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SAS: Duty Before Glory: The True WWII Story of SAS Original Reg Seekings
The biography of remarkable SAS Original Reg Seekings, from his humble beginnings in the Cambridgeshire Fens to his instrumental role in the success of the SAS during the Second World War. Starting at the very bottom of the ranks, Seekings was a farm labourer’s son who climbed from private to squadron sergeant-major and became one of the British Army’s most highly decorated non-commissioned officers of the Second World War. In short, Seekings was an ordinary man who did extraordinary things. His is a remarkable story – one of fierce ambition, camaraderie, inner strength and heroism as he transcended humble beginnings in the Fen fields of Cambridgeshire. And he was there from the very first day of the SAS, which was born in the late summer of 1941. Using audio material from the Imperial War Museum, and exclusive information and photographs from Reg’s family, this will be a comprehensive and engaging portrait of one of the unit’s all-time greats.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2024
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78 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 8, 2024
This is an amazing book and it details the life of Reg Seekings. From his early life on a farm in the Fens to his time in the newly formed SAS during WWII. He was one of the founders of the Special Airforce Service, L Detachment in 1941 and took part in many operations.
The book is well-researched; the author gathered photos, documents, and many other details over a few years. Some are from archives and others are from the family of Reg and his brother Bob. The author has really brought the character of this man to the front, showing his fun side but also the tougher side that I would associate with someone in the thick of war in this unit.
This story tells of how the SAS was formed, who ran it and what was involved. The training was tough and while the initial soldiers were almost at quitting point they did persevere, more out of bloody-mindedness than anything, but it also brought them together as a close-knit group. Knowing that everyone in the unit has your back and that you don't have to second guess your colleagues gave them an edge. This edge could mean the difference between life, death or capture.
The details in the book do concern missions, some strategy and various other mentions of how plans and attacks were laid out. There are some horrific mentions at the end of the book at the end of the war and the solemnity came out. War is violent and it leaves an impact on everyone. Dealing with the after-effects of fighting for your life to then returning to being a civilian at home was tough.
While we understand more about the effects of war it is also interesting to read about normal people. People who come from hard-working families who are then trained to exceptional levels who dared to do some amazing feats during their time in service.
After reading this book I then did some more research into Reg Seekings, if you had watched SAS Rogue Heroes then you may have heard of Reg, he was played by Theo Barklam-Biggs in the BBC drama. I also discovered more photos and the Imperial War Museum website has several recordings of his experiences. Having a voice to put to the book made this a more impactful read.
This is a book that I enjoyed a lot, it always sounds wrong to say this about books based on War, but it was so interesting. I am so glad I had the chance to read this and discover more about Reg and also the start of the SAS. it is one would definitely recommend.
The book is well-researched; the author gathered photos, documents, and many other details over a few years. Some are from archives and others are from the family of Reg and his brother Bob. The author has really brought the character of this man to the front, showing his fun side but also the tougher side that I would associate with someone in the thick of war in this unit.
This story tells of how the SAS was formed, who ran it and what was involved. The training was tough and while the initial soldiers were almost at quitting point they did persevere, more out of bloody-mindedness than anything, but it also brought them together as a close-knit group. Knowing that everyone in the unit has your back and that you don't have to second guess your colleagues gave them an edge. This edge could mean the difference between life, death or capture.
The details in the book do concern missions, some strategy and various other mentions of how plans and attacks were laid out. There are some horrific mentions at the end of the book at the end of the war and the solemnity came out. War is violent and it leaves an impact on everyone. Dealing with the after-effects of fighting for your life to then returning to being a civilian at home was tough.
While we understand more about the effects of war it is also interesting to read about normal people. People who come from hard-working families who are then trained to exceptional levels who dared to do some amazing feats during their time in service.
After reading this book I then did some more research into Reg Seekings, if you had watched SAS Rogue Heroes then you may have heard of Reg, he was played by Theo Barklam-Biggs in the BBC drama. I also discovered more photos and the Imperial War Museum website has several recordings of his experiences. Having a voice to put to the book made this a more impactful read.
This is a book that I enjoyed a lot, it always sounds wrong to say this about books based on War, but it was so interesting. I am so glad I had the chance to read this and discover more about Reg and also the start of the SAS. it is one would definitely recommend.
November 27, 2025
Lack of detail…
I expected Reg Seekings’ story to have been more unpicked with the author having license to elaborate more on what was going on in the war at the times being referred to. The author stuck to the basics essentially and by doing so he has paid Reg Seekings a huge disservice. The book has not been memorable and quite frankly it should have been. 3 stars for a disappointing read.
I expected Reg Seekings’ story to have been more unpicked with the author having license to elaborate more on what was going on in the war at the times being referred to. The author stuck to the basics essentially and by doing so he has paid Reg Seekings a huge disservice. The book has not been memorable and quite frankly it should have been. 3 stars for a disappointing read.
January 14, 2025
A stunning and hugely impressive account of one of our unsung heroes. I live in Newtownards , home of Paddy Mayne, we have a statue of Paddy in the square. You could also put a statue of Reg Seekings besides him , such was his contribution to the war. Do not miss this man's story.
January 30, 2025
Great read
This book expands and clarifies the legend of Reg Seekings. It was a pleasure to reasonably his beginnings as well as his wartime service.
This book expands and clarifies the legend of Reg Seekings. It was a pleasure to reasonably his beginnings as well as his wartime service.
February 2, 2025
A great book about an amazing individual.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the The Originals of the SAS and their escapades in WW2.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the The Originals of the SAS and their escapades in WW2.
July 5, 2025
The best one of these types of books I’ve read recently. Focusing on one man’s story makes it a lot easier to get into.
July 31, 2025
Raw courage
Amazing life for a country boy who had gone to hell and back for his brother's in the regiment he adored
Amazing life for a country boy who had gone to hell and back for his brother's in the regiment he adored
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews