Major General Robert Grice Sturges, a veteran of WW1, commanded the Special Service Group from August 1943.
5 July 1940 (Colonel) (Royal Marines) Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of his service as Commander of 'Force Sturges' to establish a base on Iceland.
19 May 1942 (Acting Major General) (Royal Marines) appointed Royal Marine Aide-de-Camp to The King.
December 1942 Joint Commander of British Forces in Madagascar (121 Force)
7 January 1943 (Colonel Commandant)(Temporary Brigadier) awarded the Distinguished Service Order in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during operations in Madagascar.
19 August 1943 Commander of the Special Service Group.
14 June 1945 (Major General) (Commando Group) appointed K.B.E. (Military Division).
In September 1943 the single Special Service Brigade was replaced by the Special Service Group under the command of Major General Sturges, Royal Marines. This Group was formed of four new Special Service Brigades.
