FORT LEWIS, Washington - Members from 3 PPCLI B Coy (Para) along with troops from the Canadian Special Operations Regiment recently made a trip south of the border. The Canadians were in Ft Lewis, Washington to attend the 64th Annual Menton Week. From Dec. 1 to 5, the Canadians trained with troops from the First Special Forces Group, who have hosted the event for over 20 years.

" It ' s a way to retain ties historically, do some parachuting and kind of re-establish those links that have been there for over 60 years, " said Maj Alex Watson, Officer Commanding of B Coy.

The week started off with a memorial service dedicated to the members of the First Special Service Force (FSSF). The next day, the troops were treated to a stress shooting event, a combined pistol and rifle range where each soldier was timed on how fast and accurately engaged the target. The week ended with a skill-at-arms competition with teams of ten made up of five U.S. and five Canadian soldiers.

Menton Week is the annual recognition by the 1st Special Forces Group and the Canadian Forces in commemoration of the inactivation of the FSSF. The combined U.S. and Canadian unit served with distinction in some of the most dangerous missions of the Second World War.

On Dec. 5, 1944 the FSSF, commonly known as the " Devil ' s Brigade " , was disbanded in Menton, France. The unit, which required top-notch special training in mountaineering, skiing, parachuting, demolitions and weapons, was made up of volunteers from the Canadian and U.S. armies.

" They were very brave men who were willing to risk it all to end the war, " said Sergeant Major Brian Jaenicke, 1st Special Forces Group.

" It ' s something that the US and Canadian Forces can be very proud of whether you are in the Special Forces or a regular army unit. "

Combat casualties were very high, but the FSSF never failed a mission.