Special Air Service: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

Nov. 12, 2026

News •

New photos are 'essential evidence' of possible SAS war crimes, inquiry told • Nov. 10, 2026, 8:11 PM ET (BBC)

Northern Ireland Troubles Bill: No shoot-to-kill missions against IRA, says former SAS officer • Nov. 5, 2026, 5:25 AM ET (BBC)

Inquiry slams culture and command of Australia's SAS during Afghanistan war • Oct. 28, 2026, 5:20 PM ET (ABC News (Australia))

Criminal investigation into SAS chief after ‘troops accused of murder’ • Oct. 24, 2026, 3:00 AM ET (The Telegraph)

Facts

Also Known As	SAS
Date	July 1941 - present
Areas Of Involvement	special operations warfare
Related People	Sir Michael Rose • David Stirling

Photos

David Stirling and members of the Special Air Service

See All Images →

Topics

United States Marine Corps Navy SEAL French Foreign Legion Japan Self-Defense Forces U.S. National Guard Janissary Texas Rangers Special Boat Service Haganah International Brigades