1st modern special forces unit was theSpecial Air Service (SAS), formed in July 1941 by Lieutenant David Stirling
SAS Brigade undertook series of successful operations in the Western Desert in World War Two.
In 1942, the SAS attacked Bouerat, with the assistance by the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG), which carried out deep penetration, covert reconnaissance patrols, intelligence missions and attacks behind the enemy (Italian) lines from 1940.