Original member of group that inspired 'Dirty Dozen' dies

One of the original members of the 'Filthy Thirteen', a crack US Army unit that inspired the Hollywood film The Dirty Dozen has died at the age of 88.

Jack Agnew belonged to the unofficial unit which operated behind enemy lines and was known for the less than respectful behaviour of its members.

Its soldiers refused to salute officers, or mop barracks, and were famed for brawling, drinking and spending time in the stockade. Some even wore Mohawk haircuts and donned war paint, inspired by their leader Jake McNiece, who was part Native American.

The l967 film, directed by Robert Aldrich, was loosely based on their exploits. It starred Lee Marvin as an Army major who recruits 12 criminals convicted of capital crimes and trains them for a top secret mission ahead of the D-Day landings.

The men are first taken on a training exercise under military guard where they become a united fighting force. At one point they resolve not to wash or shave and gain the nickname the "dirty dozen." Parachuted into France they then have to infiltrate a chateau near Rennes and assassinate German officers who have gathered for a war games exercise to counter an Allied invasion.