Jedburghs

The Jedburghs consisted of three man allied teams trained to conduct guerrilla warfare in conjunction with the French Resistance in support of the allied invasion of France. These teams consisting of French, British, and American men comprised of two officers, one always being French, and an enlisted wireless telegraph radio operator, were uniformed soldiers who volunteered in 1943 for this hazardous work behind enemy lines. Jedburgh or 'Jed' teams were but one weapon available to the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF) and its Commander, General Dwight D. Eisenhower for this covert mission. This study examines the origins, purpose, and training of the special operations personnel in England. Additionally, the actual operations conducted by these six teams in the western most corner of the Brittany peninsula are discussed. As a forerunner to Special Forces, this paper also examines the validity of the Jedburgh concept and its actual application and utility in the summer of 1944, as well as, the lessons to be learned from those campaigns which are still applicable to warfare today.