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Born of the Desert: With the S.A.S. in North Africa
A remarkable and gripping account of life in the SAS during the Western Desert campaign.
352 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1991
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November 21, 2018
An unusual book about unusual men in an exotic place written by a talented writer. I hated to see it end and I am disappointed that I cannot find any other books written by this author. I would classify this book in the "War is an Adventure" genre...so typically British and so absolutely convincing. "Dreadfully sorry old chap, but you'll have to stay behind with the wounded. Rotten luck but there it is." "Oh, I understand sir...someone has to do it." "Well good luck old boy." "See you in Piccadilly after the show." And I have no doubt that is in essence how it happened or at least remembered.
These men volunteered to fight and raid behind the German lines in the North African Desert. They were commanded by a 24 year old, tall, lanky aristocrat who failed at everything in civilian life but who had a genius for leading men in war. Who assembled men like him, Gentleman Cutthroats. They dressed like Arab pirates crossing hundreds of sun scorched miles of the sand sea in jeeps and trucks to destroy German/Italian communications, supplies, men and airplanes. They risked death in combat or the long lingering death by starvation or dehydration if their equipment or navigation failed.
The author who served as medical officer, describes the men, their adventures and above all the desert. Its moods, dangers, beauty in remarkably vivid prose.
A most enjoyable read.
These men volunteered to fight and raid behind the German lines in the North African Desert. They were commanded by a 24 year old, tall, lanky aristocrat who failed at everything in civilian life but who had a genius for leading men in war. Who assembled men like him, Gentleman Cutthroats. They dressed like Arab pirates crossing hundreds of sun scorched miles of the sand sea in jeeps and trucks to destroy German/Italian communications, supplies, men and airplanes. They risked death in combat or the long lingering death by starvation or dehydration if their equipment or navigation failed.
The author who served as medical officer, describes the men, their adventures and above all the desert. Its moods, dangers, beauty in remarkably vivid prose.
A most enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 of 1 review