Pathfinder: A Special Forces Mission Behind Enemy Lines

by David Blakeley

First in—the official motto of one of the British Army's smallest and most secretive units, 16 Air Assault Brigade's Pathfinder Platoon. Unofficially, they are the bastard son of the SAS. And like their counterparts in Hereford, the job of the Pathfinders is to operate unseen and undetected deep behind enemy lines. When British forces deployed to Iraq in 2003, Captain David Blakeley was given command of a reconnaissance mission of such critical importance that it could change the course of the war. It's the story of nine men, operating alone and unsupported, 50 miles ahead of a US Recon Marine advance and head straight into a hornets nest, teeming with thousands of heavily-armed enemy forces. This is the first account of that extraordinary mission—abandoned by coalition command, left with no option but to fight their way out of the enemy's backyard. And it provides a gripping insight into the Pathfinders themselves, a shadowy unit, just 45 men strong, that plies its trade from the skies. Trained to parachute in to enemy territory far beyond the forward edge of battle—reefalling from high altitude breathing bottled oxygen and employing the latest skydiving technology—he PF are unique. Because of new rules introduced since the publication of Bravo Two Zero, there have been no first-hand accounts of British Special Forces waging modern-day warfare for nearly a decade. And no member of the Pathfinders has ever told their story before, until now. Pathfinder is the only first-hand account of a UKSF mission to emerge for nearly a generation. And it could be the last.

Genres: Military Fiction, Nonfiction, War, History

352 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2012

Reviews

[Ryan Wulfsohn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fairly interesting account of a British Army Pathfinder mission in Iraq in 2003. Good descriptions of the men, kit and techniques used by this elite unit. Severely marred by the author's awful writing style and incredible ego. The story could have probably been told better in half the pages. Did Bulgari pay him to mention how great their watches are? And how many times does he have to tell us he is 2IC Pathfinders?

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm actually scoring the book 3.5 ⭐️ it is an action packed read and thoroughly entertaining if you like your true life war and action that at times is bordering on insane then you will like it. However the writing style of the book is not as refined as it could be and he likes to repeat and hammer home he is 2ic of the pathfinders a point which doesn't need bringing up several times per chapter! Other than that not bad but reads a lot like Bravo 2 Zero and other solar reads! Not the worst book by a long shot but by the same stretch not the best!

[Mats · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a sucker for war stories especially of the SF/Elite units, I could not put this book down! Probably the fastest I've ever read a book. The book is a gripping account of what a British patrol unit had to go through while right in the heart of enemy territory. Also offers an incredible insight into what makes these small units so lethal and efficient - in other words, awesome!.

[MALCOLM GEORGE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written gritty first hand account of Pathfinder Operations

Well written reasonably fast paced account of apparently a mission that was made more difficult by seniors officer's excepting far too much control by politicians who are generally clueless. It is a triumph over adversity & a glimpse of what makes a SF soldier tick and the mental strength required to undertake the missions they are asked to complete. You can't fail but to be in awe of these brave individuals. The Interplay and banter if anything Is a little understated. If this is truly an unbiased account (I don't doubt it is) the back up In terms of logistics and equipment is a woeful condemnation of our politicians of which they ought to be held to account account

[Aloysius Teng · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Blakeley gave an interesting account of a Pathfinder mission behind enemy lines during the start of the Iraq War in 2003. This book along with his second book, Maverick One, provides readers with an pretty in-depth insight into what the Pathfinders are and what they do.

While he does mention about being the 2IC of the Pathfinders numerous times, it was always mentioned to give a clearer idea of what his role and obligations were in the given context. Potential readers can ignore the other two reviewers who had a gripe about his constant bringing up of his position in the Platoon. Also, it was only mentioned several times at the start of the book and at the end of it.

[Everett Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read book 2 first

....and I am glad I did so as it gives the background to Captain Blakeley. Although I had heard of the Pathfinders in a vague way these books brought home to me how lucky we are to have such warriors on our side. Thank goodness for the US armed forces as this book underlines the fact that they go with the amount of kit needed to win. The majority of the British army at this time had trained for 'Peacekeeping' and were very good at it. It is Tony Blaire who was ultimately responsible for putting our men in danger.

[Rosie Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating insight into a well pathways in Iraq

This book covers the formation of the pathways regiments in the British army and the mission that well may well have turned the war in Iraq and allowing vital information to be gathered that may well of been responsible for the invasion of Iraq.

A great read of 3 pinkys, 12 hardcore men and their race to take an airfield behind enemy lines... And then the vital rush to get by to the front and pass on the vital info acquired.

Great read

[Scott Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really exceeded my expectations. Would have been happy with just a static, first person account of behind the lines action, but it reads far better than that. The tension builds from the start and you get a real feel & rapport for David and the rest of the team. It builds the narrative whilst subtly adding background and context throughout. Couldn't put it down, thoroughly enjoyed. Will certainly check out his other book Maverick one.

[Trevor · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read!

This is the story of the Pathfinders at the start of Gulf War 2 as they INFIL and make their way towards an air port via Nasiriyah - intel told them the area was "relatively benign", as they found it it was anything but!

An exciting read, you can feel the tension as they realise they have nowhere to go and they're outnumbered by not just Iraqi forces but the Fedayeen.

[John Stieven · Rating 5 out of 5]

They say that truth is sometimes stranger than fiction -- this is truly the case with this story of special operations folks deep in enemy territory. I never knew anything about this group of men, the Pathfinders, and found the historical context fascinating.

Great short history of Gulf War II -- tied together some events I had read about.

Highly recommend

[Emma Ludlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so well written, clear in the military terminology (but as I've served for over 20 years I may be at an advantage on that one) and makes the detail entertaining - not many can pull that off. I can imagine the Iraq landscape and the different branches vividly. It is a great account of the missions of very brave men.

[Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slightly jealous of Dave The Face, not only did he have the enviable job of a Pathfinder, survive against all odds an insane retreat, have a good face but also can write very well and put you right in the heart of the action. I'm currently listening to ACDC a lot more too, cheers Dave.

[Mike Rowlands · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a read. I had read Maverick One which makes reference to this mission.

A great insight to how these guys operate behind enemy lines, the kinds of mission they compete and the risks they face with every one.

Escalates page by page right up to the end

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read, the topic made the story and the little anecdotes made for humorous breaks in between intense details about the events. the writing style left a little to be desired but overall very interesting.

[Ben Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read and a page turner

It's a really well written book from start to finish. Demonstates modern heroism of the little known pathfinders. Very humbling and appreciative that we have individuals thatt are prepared to put their lives on the line for our country.

[Roger Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping and well written account of an incredible feat

Others far more eloquent than me have extolled virtues on this exciting, no holds barred, book. My words are simple - read it, it’s a great true story very well told. You will not be disappointed.

[Ian Bye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Path to Glory

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, a great account of war fought by the special forces (Pathfinders) of the world , they may remain anonymous but they deserve enormous respect, they are the spear head of any war effort.

[Jack Judge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great & gritty read of daring mission at the start of the Iraq war, I found the tone is perfect for the genre & first person viewpoint. Balance between build up of deep context behind the patrols individual characters & grippingly tense moments makes for a fantastic read.

[Kas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an insightful and interesting read, it was nice that the author took time to introduce some of the history of the Pathfinder platoon along side they story of war.

[Frazer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as extremely quickly, barely putting it down. An accolade to the pace and intensity of the mission. A great insight into the hush missions of the Iraq war.

[Jack Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Fantastic book from David blackey about his remarkable time in the pf, if you’ve read maverick one by him I’d definitely recommend this if you haven’t read either definitely give them a read.

[james caro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible story of bravery

Incredible story ...of bravery .well written .
Highly recommended . A great read . A real page Turner from start to finish .

[Mikey Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great account of PF in Iraq and their pivotal role in the war in Iraq.

[Pandora Kendell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really great read. So raw, captivating and honest. It really is incredible and humbling to stop reading from time to time and think to ones self, these guys are real; they really did this. How on earth did manage to do all this and maintain humour amongst other things. I recommend this book and even though I've only read chapter one, I can recommend Davids other book, Maverick One.

[Mydoghasnonose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love reading these Special Forces, SAS stories. This one was quite amazing, but I've read better (SAS Operation Storm: Nine men against four hundred by Roger Cole and Richard Belfield being a far better purchase IMHO).

While I'm certainly no prude, I got really tired of the incessant swearing and bad grammar (not that I'm any expert either). I appreciate that the style is honest and has the feel of being told the story down at the pub on an evening and it's the language of those in the book. But, it didn't work for me in book form, it just got tiresome. Also, as I've seen many comments mention, there is a lot of repetition of certain details, like he's forgotten that he's covered them.

Still, it quite an amazing story, if a little rushed. A riveting read for a flight...

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an awesome book and gave a very good insight to Pathfinder regiment. The author David Blakeley described military life very well and the photos in his book were fantastic. It was a very good read. The author stuck to the facts and was very direct in the way he wrote. He described events in great detail and you almost felt as if you were there on a mission with him. I loved this book and I can't wait until I can read another of his books.

[Brienprime · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Blakely has written 2 books about the Pathfinders, if you like books about non-fiction military. They are both interesting books.

I was amazed between this and "Maverick One". Britain's special forces are about a few hundred soldiers, unlike the thousands in the US military. At first I just thought the author was reusing names, when I recognized some from the other book. Turns out their pathfinders are a small group.

These two books are worth reading if you like military non-fiction.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real life, real drama - what more could you ask for when someone is living out his life's ambition in the service of his country. Training hard to become one of the best is perhaps one of life's challenges for a person to be a member of an elite fighting force that has a history to rival any other unit.

I wont go into the ins and outs of this book because it will spoil it for the reader.

[Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a great book, real life. So far I learned that the British speak differently. When the author says bloke, lad,
it's another word for man. The story is well written, I feel it's coming from a true soldier.
These guys went out for a mission, had to abort iand on the way back went through hell and came out without a single scratch.

[WilcoWilkings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure how this has so few reviews/reads...

If you are in to miltary actions stories, and like them even better if they are closely based on real events, then this is for you!
I read this a while back, but would compare it to the kind of stuff/style that Andy McNab writes.
A solid 4 out of 5 book.