Brilliantly executed book.

This is the most comprehensive and detailed account of the SAS that I have ever read, or indeed listened to.
From the initial idea that formed in Sir David Sterlings mind through to the temporary disbandment of Special Forces at the end of WWII. Ben Macintyre explores and makes a bloody good job of defining the main characters and his research to put this much detail into the the events chronicled is astonishing.
This book, for me, is a testament to the bravery, and daring of the first men who understood their Regimental motto. But beyond that, it also tells of the foolhardy and sometimes downright idiotic exploits of those same men.
To a man they were all heroes, but the man who stood quite literally head and shoulders above all, Lt Col Robert Blair "Paddy"Mayne.
This is bloody good listen and I highly recommend it to those who enjoy listening to the extraordinary exploits of of extraordinary people in our history.

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38 people found this helpful

Over all odds

A remarkable historical event that helped to expidite the course of World War Two, of that there can be no doubt.
The action of the encounters between the SAS and the Gestapo forces bring out the true brutality of these vicious actions and the insane valour by those taking part.
They rose from the adversity of not bring properly equipped officially but here have a remarkable turn of initiative to do so in the shàdows.
A compelling read of bravery against àll odds
bordering on insanity.

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fascinating storytelling.

This is an amazing story of a time humanity was at its worst. The bravery of these men is almost unbelievable.

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Incredible

It is rare indeed to find a book both incredibly well written AND incredibly well read. However if you want an incredible listening experience with emotions ranging from belly laughing highs to heart clenching tearful lows, this historical story might just be for you. I wavered as to wether to listen initially, thinking, “I’m a not really into war or war-heroes”. I am so glad I went for it. Try it, you can thank me later as you’re immersed in a rare treat of poignant audiobook magic.

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Enjoyable Book

I enjoyed this book and hearing about the exploits of the SAS during WW2. I enjoyed the narration from the author, he was good to listen to. I only he writes an additional book that follows on from this one.

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A wonderful account of the SAS birth and early war years

Very moving, leaves one very proud o be British
I have written the last two days off to hear this story.

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brutally honest account

brutally honest account of the birth of the SAS. It does not glorify the unit but tells the story of the birth and how the men moulded the unit, not the other way around. A must of a book to listen to.

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Excellent

I could not stop listening, the narrator and the accounts of these brave men are incredible.

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A story of true heroes

gripping from start to finish, ordinary men who did extraordinary things in the face of adversity.

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A must read book!

What a well written, well researched and well read book about the most iconic Regiment in the Second World War.

The first book I have listened to on Audible and it was one of those books that I could not wait to listen to the next episode/chapter.

The book was well structured and although there was some repetition between chapters I felt this added to the stories recounted.

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