Harry Flynn was a member of the Special Service Brigade, the British Army's  commando formation which was established in 1940. Entry requirements were stringent and training the toughest in the the world. The men of the Special Service Brigade trained in physical fitness, survival, orienteering, close-quarter combat, silent killing, signalling, amphibious and cliff assault, motor vehicle operation, weapons (including the use of captured enemy small-arms) and demolition. Many officers, NCOs and trainee instructors initially attended various courses at the all forces Special Training Centre at  Lochailort in Scotland. Also in the Scottish Highlands, Combined Operations established a substantial all forces amphibious training centre at Inveraray and in 1942 a specific Commando Training Centre at Achnacarry near Spean Bridge. All field training was conducted with live ammunition.

These men of action were the natural candidates for Department Seven. Tough, highly trained, self motivated and resourceful, the commando units were combed in search of men of a 'particularly adventurous nature' who could speak French & possibly German. 

In spite of the exceptionally high standards set by the Commandos of those who made it onto the D7 training programme, many fell by the wayside. Leaving only the very best of the very best to be accepted for Department Sevens live operations.

Special Service Brigade Training

Commando Uniform