Alexander |last2=Ryan |first2=Mike |last3=Mann |first3=Chris |title=The Encyclopedia of the World's Special Forces |date=6 March 2014 |publisher=Amber Books |isbn=9781907446894}}</ref> As SBS marines grow in experience and rank, they take the more advanced SC2 and then SC1 courses.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Bennett |first1=Richard M |title=Elite Forces |date=2011 |isbn=9780753547649 |chapter=UK |publisher=Random House |quote=For Marines to be promoted to Corporal they must qualify as SC2 and to Sergeant {{sic|SC3|expected=SC1}}. These advanced training courses emphasize operational planning and training supervision. Promotion to Sergeant also requires passing the Senior Command Course at the CTC, Lympstone in East Devon.}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Davis |first1=Paul K |last2=Hamilton |first2=Allen Lee |title=Encyclopedia of Warrior Peoples and Fighting Groups |date=29 August 2023 |isbn=9781592371167 |page=305 |publisher=Grey House |quote=At this point, one becomes a Swimmer Canoeist Third Class. Even more courses are required for promotion to SC Second and First Class, which gives one the rank of corporal and sergeant, respectively.}}</ref>

===Reserve selection===
For SBS(R) selection, only candidates with previous military experience are eligible to enlist. Training is carried out in the South of England and candidates are required to complete the following tests over the four-day initial selection course:
* Combat Fitness Test (CFT)&nbsp;– {{convert|12.8|km|mi|0|abbr=on|adj=on}} carrying {{convert|25|kg|lb|abbr=on}} within 1 hour 50 minutes.
* Swim test&nbsp;– {{convert|500|m|ft|abbr=on}} using any stroke in uniform and retrieve an object from {{convert|5|m|ft|abbr=on}}.
* Gym tests.
* Advanced CFT 1&nbsp;– {{convert|15|km|mi|abbr=on|adj=on}} carrying {{convert|25|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.
* Advanced CFT 2&nbsp;– {{convert|24|km|mi|abbr=on|adj=on}} carrying {{convert|30|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref name=sbsr/>

==See also==
* [[British commando frogmen]]
* [[List of military special forces units]]
* [[RFA Sir Tristram|TV ''Sir Tristram'']], UKSF training ship
* ''[[SD Northern River]]'', Marine services vessel reportedly employed in UKSF operations
* ''[[SD Victoria]]'', Marine services vessel reportedly employed in UKSF operations
* [[List of military diving units]] (including special forces)
* [[Special Air Service#Squadrons|22 Special Air Service Regiment Boat Troop]]

==Notes and references==
'''Footnotes'''
{{reflist|group=nb}}
'''Citations'''
{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book|last=Breuer |first=William B. |title=Daring missions of World War II |publisher=John Wiley and Sons|year=2001|isbn=978-0-471-40419-4}}
* {{cite book |last1=Camsell |first1=Don |title=Black water : a life in the Special Boat Service |date=2001 |publisher=Virgin |location=London |isbn=978-0753505120}}
* {{cite book|last=Chappell |first=Mike |title=Army Commandos 1940–1945 |year=1996|series=Elite Series # 64|publisher=Osprey Publishing|isbn=1-85532-579-9}}
* {{cite book|last=Corera |first=Gordon |title=MI6: Life and Death in the British Secret Service |publisher=Phoenix |date=2012 |location=London |isbn=978-0753828335}}
* {{cite book|last=Farrell |first=John | title=Peace Makers: INTERFETs Liberation of East Timor |date=2000 |publisher=Fullbore | location=Rocklea |isbn=0-646-39424-X}}
* {{cite book|last=Haskew |first=Michael E. |title=Encyclopaedia of Elite Forces in the Second World War|publisher=Pen and Sword|year=2007 |isbn=978-1-84415-577-4}}
* {{cite book|last1=Hennessy |first1=Peter |last2=Jinks |first2=James |title=The silent deep: The Royal Navy Submarine Service since 1945|date=2015|publisher=Allen Lane|location=London|isbn=978-1846145803}}
* {{cite book|last=Jackson |first=Ashley |title=The British Empire and the Second World War |publisher=Continuum International Publishing Group |year=2006|isbn=1-85285-417-0}}
* {{cite book|last=Kennedy |first=Greg |title=British Naval Strategy East of Suez, 1900–2000: Influences and Actions |publisher=Routledge|year=2005|isbn=0-7146-5539-2}}
* {{cite book|last1=Lewis |first1=Damien |title=Bloody Heroes |date=2007 |publisher=Arrow Books |location=London |isbn=978-1448165650 |edition=New|oclc=851782794}}
* {{cite book|last1=Lewis |first1=Damien |title=Zero Six Bravo : 60 special forces, 100,000 enemy, the explosive true story |date=2013 |publisher=Quercus |location=London |isbn=9781782060826}}
* {{cite book|last=Molinari |first=Andrea |title=Desert Raiders: Axis and Allied Special Forces 1940–43|publisher=Osprey Publishing |year=2007|isbn=978-1-84603-006-2}}
* {{cite book|last=Morgan |first=Mike |title=Daggers Drawn: Second World War Heroes of the SAS and SBS |publisher=Sutton|year=2000|isbn=0-7509-2509-4}}
* {{cite book|last=Neville |first=Leigh |title=Special Forces in the War on Terror |series=General Military |publisher=Osprey Publishing |date=2015 |location=Oxford |isbn=978-1472807908}}
* {{cite book|last=Neville |first=Leigh |title=Special Operations Forces in Afghanistan |series=Elite Series # 163 |publisher=Osprey Publishing |date=2008 |location=Oxford |isbn=978-1846033100}}
* {{cite book|last=Neville |first=Leigh |title=The SAS 1983–2014 |series=Elite Series # 211 |publisher=Osprey Publishing |date=2016 |location=Oxford |isbn=978-1472814036}}
* {{cite book|last=Owen |first=James |title=Commando |publisher=Little, Brown|year=2012|isbn=978-1-4087-0302-1|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/commandowinningw0000owen}}
* {{cite book|last=Parker|first=John|author-link=John Parker (author)|year=2013|orig-year=1997|edition=Updated|title=SBS: The inside story of the Special Boat Service|location=London|publisher=Headline|isbn=978-1472202659}}
* {{cite book|last=Rees |first=Quentin |title=The Cockleshell Canoes: British Military Canoes of World War Two|location=Stroud, Gloucestershire|publisher=Amberley|year=2008|isbn=978-1-84868-065-4}}
* {{cite book|last=Richards |first=Brooks |title=Secret Flotillas: Clandestine Sea Operations in the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Adriatic, 1940–1944|publisher=Routledge|year=2004|isbn=0-7146-5314-4}}
* {{cite book|last=Ryan |first=Chris |author-link=Chris Ryan |title=Fight to Win |year=2009|publisher=Century|isbn=978-1-84605-666-6}}
* {{cite book|last=Thompson |first=Leroy |title=SAS: Great Britain's Elite Special Air Service |publisher=Zenith Imprint|year=1994|isbn=0-87938-940-0}}
* {{cite book|last=Urban |first=Mark |title=Task Force Black: The Explosive True Story of the Secret Special Forces War in Iraq|location=St. Martin's|publisher=Griffin|year=2012a|isbn=978-1250006967}}
* {{cite book|last1=Van der Bijl |first1=Nick |last2=Hannon |first2=Paul |title=The Royal Marines 1939–93 |year=1995|series=Elite Series # 57 |publisher=Osprey Publishing|location=London |isbn=1-85532-388-5}}
{{refend}}

==Further reading==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book |last1=Ashdown |first1=Paddy |author1-link=Paddy Ashdown |title=A brilliant little operation : the Cockleshell heroes and the most courageous raid of WW2 |date=2012 |publisher=Aurum Press |location=London |isbn=978-1781311257}}
* {{cite book|last=Courtney|first=G.B.|title=SBS in World War Two: The story of the original Special Boat Section of the Army Commandos|year=1983|publisher=Robert Hale|location=London|isbn=978-0709012917}}
* {{cite book |last1=David |first1=Saul |author1-link=Saul David |title=SBS – silent warriors : the authorised wartime history of the Special Boat Service from the secret SBS archives |date=2021 |publisher=William Collins |location=London |isbn=978-0008394523}}
* {{cite book|last=Falconer|first=Duncan|title=First into Action: A dramatic personal account of life in the SBS|year=1998|publisher=Little, Brown|location=London|isbn=978-0316645683}}
* {{cite book|last=Hunter|first=Robin|title=True stories of the SBS: A history of canoe raiding and underwater warfare|year=1998|publisher=Virgin|location=London|isbn=978-0753502679}}
* {{cite book|last=Ladd|first=James D.|title=SBS : the invisible raiders: The history of the Special Boat Squadron from World War Two to the present|year=1983|publisher=Arms and Armour|location=London|isbn=978-0853685937|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/sbsinvisibleraid0000ladd}}
* {{cite book|last=Lodwick|first=John|title=Raiders from the sea: The story of the Special Boat Service in WWII|year=1990|edition=first published 1947 as The filibusters|publisher=Greenhill|location=London|isbn=978-1853670688}}
* {{cite book |last1=Phillips |first1=C.E. Lucas |title=Cockleshell Heroes |date=2021 |publisher=Sapere Books |location=United Kingdom |isbn=978-1800552531}}
* {{cite book|last=Mercer|first=Peter|title=Not by Strength, by Guile|year=1999|publisher=Blake|location=London|isbn=978-1857823684|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/notbystrengthbyg0000merc}}
* {{cite book |last=Pitt |first=Barrie |title=Special Boat Squadron |date=2018 |publisher=Independently published |location= |isbn=978-1718075863}}
* {{cite book|last=Warner |first=Philip |title=The Special Boat Squadron |year=1983|publisher=Sphere Books |isbn=0722189117}}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100304200232/http://www.britains-smallwars.com/main/SBS.htm Special Boat Service at Britain's small wars]

{{His Majesty's Naval Service}}
{{United Kingdom Special Forces}}
{{British Commando Forces}}
{{British Commando units of the Second World War|state=collapsed}}
{{Naval special operations forces}}
{{Underwater diving|prodiv}}
{{authority control}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}

[[Category:Special Boat Service]]
[[Category:Naval special forces units and formations]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1940]]