Ghost Force: The Secret History of the SAS

by Ken Connor

Ghost Force breaks through the wall of silence surrounding the SAS. No one knows more about special forces than Ken Connor. In his long active service with the regiment, he fought on four continents, played a crucial role in developing SAS counter-terrorist, covert intelligence gathering and bodyguarding techniques and was a senior instructor in several specialist departments. He also operated behind Soviet lines in East Germany in the depths of the Cold War, trained FBI men at Quantico and after his SAS career was over, was bodyguard to one of Britain's most prominent business executives. In addition to his own phenomenal expertise and experience, he also has the intelligence and the vision to understand how the SAS has been used by politicians to maintain and extend British power and influence in the post imperial era.

383 pages, Paperback

Published October 3, 2025

About the author

Ken joined the Parachute Regiment of the British Army, before transferring to the Special Air Service where he served for over 23 years. During his time in the regiment he was involved in the creation and development of many of the departments and techniques for which the SAS are now world famous, including the Bodyguard Training Cell, the Counter-Terrorist Team and the founding of 14 Intelligence Company.

He served and trained with other Special Forces Groups around the world and saw active service in four different theatres of war. A graduate of the US Ranger and airborne programmes; he trained US personnel at the FBI Academy in Quantico, USA, in counter-terrorist and VIP protection techniques. Ken served with Brixmis - the British Commander-in-Chief's Mission to the Soviet Forces in (East) Germany, for which he was awarded the British Empire Medal.

In 1986 he joined Control Risks Group as a security consultant for 5 years, after which he started his own company, offering services to clients in the specialist security field. He is the author and co-author of several books, including 'Ghost Force: The Secret History of the SAS'.