Gustavus Henry March-Phillipps, fondly known as Gus, was a British military leader whose innovative spirit and bravery left a lasting mark on World War II. Born in England on 18 March 1908, Gus rose through the ranks to become a key figure in shaping British special operations. He recognised the need for agile, small-scale raiding units and founded the No. 62 Commando, also known as the Small Scale Raiding Force (SSRF). This pioneering unit, considered a precursor to the Special Air Service (SAS), conducted daring and highly effective operations behind enemy lines. Gus himself embodied the courage and resourcefulness demanded by such missions. He led from the front, meticulously planning raids and inspiring his men with his unwavering determination.
Tragically, Gus’ life was cut short at the young age of 34. During a raid on the French coast on September 12, 1942, he was killed in action. Though his loss was deeply felt, his legacy lived on. The SSRF’s success paved the way for the development of elite special forces units, and Gus’ innovative tactics and leadership continue to influence modern military operations.
