Fighting Scared: My life in the SAS (CASSELL MILITARY PAPERBACKS) by Robin Horsfall

by Robin Horsfall

Robin Horsfall shot and killed one of the leading terrorists inside the Iranian Embassy when the SAS stormed the building. He served with the SAS during the Falklands War and on subsequent counter-terrorist operations. He tells his personal odyssey from boy-soldier to paratrooper with insight and wisdom. His enemies were not just he fought the institutionalized brutality of the Parachute Regiment - and his own inner demons. He learned the difference between physical and moral courage; between officers who expect you to be ready to die for them, and those who actually want you to get killed so they can win a medal. It's an action-packed narrative, but much more than another RAMBO-style romp. Robin reveals some painful truths, not least the ordinary SAS men's view of General de la Billiere and his orders for a kamikaze mission to Argentina. This is the best, no-holds barred, personal account of an SAS trooper ever published.black & white illustrations

Genres: Military Fiction, Biography, War, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Cathy Quigg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because my husband was in 3 Para around the same time as the author. He was in many of the same places, NI, Malaya, Belize, the Falklands. I applaud the author for his honesty in writing about his experiences, not only the external struggles but his own internal growth. He and his comrades were part of our history often without the support of those they serve - their leaders and the general population. They went to war without the right equipment and came home without the right support to deal with the aftermath of the horrors they were part of. Once the army was done with them, they were not given the right tools to cope with life on civvy street. I only hope and pray that the current and future soldiers have what they need to avoid the life struggles their brethren before them have had to deal with. And history may only be "his story", but this story is well worth the read.

[anoop · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good book overall. Author gives details of his childhood troubles in initial chapters followed by his time in Paras and SAS. So far so good. But then it continues after he is shown the door out of SAS and he continues his struggle in life fighting other people's wars and starting his own karate club etc etc..
Felt that the book was stretched in the last part but still overall a good read.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read, really love books of this genre and even more so when the author takes us deep into his history and the emotions along the way.

[Richard G Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Great how this man tells his story in such a way you feel like you know him. Highly respected man and good book

[Steve Massey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book, well worth reading

[Graham Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read

I have enjoyed reading this book and have found it hard to put down, it has kept me captivated throughout.

[Hans Peter Bech · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought and read the book after having followed the authors comments on Russia's war on Ukraine.
The book is a remarkable tale from a world totally unknown to me. I have never been a soldier and have never held a weapon in my hands. Apart from being mugged twenty years ago by three big guys in Madrid in broad daylight I have never been in a situation where I had to fight for my life (I didn't fight in Madrid as I was ambushed with no time to think).

I liked the book a lot.

The author is not afraid of exposing his weaknesses, which in the end turns out to be his strength.
What puzzled me was that also in the army and even in the SAS corps most of your enemies come from within.

A great book.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible and inspiring life

What a book! I have read many, many military biographies and this rates up there with the best of them. Robin’s warts and all account covered some amazing military history, including the infamous embassy siege and the Falklands War. He also writes movingly about his own personal challenges and growth, which is inspiring. I listened to Robin on the Team House podcast which was also superb.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good read . It’s a really journey of robins life through bullying and no love to finding inner peace &
Happiness . Only negative was it kinda destroyed a mental image I had of SF army camaraderie ..sounded a bit bitchy at times either others towards him or Robs opinion of colleagues .
But that’s only a minor detail and I might be wrong on it , overall really enjoyed the book and Robs honesty in recalling his life. Takes a brave man to open up like he has so full credit.

[Terry Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leaves me with the impression of an honest human being

Really enjoyed the story, failures celebrates learning. Despite
being bullied as a kid & young adult without a lot of support to lean on, Robin demonstrates perseverance and integrity!

[The Villan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great easy read I really enjoy reading about SAS Selection and how each candidate prepares for it and tackles it (each is different due to the weather incurred). Author not embarrassed to admit his failings and how he eventually overcame them and became a better person later in life.

[Harry Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve really enjoyed this book it tells you about his life right from a child almost up to the present day and his story’s of his time in the army and mercenary work are more than interesting

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really strong book. Definitely not the run of the mill ex-SAS parable. This puts a different perspective on life within the unit. Some of the old names we are familiar with come up and it is interesting to hear another man’s perspective on the character of some of them as a result presumably of their life in the SAS. A few typos, but worth a read if you enjoy this genre.