SAS: Rogue Heroes, the authorized history
Introduction
The book behind the hit BBC series SAS: Rogue Heroes, starring Connor Swindells, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Allen and Dominic West. From the secret SAS archives and bestselling author Ben Macintyre: the first ever authorized history of the SAS, read by the author. In the summer of 1941, at the height of the war in the Western Desert, a bored and eccentric young officer, David Stirling, has a vision for a new kind of war: attacking the enemy where they least expect it – from behind their own lines. Despite the intense opposition of many in British High Command, Winston Churchill personally gives Stirling permission to recruit the toughest, brightest and most ruthless soldiers he can find. And so begins the most celebrated and mysterious military organisation in the world: the SAS. With unprecedented access to the SAS secret files, unseen footage and exclusive interviews with its founder members, SAS: Rogue Heroes tells the remarkable story behind an extraordinary fighting force, and the immense cost of making it a reality.
Review
I got this book from a friend (thank you) who finished reading it with great pleasure. He promised me it would be a lot of fun to read, but impossible to lay down. He was right! Even without being remotely interested in military history people know about the SAS (Special Air Service), being a renowned special forces unit of the British Army, known for its elite combat skills and covert operations. With a reputation for rigorous training, exceptional bravery, and precision, the SAS has become synonymous with excellence and effectiveness in (modern) warfare.
The SAS was founded in 1941 by David Stirling, an unconventional and maverick officer, alongside other colorful characters like Paddy Mayne and Jock Lewes. Their unorthodox methods and daring ideas set the tone for the unit, which pioneered guerrilla warfare tactics, specializing in deep-penetration raids behind enemy lines. Their missions like sabotaging airfields, destroying aircraft, and disrupting supply lines, significantly hindering the Nazi war effort, makes your yaw drop. The SAS operated in some of the most challenging environments, from the deserts of North Africa to the forests of Europe. The training for the SAS was brutal and innovative, designed to push recruits to their limits and beyond. This included endurance tests, survival skills, and unconventional combat training, creating one of the most resilient and adaptable fighting forces in the world. The tactics and strategies developed by the SAS during World War II have had a lasting impact on modern special forces units worldwide. Their emphasis on flexibility, surprise, and psychological warfare became a blueprint for elite military operations. The daring exploits and larger-than-life personalities of SAS members contributed to their mythical status and to this book!
Ben Macintyre describes all this in an incredible way. If you’re a history buff, this is a must-read. If you just love a good story, you’ll be captivated as well. This tale is not only compelling but also true, which makes it all the more incredible.