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Forged in Hell: The Gripping True Story of the Special Forces Heroes Who Broke the Nazi Stranglehold
Combining riveting combat writing with masterful research, award-winning historian and #1 internationally bestselling author Damien Lewis delivers the remarkable true story of Britain’s infamous, elite Special Air Service (SAS) forces, their legendary commander, and the impossibly daring, historic mission to liberate Europe via the largest invasion fleet ever assembled. July 1943: The largest invasion fleet ever assembled sailed for fortress Europe, aiming to bulldoze its way onto Nazi shores. At its vanguard went a few hundred elite forces soldiers. The Royal Navy warship carrying them—a former passenger ferry transformed for battle—bore the iconic winged dagger emblem carved on its prow, plus the motto ‘Who Dares Wins,’ painstakingly fashioned with the most rudimentary tools by Sergeant William ‘Bill’ Deakins, the foremost explosives expert on board and a Royal Engineer by trade. Led by the SAS commander Blair ‘Paddy’ Mayne, these war-bitten, piratical raiders were tasked with the impossible—to be the first among the fleet—the very tip of the spear—to bludgeon their way through the most heavily defended enemy shoreline, enabling the ensuing forces to follow on. If they succeeded, it would mark the turning point in the war. If they failed, the consequences were unthinkable. Against all odds, outnumbered some fifty-to-one, and facing a ferocious series of cliffside defenses, they would have to dare all as never before. So begins the true story of the SAS’s incredible mission, an endeavor replete with surprise, shock, action, heroism, and glory, not to mention treachery, dismay—and the longstanding personal aftershocks of brutal and bloody years spent at war.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published October 23, 2023
254 people are currently reading
3300 people want to read
About the author
Damien Lewis
83 books454 followersNot to be confused with the actor, Damian Lewis.
Damien Lewis became an author largely by accident, when a British publisher asked him if he'd be willing to turn a TV documentary he was working on into a book. That film was shot in the Sudan war zone, and told the story of how Arab tribes seized black African slaves in horrific slave raids. Lewis had been to the Sudan war zone dozens of times over the past decade, reporting on that conflict for the BBC, Channel 4 and US and European broadcasters.
His slavery documentary told the story of a young girl from the Nuba tribe, seized in a raid and sold into slavery in Khartoum, Sudan's capital city, and of her epic escape. The publisher asked Lewis if the Nuba girl would be willing to write her life story as a book, with his help as co-author. The book that they co-wrote was called 'Slave', and it was published to great acclaim, becoming a number one bestseller and being translated into some 30 lanc guages worldwide. It won several awards and has been made into a feature film.
Over the preceding fifteen years Lewis had reported from many war, conflict and disaster zones – including Sudan, Sierra Leone, Eritrea, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Iraq, Syria, Burma, Afghanistan and the Balkans (see Author's Gallery). He (and his film crew) traveled into such areas with aid workers, the British or allied military, UN forces or local military groups, or very much under their own steam. He reported on the horror and human impact of war, as well as the drama of conflict itself. Often, he worked alone. Often, he filmed his own material over extended periods of time living in the war or conflict zone.
During a decade spent reporting from around the world Lewis lived in deserts, rainforests, jungles and chaotic third world cities. In his work and travels he met and interviewed people smugglers, diamond miners, Catholic priests 'gone native', desert nomads, un-contacted tribes, aid workers, bush pilots, arms dealers, genocidal leaders, peacekeepers, game wardens, slum kids, world presidents, heroin traffickers, rebel warlords, child prostitutes, Islamist terrorists, Hindu holy men, mercenaries, bush doctors, soldiers, commanders and spies. He was injured, and was hospitalised with bizarre tropical diseases – including flesh-eating bacteria, worms that burrow through the skin and septicemia – but survived all that and continued to report.
It was only natural that having seen so much of global conflict he would be drawn to stories of war, terrorism, espionage and the often dark causes behind such conflicts when he started writing books. Having written a number of true stories, in 2006 he was chosen as one of the 'nation's 20 favourite authors' and wrote his first fiction, Desert Claw, for the British Government's Quick Read initiative. Desert Claw tells of a group of ex-Special Forces soldiers sent into Iraq to retrieve a looted Van Gogh painting, with a savage twist to the tale. That fiction was followed up by Cobra Gold, an equally compelling tale of global drama and intrigue and shadowy betrayal.
Damien Lewis's work, books and films have won the Index on Censorship (UK), CECRA (Spain), Project Censored (US), Commonwealth Relations (UK), Discovery-NHK BANFF (Canada), Rory Peck (UK), BBC One World (UK), BBC-WWF Wildscreen (UK), International Peace Prize (US), Elle Magazine Grande Prix (US), Victor Gollanz (Germany), and BBC One World (UK) Awards. He is a Fellow of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.
Damien Lewis became an author largely by accident, when a British publisher asked him if he'd be willing to turn a TV documentary he was working on into a book. That film was shot in the Sudan war zone, and told the story of how Arab tribes seized black African slaves in horrific slave raids. Lewis had been to the Sudan war zone dozens of times over the past decade, reporting on that conflict for the BBC, Channel 4 and US and European broadcasters.
His slavery documentary told the story of a young girl from the Nuba tribe, seized in a raid and sold into slavery in Khartoum, Sudan's capital city, and of her epic escape. The publisher asked Lewis if the Nuba girl would be willing to write her life story as a book, with his help as co-author. The book that they co-wrote was called 'Slave', and it was published to great acclaim, becoming a number one bestseller and being translated into some 30 lanc guages worldwide. It won several awards and has been made into a feature film.
Over the preceding fifteen years Lewis had reported from many war, conflict and disaster zones – including Sudan, Sierra Leone, Eritrea, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Iraq, Syria, Burma, Afghanistan and the Balkans (see Author's Gallery). He (and his film crew) traveled into such areas with aid workers, the British or allied military, UN forces or local military groups, or very much under their own steam. He reported on the horror and human impact of war, as well as the drama of conflict itself. Often, he worked alone. Often, he filmed his own material over extended periods of time living in the war or conflict zone.
During a decade spent reporting from around the world Lewis lived in deserts, rainforests, jungles and chaotic third world cities. In his work and travels he met and interviewed people smugglers, diamond miners, Catholic priests 'gone native', desert nomads, un-contacted tribes, aid workers, bush pilots, arms dealers, genocidal leaders, peacekeepers, game wardens, slum kids, world presidents, heroin traffickers, rebel warlords, child prostitutes, Islamist terrorists, Hindu holy men, mercenaries, bush doctors, soldiers, commanders and spies. He was injured, and was hospitalised with bizarre tropical diseases – including flesh-eating bacteria, worms that burrow through the skin and septicemia – but survived all that and continued to report.
It was only natural that having seen so much of global conflict he would be drawn to stories of war, terrorism, espionage and the often dark causes behind such conflicts when he started writing books. Having written a number of true stories, in 2006 he was chosen as one of the 'nation's 20 favourite authors' and wrote his first fiction, Desert Claw, for the British Government's Quick Read initiative. Desert Claw tells of a group of ex-Special Forces soldiers sent into Iraq to retrieve a looted Van Gogh painting, with a savage twist to the tale. That fiction was followed up by Cobra Gold, an equally compelling tale of global drama and intrigue and shadowy betrayal.
Damien Lewis's work, books and films have won the Index on Censorship (UK), CECRA (Spain), Project Censored (US), Commonwealth Relations (UK), Discovery-NHK BANFF (Canada), Rory Peck (UK), BBC One World (UK), BBC-WWF Wildscreen (UK), International Peace Prize (US), Elle Magazine Grande Prix (US), Victor Gollanz (Germany), and BBC One World (UK) Awards. He is a Fellow of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
January 10, 2026
Yet another gripping and powerful read from Lewis, this time tracing the missions of 1 SAS on the Italian Peninsula during Operation Husky. Lewis has a gift for compelling writing, a keen grasp of military strategy and tactics, yet never losing sight of the human characters involved in the tragedy of war.
January 19, 2025
I owe my new found interest into WW2 to my mom. Who grew up during the War in Germany, whose gone to heaven now, miss her stories and every WW2 book I read is a tribute to her.
With "Forged in Hell", the author Damien Lewis, has taken the war diaries from Major Robert Blair Mayne, puts the reader on the SAS frontlines, it's so well researched, educational, he's a wordsmith like Stephen King or J.F. Penn, that can make a reader be enticed, engrossed in the writing and all while you as a reader are going too have a masterpiece to read. This one is one of my favorite reads of 2024. The SAS is repurposed, they lead the Allies into the invasion of Italy, the battles with the Italian Army, along with the Third Reich, through their casualties, you learn the harsh reality the soldiers faced and it ends in the perfect spot to start the sequel from.
Don't want to give anything away. I read "Forged in Hell", as if I was a fictional character battling along with the Mayne, his SAS soldiers and it made for an ultimate experience. this is one review that I may add more to in the future.
Definitely give the author Damien Lewis a try, he's WW2 historian writer, a great starting point to read about WW2, and will be your new favorite author.
Thanks to netgalley, the author and Kensington Publishing for the advance ARC.
With "Forged in Hell", the author Damien Lewis, has taken the war diaries from Major Robert Blair Mayne, puts the reader on the SAS frontlines, it's so well researched, educational, he's a wordsmith like Stephen King or J.F. Penn, that can make a reader be enticed, engrossed in the writing and all while you as a reader are going too have a masterpiece to read. This one is one of my favorite reads of 2024. The SAS is repurposed, they lead the Allies into the invasion of Italy, the battles with the Italian Army, along with the Third Reich, through their casualties, you learn the harsh reality the soldiers faced and it ends in the perfect spot to start the sequel from.
Don't want to give anything away. I read "Forged in Hell", as if I was a fictional character battling along with the Mayne, his SAS soldiers and it made for an ultimate experience. this is one review that I may add more to in the future.
Definitely give the author Damien Lewis a try, he's WW2 historian writer, a great starting point to read about WW2, and will be your new favorite author.
Thanks to netgalley, the author and Kensington Publishing for the advance ARC.
March 7, 2025
An adulating account of the derring-do of the fledgling SAS as it led the assault on Sicily in Operation Husky. Given the subject matter, it should have been a lot more of a gripping read than it was. Lewis spends so much ink on the personal heroism, bravery, determination, etc. of these commandos that the tale becomes fairly mawkish.
November 3, 2024
What do you know about the Special Air Service (SAS)? Do you know how they ran wild in North Africa behind enemy lines destroying airfields, attempting to capture Rommel, and generally creating havoc? But what would they do after North Africa was captured? The after part is what Forged in Hell seeks to tell, at least in part.
After an attention grabbing introduction, Damien Lewis takes the reader to a small eastern Mediterranean village of Azzib where the 1st SAS under Colonel "Paddy" Mayne was training for a particular task - scale a Sicilian cliff in the dead of night to take out guns that would threaten the Operation Husky invasion fleet. That was accomplished methodically and with few casualties among the SAS. After a few days of rest they were invited to invade the town of Augusta which they managed despite not knowing all of the defenses they would encounter. That invasion was a close-run affair that they survived due to their training and good luck. Their luck ran out on their next adventure when they helped spearhead the invasion of Italy proper. The landed on the wrong beach at Bagnara which turned out to be a blessing, but then they got pinned down by German forces as they advanced up the ridge line. Height means sight, and what could be seen could be and would be shelled. Thankfully more forces arrived and the Germans pulled back. After this the 1st SAS ran several small operations behind enemy lines trying to help prisoners escape. But then they were called on for a quick dash and grab operation at Termoli. The SAS and other forces were to grab Termoli on the east coast of Italy by sea behind enemy lines and hold it until the British forces could cross the Biferno River and break open the Viktor Line. Well the SAS and the British Commandos succeeded in seizing Termoli and some of the bridges but before British forces could cross in force, nature intervened with flooding rains that washed out the bridges leaving the SAS and their companions trapped and under siege by elite German paratrooper and panzer divisions, Here is where the SAS emphasis on training paid off. Despite extremely heavy losses, the SAS and the Commandos held until bridges were built and British tanks crossed over to relieve them. Their next stop - England for more training and another invasion. But that is the tale for another book!
If you are interested in small unit actions, the SAS, and/or the invasions of Sicily and Italy from a British point of view, Damien Lewis's Forged in Hell is a must read. He carefully tells the story with respect and proper documentation that lets the reader in on the viewpoint and emotions of the participants. Do take the time to read this exciting tale of heroism in combat!
Thanks Netgalley and Kensington Press for the chance to read this title!
After an attention grabbing introduction, Damien Lewis takes the reader to a small eastern Mediterranean village of Azzib where the 1st SAS under Colonel "Paddy" Mayne was training for a particular task - scale a Sicilian cliff in the dead of night to take out guns that would threaten the Operation Husky invasion fleet. That was accomplished methodically and with few casualties among the SAS. After a few days of rest they were invited to invade the town of Augusta which they managed despite not knowing all of the defenses they would encounter. That invasion was a close-run affair that they survived due to their training and good luck. Their luck ran out on their next adventure when they helped spearhead the invasion of Italy proper. The landed on the wrong beach at Bagnara which turned out to be a blessing, but then they got pinned down by German forces as they advanced up the ridge line. Height means sight, and what could be seen could be and would be shelled. Thankfully more forces arrived and the Germans pulled back. After this the 1st SAS ran several small operations behind enemy lines trying to help prisoners escape. But then they were called on for a quick dash and grab operation at Termoli. The SAS and other forces were to grab Termoli on the east coast of Italy by sea behind enemy lines and hold it until the British forces could cross the Biferno River and break open the Viktor Line. Well the SAS and the British Commandos succeeded in seizing Termoli and some of the bridges but before British forces could cross in force, nature intervened with flooding rains that washed out the bridges leaving the SAS and their companions trapped and under siege by elite German paratrooper and panzer divisions, Here is where the SAS emphasis on training paid off. Despite extremely heavy losses, the SAS and the Commandos held until bridges were built and British tanks crossed over to relieve them. Their next stop - England for more training and another invasion. But that is the tale for another book!
If you are interested in small unit actions, the SAS, and/or the invasions of Sicily and Italy from a British point of view, Damien Lewis's Forged in Hell is a must read. He carefully tells the story with respect and proper documentation that lets the reader in on the viewpoint and emotions of the participants. Do take the time to read this exciting tale of heroism in combat!
Thanks Netgalley and Kensington Press for the chance to read this title!
November 10, 2024
Damien Lewis' "Forged in Hell: The Gripping True Story of the Special Forces Heroes Who Broke the Nazi Stranglehold" is a compelling recounting of one of World War II’s most daring and critical operations. The book delves into the formation and exploits of the Special Forces units that were pivotal in disrupting Nazi dominance across Europe, offering readers a thrilling glimpse into the audacious missions and the indomitable spirit of the soldiers involved. Lewis, known for his meticulous research and narrative flair, crafts a story that is as educational as it is exhilarating. The book is a deep dive into the inception of these elite units, charting their strategic development and the sheer ingenuity required to execute operations behind enemy lines. Readers are introduced to a cast of characters whose bravery and resourcefulness are nothing short of extraordinary. Through personal anecdotes and detailed mission accounts, Lewis brings these unsung heroes to life, making their sacrifices and triumphs resonate with contemporary audiences. One of the book’s strengths is its ability to balance historical detail with human interest. Lewis provides context for the broader war effort while zeroing in on the personal stories of the soldiers, highlighting their camaraderie, their struggles, and the immense pressure they faced. The dynamic storytelling ensures that even those unfamiliar with military history can appreciate the stakes and significance of these missions. However, some readers may find the book's structure demanding, as it toggles between multiple perspectives and missions. While this adds depth, it requires careful attention to fully appreciate the interconnected narratives. Nonetheless, Lewis' ability to weave these threads into a cohesive story is commendable, showcasing his skill as both a historian and a storyteller. In conclusion, "Forged in Hell" is a gripping tribute to the courage and ingenuity of the Special Forces during WWII. It stands as a testament to the enduring human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity, making it a must-read for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in tales of heroism.
December 27, 2025
A good read. From their first disastrous parachute jump in north Africa, to building up their fearsome reputation of being able to achieve feats that no other groups could.
It could seem that the book is sycophantic about the individuals that represented the SAS, however, it is because only the exceptional were tolerated in the SAS, that each person seems to have achieved the impossible – they may have been arrogant, but they had a lot to be arrogant about!
I am both grateful that in my life I have not been faced with the challenges that they had, and also grateful that they were willing to step forward when the need arose.
I think we should remain forever grateful to the SAS and the following famous quote covers the situation very well – “We sleep soundly in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm.”
It could seem that the book is sycophantic about the individuals that represented the SAS, however, it is because only the exceptional were tolerated in the SAS, that each person seems to have achieved the impossible – they may have been arrogant, but they had a lot to be arrogant about!
I am both grateful that in my life I have not been faced with the challenges that they had, and also grateful that they were willing to step forward when the need arose.
I think we should remain forever grateful to the SAS and the following famous quote covers the situation very well – “We sleep soundly in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm.”
October 10, 2024
I’m not ashamed to say that I’m a huge fan of Damien’s. He’s a master hashtag#storyteller, and his previous books have been the kind of reads you just can’t put down. “Forged in Hell” is no different.
For those of you who remember “The Guns of Navarone” from, oh… about fifty years ago, you’ll recognize where this book picks up the action. While the movie is only a dramatization of the types of missions you’ll find in this gripping narrative from the SAS War Diary. What follows is nothing less than heart-pounding action as the SAS venture deep behind German lines during the Second World War to wreak havoc on the Nazi war machine.
“Forged in Hell” is just damn good reading. Nobody tells a war story quite like Damien Lewis. Grab a copy and settle in for a great read. You won't regret it.
For those of you who remember “The Guns of Navarone” from, oh… about fifty years ago, you’ll recognize where this book picks up the action. While the movie is only a dramatization of the types of missions you’ll find in this gripping narrative from the SAS War Diary. What follows is nothing less than heart-pounding action as the SAS venture deep behind German lines during the Second World War to wreak havoc on the Nazi war machine.
“Forged in Hell” is just damn good reading. Nobody tells a war story quite like Damien Lewis. Grab a copy and settle in for a great read. You won't regret it.
November 10, 2024
This tells the story of the Italian operations of Paddy Mayne's 1 SAS. Lewis writes in a "made to be a movie" style that brings the reader into the action blow by blow in vivid detail. He drew heavily from the personal artifacts of the soldiers themselves, provided to him by their descendants. This is a fascinating story, and almost too outlandish to believe. Almost.
The book could be a bit repetitive at times, mostly with the constant praise of Mayne. It was also difficult to keep track of all of the men in the unit. A cheat sheet would have been nice. At times, Lewis also jumps around a bit between flashbacks and different squads.
Overall, a fascinating story written in an action-packed style.
The book could be a bit repetitive at times, mostly with the constant praise of Mayne. It was also difficult to keep track of all of the men in the unit. A cheat sheet would have been nice. At times, Lewis also jumps around a bit between flashbacks and different squads.
Overall, a fascinating story written in an action-packed style.
October 30, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this
I absolutely love reading anything and everything about WWII. This book is based on the writings of SAS Commander Blair "Paddy" Mayne. It explores their missions and activities during WWII. I don't know much about the SAS, but this book gave me a new found hard respect for them, and what they did to prevent their homeland, and Europe from falling.
I learned of Damien Lewis when I heard about the Guy Ritchie Film "Ministry of Ungentlemany Warfare." I enjoyed the movie, so I found some of his other books and read them. Really enjoy his writing style and subject matter
I absolutely love reading anything and everything about WWII. This book is based on the writings of SAS Commander Blair "Paddy" Mayne. It explores their missions and activities during WWII. I don't know much about the SAS, but this book gave me a new found hard respect for them, and what they did to prevent their homeland, and Europe from falling.
I learned of Damien Lewis when I heard about the Guy Ritchie Film "Ministry of Ungentlemany Warfare." I enjoyed the movie, so I found some of his other books and read them. Really enjoy his writing style and subject matter
January 31, 2025
Historical research at its best
Damien Lewis delivers another gripping account of the Special Air Service’s origins in SAS: Forged in Hell. This fast-paced history dives into the SAS’s early days in the brutal deserts of North Africa during World War II, where a handful of determined men pioneered modern special forces warfare. Lewis masterfully blends firsthand accounts, military strategy, and edge-of-your-seat storytelling, making the book both informative and thrilling. Perfect for military history enthusiasts, this is a compelling tribute to the daring soldiers who reshaped warfare. Highly recommended!
Damien Lewis delivers another gripping account of the Special Air Service’s origins in SAS: Forged in Hell. This fast-paced history dives into the SAS’s early days in the brutal deserts of North Africa during World War II, where a handful of determined men pioneered modern special forces warfare. Lewis masterfully blends firsthand accounts, military strategy, and edge-of-your-seat storytelling, making the book both informative and thrilling. Perfect for military history enthusiasts, this is a compelling tribute to the daring soldiers who reshaped warfare. Highly recommended!
February 8, 2025
What a book! Damien Lewis is a master of the SAS as far as I'm concerned. This is the first of his many books on the unit I've read but I have seen a few talks he has given on the regiment and their exploits.
It is a book that grips from beginning to end, the men portraited here are bloody hero's, plain and simple. The horrors they went through, the mayhem they caused to the enemy, it is just fascinating, gory, heart rending and emotional the whole way. The enigma the was Lt Col Blair (Paddy) Maine DSO (***) is a larger than life character. One wondered what would he have done had there not have been a war to fight. I cannot recommend this book and this author more highly.
It is a book that grips from beginning to end, the men portraited here are bloody hero's, plain and simple. The horrors they went through, the mayhem they caused to the enemy, it is just fascinating, gory, heart rending and emotional the whole way. The enigma the was Lt Col Blair (Paddy) Maine DSO (***) is a larger than life character. One wondered what would he have done had there not have been a war to fight. I cannot recommend this book and this author more highly.
August 12, 2024
This very readable book describes the onset and development of what would become the gold standard in specialized fighting forces despite the shortsighted elimination of it after WW2. Thankfully, the author has already done the meticulous research into available aspects in the complex history of the SAS, thereby making it easier for the rest of us military history geeks. Well worth our time and expenditure for self and local library.
I requested and received a free temporary EARC minus numerous photos from Kensington Publishing | Citadel via NetGalley. Thank you. Pub Date Oct 22, 2024
I requested and received a free temporary EARC minus numerous photos from Kensington Publishing | Citadel via NetGalley. Thank you. Pub Date Oct 22, 2024
October 11, 2024
Damien Lewis never lets me down with a great history book that reads like a page turning adventure novel. He tells the story of Special Air Service (SAS) forces, lead by Blair ‘Paddy’ Mayne as they help liberate Europe as part of the largest invasion fleet in 1943 (before Operation Overlord).
As always another amazing read by Damien Lewis. As an American I love hearing stories of British troops, since he’s not the 1st stories we hear over here.
Thank you Kensington Publishing | Citadel. #ForgedinHell #NetGalley.
As always another amazing read by Damien Lewis. As an American I love hearing stories of British troops, since he’s not the 1st stories we hear over here.
Thank you Kensington Publishing | Citadel. #ForgedinHell #NetGalley.
November 1, 2024
This is a story that I'm so glad was told. You hear about D-Day and the other big invasions but you don't hear about the soldiers that go first to clear the way. This was very compelling. For anyone who is interested in WWII this is the book for you. Very detailed and a little graphic but war is graphic. I gave it a 4 because sometimes I was confused on which invasion he was referring to. For background, the author referred to earlier battles.
I won this in a giveaway. Thank you Kensington Books.
I won this in a giveaway. Thank you Kensington Books.
October 16, 2025
I bought SAS Forged in Hell on the back of a binge watch of the series Rogue Heroes. Damien Lewis has done an awesome job translating the incredible feats and heroics of Paddy Mayne’s men into a rollicking read.
I read books such as this maybe once each year. Yes they have an entertainment factor but more than anything, they are a reminder to me that I enjoy a pretty wonderful and peaceful life because men like Paddy Mayne and his band of rogues did what they did to create the world we live in.
I read books such as this maybe once each year. Yes they have an entertainment factor but more than anything, they are a reminder to me that I enjoy a pretty wonderful and peaceful life because men like Paddy Mayne and his band of rogues did what they did to create the world we live in.
October 30, 2025
If you’re into the SAS, WW II history or the invasion of Sicily and Italy then you’ll like this book. Full of detail of the SAS’s involvement in the initial invasion and some key battles of that campaign.
The main downside of this book is that the author hero worships Paddy Mayne, commander of 1 SAS. He gives him a mention in every second or third page of this 353 page book. That becomes a bit much after a while and I started skipping pages because of it but if you enjoy the history of WW II there is a lot of interesting stuff in here.
The main downside of this book is that the author hero worships Paddy Mayne, commander of 1 SAS. He gives him a mention in every second or third page of this 353 page book. That becomes a bit much after a while and I started skipping pages because of it but if you enjoy the history of WW II there is a lot of interesting stuff in here.
May 7, 2024
The follow up to "SAS Brothers in Arms" (which covered the North Africa Campaign), the book covers off the regiment's involvement in the 1943 Sicilian and Italian campaigns, prior to be returning to Britain ahead of Overlord. Another excellent book, although I found myself more drawn in by the coverage of the Sicilian campaign than the Italian, the former full of moments of daring and tactical brilliance, the latter more a case of dogged "blood and guts" determination.
August 12, 2024
This is a great story and fun to read. But earlier this year (or last) there was a series on NetFlix(?) that told the story of these WW2 soldiers work in North Africa. While in Africa, they worked behind the German Lines as a guerilla force, raising havoc by blowing up planes and material at scattered Afrika Corp bases.
They were known as the 'Desert Rats' and were very successful in making the German's lives miserable.
They were known as the 'Desert Rats' and were very successful in making the German's lives miserable.
March 21, 2025
An account of the Italian combat missions by the British Special Air Services during 1943-4. This highly trained unit, having made itself legendary for its long range desert raids in North Africa, continued an amazing series of daring missions in Sicily and on the east coast of the boot of Italy. Its most perilous mission, against the Italian port of Termoli, was another victory for the SAS but it was terribly costly in loses, and proved to be one of the unit’s final missions.
August 5, 2024
A riveting account of the formation of the SAS and their involvement in key missions to liberate Europe. The battles are very detailed and certainly not for the faint hearted.
Ironically just over a week ago I swam alongside Mr Lewis in the lake at Latitude Festival and listened to him perform with his band!
Ironically just over a week ago I swam alongside Mr Lewis in the lake at Latitude Festival and listened to him perform with his band!
November 9, 2024
An outstanding novel picking up on the exploits of the SAS after their campaign in Africa during WW2. The stories are full of action and first-hand accounts of the battles to make you feel as if you are there. This is a great read about heroic men and the hardships and trials they faced.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 6, 2024
Currently reading this book, hardcover version, it is registered at being 320 pages long, but my book is actually 400 pages long..
Great book, nr. 5 of Damien Walters «SAS»-books, love them (well, not «Bravo Three Zero», well written but not alot happens compared to «bravo two zero» by Andy McNabb)
Great book, nr. 5 of Damien Walters «SAS»-books, love them (well, not «Bravo Three Zero», well written but not alot happens compared to «bravo two zero» by Andy McNabb)
January 11, 2024
Another classic Damien Lewis book concerning the exploits of the SAS in WWII. It races along and is difficult to put down. The story of the train journey is amazing. As always, very well researched, full of action and incredible exploits.
September 4, 2024
The book was interesting but spent a little too much time saying what a great guy paddy mayne was. I get it he’s a legend and a hero but I think saying he was a courageous leader who led from the front once was probably enough.
February 16, 2025
A detailed account of British small group forces in WWII. The author does a good job of taking historical information and giving a readable account.
The only complaint is that it is difficult to follow the different groups in seemingly unrelated battles.
The only complaint is that it is difficult to follow the different groups in seemingly unrelated battles.
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April 1, 2025Another outstanding book Pt.2
Really impressed with the detailed accounts of another epic of the originals SAS under Blair Mayne. I look forward to the final story of this trilogy.
Really impressed with the detailed accounts of another epic of the originals SAS under Blair Mayne. I look forward to the final story of this trilogy.
April 5, 2025
Great re telling of some of the bravest individuals to come from the British Isles.
Do feel as though it could've benefited with some more maps of the areas in action, i.e beach landings or Termoli, which would've helped picture the movements of those legendary men.
Do feel as though it could've benefited with some more maps of the areas in action, i.e beach landings or Termoli, which would've helped picture the movements of those legendary men.
June 18, 2025
This was a excellent read,and it follows the exploits of the Sas during the invasion of Sicily during Ww 2, apparently this title was the second in a series so my next read is sorted. Very highly recommended.
January 29, 2024
Another cracking read from a very talented writer. Well researched and full of action and daring missions, this book is a must I would imagine if you've liked his previous books.
February 4, 2024
Outstanding read and very interesting.
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