SAS Stormfront

Introduction

In early 1970, the Commanding Officer of 22 SAS flew into the strategically critical Sultanate of Oman on a covert intelligence mission. A Communist rebellion in the South threatened not only the stability of the Arabian Peninsula but more importantly the vital oil routes through the Persian Gulf. Within six months, the Regiment arrived in theatre to lead a fierce, secret war against the rebels. While from a remote RAF airbase in the desert, an elite band of British pilots, flying difficult, dangerous missions in Strikemaster jets and Vietnam-era Huey helicopters, were scrambled alongside them. For the British soldiers and airmen, it was to be no easy victory. The enemy were well supplied with weaponry and training from China and the Soviet Union, and despite confronting the largest assault force ever deployed by the SAS, many months later the rebels were still fighting back. And at dawn on July 19th, 1972, a force of nearly 300 heavily armed, well-trained guerillas attacked the little fishing port of Mirbat without warning.Between them and glory stood a team of just nine SAS men.And the skill of the British fighter pilots.The scene was set for an epic encounter; a modern day Rorke’s Drift. Their heroism would become SAS legend.

Opinion

The book had been on my shelf for quite a while, but I never got to read this book, despite the fact that books about the SAS always catch my attention. My bookcase probable contains more books than I will ever be able to read in this life and for one or another reason I started reading newer purchases first.
I am glad I finally started reading the book.
SAS: Storm Front offers a dive into one of the lesser-known chapters of SAS history. The book tells the story of the 22 SAS Regiment’s covert operations during the Dhofar Rebellion in Oman, a critical yet underappreciated conflict of the Cold War era.
The book focuses on the clandestine operations in the Arabian Peninsula, where the SAS was deployed to combat a communist insurgency backed by Soviet and Chinese influences. White meticulously reconstructs the mission, starting from the political tensions that led to the conflict, the build-up to the SAS’s involvement, and the high-stakes operations they conducted. The centerpiece of the book is undoubtedly the Battle of Mirbat, a moment that has become legendary in SAS history.
White is able to capture the military operations and the personal stories of the men involved. He doesn’t just focus on SAS tactics but he provides an insight into their fears, camaraderie, and relentless determination under fire. The pacing is sharp, with every chapter building tension and leading readers deeper into the complexity of the conflict.
One of the standout elements of SAS: Storm Front is its rich attention to detail. White effectively conveys the harsh realities of guerrilla warfare in a desert environment, from the searing heat to the psychological pressure. The book also excels in portraying the high-risk nature of special forces operations, where success often hinged on split-second decisions and improvisation.
That said, the book can occasionally get bogged down in technical military jargon or detailed descriptions of weaponry, which might slow the pace for readers unfamiliar with such details. However, this level of detail also gives the narrative authenticity, offering military history enthusiasts plenty to appreciate.
With his trademark narrative style, White blends military action, strategy, and human endurance into a compelling account.
In conclusion, SAS: Storm Front is an absorbing, well-researched, and account of the history of the SAS. Rowland White expertly captures the essence of special forces warfare and the bravery of the men involved. Whether you’re a fan of military history or just looking for a gripping story of courage and resilience, this book delivers on all fronts.