The Phantom Major: The Story of David Sterling and the Sas Regiment

by Virginia Cowles, Robert Whitfield (Narrator)

In the dark and uncertain days of 1941 and 1942, when Rommel"s tanks were sweeping towards Suez, a handful of daring raiders were making history for the Allies. They operated deep behind the German lines, often driving hundreds of miles through the deserts of North Africa. They hid by day and struck by night, destroying aircraft, blowing up ammunition dumps, derailing trains, and killing many times their own number.

These were the SAS—Stirling"s desert raiders, the brainchild of a deceptively mild-mannered man with a brilliant idea. Small teams of resourceful, highly trained men would penetrate beyond the front lines of the opposing armies and wreak havoc where the Germans least expected it.

The Phantom Major is the classic account of these desert raids, an amazing tale of courage, impudence, and daring, packed with action and high adventure. An intimate record based on eyewitness accounts, this book still stands as the definitive history of the early years of the SAS.

Genres: History, Military Fiction, Nonfiction, Biography, World War II, Military History, Audiobook

Audio Cassette

First published June 1, 1958

About the author

(Harriet) Virginia Spencer Cowles OBE was a noted American journalist, biographer, and travel writer. During her long career, Cowles went from covering fashion, to covering the Spanish Civil War, the turbulent period in Europe leading up to World War II, and the entire war. Her service as a correspondent was recognized by the British government with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1947. After the war, she published a number of critically acclaimed biographies of historical figures. In 1983, while traveling with her husband in France, she was killed in an automobile accident near Biarritz.

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars, rounded up for the narration. Robert Whitfield, aka Simon Vance, is simply an amazing reader, neatly portraying Scottish, French, German, and British accents. Augmenting this book, I also watched YouTube videos on David Stirling, SAS.

The topic itself is outside my field of expertise, and I occasionally felt my interest waning, but it's also historically intriguing, humorous, heartwarming, and suspenseful.

Told in 3rd person, this account covers from 1941-1944, from the origins of the British SAS to the capture of its first commander — Lieutenant Colonel David Stirling. He's the phantom named in the title, ghosting around enemy camps.

(No worries. Despite his capture, Stirling lived long and prospered, getting up to plenty more mischief along the way. Prospered? Well, despite his gambling debts, he was be-knighted.)

Based on original source documents and interviews, the author recounts the 1941 birth of a special forces military unit, the British SAS (called L Division at the time). Cowles tells how a Scot named David Stirling conceived of the idea of a small group going undercover, taking enemy supplies by SURPRISE, destroying planes, fuel dumps, etc. Stirling felt the element of surprise was key, and had to sell his idea to the top brass despite derision, lack of imagination, status quo, skepticism. Next, he created and trained his recruits to extremely rigorous standards. Once trained, his men would destroy more Nazi planes on the ground in Northern Africa than any Royal Air Force squadron ever did, at the time.

Officer Jock Lewis was a key member of that first SAS group. He's the inventor of the Lewis bomb, which the SAS put to immediate use. Good scene, that invention.

Favorite parts? Fun stuff, political stuff, clever stuff, like when David proved the worth of his new brainchild. He made a bet with some head honcho at the Britsh RAF that the SAS could sneak into the RAF airfield at Heliopolis and paper-mark their planes without getting caught.

Quibbles: I found all the raids began to run together in my mind. I wanted to know more about the people: David Stirling, Jock Lewes, Patty Mayne, Cooper, Seekings, Fitzroy McLean, etc. I wanted to hear more reactions from the generals of the Eighth Army, and from Winston Churchill himself. Also, I needed a map of Northern Africa, showing all the places the SAS went.

[Jane Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ½ stars. Great subject, but the book could have used something more. I’d like a different author to do it.

The greatest thing about this book is the character David Stirling and the unbelievable things he and his guys did. David conceived the idea of the SAS and got permission to train a group of men to go behind enemy lines, onto enemy property, and blow up planes, trucks, and supplies. This book is about the SAS in northern Africa in 1941-1942. I believe it was written from interviews and correspondence with SAS veterans. It is nonfiction enhanced with dialogue. Dialogue from recollections is fine with me. I would not want to read it encyclopedia style.

I love these guys. I can’t believe the things they did. Their truth is stranger than fiction. They bluff, lie, and sometimes charge their way through German and Italian roadblocks. Many times they are shot at but they get away. David has unbelievable luck. He leads dangerous missions where others die and he gets shot at many times, but he never gets hit, and he survives all of it. Makes me wonder if part of it is making his own luck. Part of his success is that what he does is so outrageous and unexpected that enemy soldiers are not suspicious because they would never do it themselves. For example a group of SAS are lying on the ground behind bushes hiding. A German soldier sees them. One of the SAS makes a loud drunken snore. The German walks away doing nothing.

The SAS are driving a truck full of explosives. The Germans are chasing them but they get away. Then one of the fuses ignites from going over a bump, so they jump out of the truck. It explodes and they are stranded in the desert. And they laugh.

The SAS remind me of fearless mischievous teenagers, seeking danger, excitement, adrenaline, and dares. David has just returned from one raid. He hears about a target and says to his men that sounds fun, who wants to go?

MY SUGGESTIONS:
I’d like to see a different author do this book. This was published in 1958. I would hope there is more material that could be researched and added. And maybe add more about David’s personality and character outside of the SAS. I know that he incurred large gambling debts later in life. That fits. He had to be a gambler to do the things he did. I believe he was a poor student in school. I wonder if he had something like ADD. I’d be happy with a longer book and to read more about some of the other characters.

The audiobook needs a pdf file with pictures and maps. There are maps in the book but none for the audiobook. I think a glossary of some of the military terms would also be good (put in the pdf).

AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR:
This was narrated by Robert Whitfield aka Simon Vance in 2001. He did a good job, but at times he spoke a little too fast for me. I wonder if he was shortening the time for cd purposes.

DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person, plus readings from letters and journals. Unabridged audiobook length: 8 hrs and 49 mins. Swearing language: none that I recall. Sexual content: none. Setting: mostly 1941-1942 Libya, Egypt, and Tunisia. Book copyright: 1958. Genre: historical nonfiction, WWII.

[David Lucero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virginia Cowles did a superior job describing how L Detachment was the brainchild of David Stirling, eventually developing into the S.A.S. (Special Air Service). This book is highly entertaining for those who enjoy historical novels about World War Two, and it's equally entertaining for fiction-lovers.

Stirling faced many obstacles within the British Army when he brought his idea of this clandestine outfit to the General's office. Fortunately he was determined and when someone finally listened, he began his recruitment, training, and put into action plans that hampered the Afrika Korps' drive to the Suez.

The men of the S.A.S. faced thirst, hunger, and long, lonely hours traveling over rough terrain in the barren desert. Still they persevered and destroyed over 250 enemy planes (more than any single squadron of the R.A.F.), fuel depots, munitions, machine shops, and put fear into the German soldiers. Despite Stirling's huge success, he faced obstacles within the British Army whose leaders were content with traditional battles. It is interesting to think how the war might have turned out had a few men of position not listened to him and provided him the opportunity of showing how a few highly-trained men could in fact disrupt a much larger force by striking them from behind enemy lines in areas where they least expected it, and could do the most damage.

I highly recommend this book!

David Lucero, author

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a full-on adventure story of the type I would have read in the British Boy's Annuals that I was familiar with before my 10th birthday. That's not to say it is juvernile. Major David Stirling was a legend who rewrote the book of war in the Desert Warfare against the Germans and the Italians in World War 2. He did this in opposition of the traditional thinking of Sandhurst trained British military officers who believed that the set-piece battle was the only approach. Stirling reasoned that the equipment of war had modernised with new armaments, transport, radios and so on, but the approach to fighting the war was still in the horse drawn era. His first attacks were on German airports as he reasoned that they were poorly defended and as a result the aircraft were very vulnerable. He proved his point and late in the conflict his SAS forces had wiped out 250 German aircraft, as well as trucks, maintenance facilities, fuel and armaments. He did this with a very small force and minimal casualties. David Stirling was captured by the Germans late in the Desert War and although he was an inverate escaper, at 6 ft 6 ins in height he did stand out in a crowd and as a result he finished the war in Colditz Castle. This is a great read which I thoroughly rec0mmend to anyone who would like a book that is very hard to put down.

[Matias Myllyrinne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Time has not necessarily been kind to the style of writing. While the subject matter is gripping the writers style detracts from the experience. The tale of how the SAS came to be deserves to be heard and it is a shame this book does not deliver on the promise. It is written in a simpler time. The agonizing death in the North African desert is often handled with a matter a fact time that no longer seems appropriate or well placed.

[Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Stirling's Desert Raiders" (also published under the titles "The Phantom Major" and "Who Dares, Wins") was one of the first military history books I read, and I have returned to re-read it about four or five times. I don't really know what it is that I like about it so much--the unbelievable raids on Rommel's North Africa forces that it documents, the style in which it is written (which makes it read like a swashbuckling Indiana Jones installment), the desert survival stories it details, or simply the amazing history it records. But whatever the reason, I love this little book.

It is the story of the man (and his fellow soldiers) who in WWII invented the approach to warfare we now call special operations. It is also the book on which the old TV series "The Rat Patrol" was based. And it is a forgotten classic. Not as gritty, somber, and self-conscious as is most contemporary military history, this story of David Stirling is actually fun to read. And given the stoic take on hardship and suffering that was characteristically British at the time, you have to consciously remind yourself that this is real history, not make-believe.

Highly recommended--if you can find a copy! It's long been out of print.

[ParisianIrish · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very interesting book which gives a great insight into the Stirling and his company of de-facto guerilla soldiers. The book is a chest thumping account of British military heroics which in most over exaggerated. Cowles fulfills her role perfectly as a tool of the British foreign office in glorifying missions by British troops, giving the reader the impression that the tactics used by Stirling were somehow a British invention, when in fact the harassing, sneak attack tactics had been used by Bedouin tribes in that zone of world for centuries.

By the end of the book you're left feeling like you just read a press report from the war office. Stirling's company would later form the basis for the SAS, which as we know committed atrocities against civilians all over the world, not least in Northern Ireland, when the SAS opened fire and murdered 14 unarmed civilians during a civil rights march. The soldiers which carried out this massacre were protected by the British foreign office but also by the British press which sought to put the blame on the unarmed and peaceful protestors.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of David Stirling, who specialized in sabotage of German and Italian airbases during the North African campaign. Virginia Cowles is able to maintain the suspense and tension throughout. A very skillful telling of the exploits of this Scottish hero of WWII, whose team destroyed more than 250 Axis planes. As the title suggests it is not just about David Stirling, it also includes quite a lot of detail about other members of Stirlings group. Such as David Stilltoe, who walked more than 200 miles in the desert with just one pint of water. Made me want to find other books by this author.

[Conor · Rating 2 out of 5]

A great story, poorly written. I found this book frustrating to read because of all the typos that seem to exist in the Kindle edition. There are also times with the author is quoting somebody? I'm no grammar Nazi but this was very hard to follow.

The cadence was and then, and then, and then, and then, and then, and then, and then slow down for something relatively unnecessary that could easily be explained with an economy of words. We're more exciting and pivottable moments could be expanded...

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the slow read I took within this book – very well written, it reads more like a novel than it does of history but the fascinating thing here it reads well and is historically accurate. The British Special Air Service (SAS) and the destruction it caused on German and Italian Air Forces in North Africa during the Second World War is a fascinating story unto itself. The operational missions were all daring and often challenged not by the mere geography alone but often by those ranked administrative officers within ones own service that lack foresight and feel challenged by those with vision. So we have in Major (later Colonel) David Stirling – a leader that was able to affect more damage behind the lines on the Afrika Corps Air Forces than the effectiveness of bombings by British Aircraft above. His later side kick Major Paddy Mayne is another brave soul. These events of course occur with the existence of opposing ends of a bell-curve; on the one end attempts are made to minimize the loss of life – on the other there is a wry sense of the occasional cynical humor that comes from such meager existence. Major Stirling became a bit perturbed with FM Montgomery during a wireless communication on the outcome of one operation, with tongue in cheek sort of method he managed to compliment Monty with a communication that stated “Congratulate Army Commander on perspicacity.” The phrase confused the Field Marshall as he began to dig into what “Boy Stirling” was “up to”. Apparently, when the ADC to Monty brought in the full message traffic that led to this statement he made no comment after having reviewed it thoroughly. Arguably, the well-meant but previous message to the “Boy Stirling” had been meant for encouragement one in which read “Army Commander feels your activities could have decisive effect on outcome of forthcoming battle.” By this point Major Stirling and his SAS lads had already destroyed more than 250 German and Italian Aircraft at various Airfields across North Africa – so many in fact that it was argued whether to give this outfit the Distinguished Flying Cross, they had in effect a better total of destroyed Aircraft than the Royal Air Force to this point in either dogfight battles or attempted raids of the same Airfields. Something tells me that Field Marshall Montgomery realized his slight during the course of reading further details – all of us have humbling moments periodically.

Ms. Virginia Cowles (the author) must have been a bit of a Spit-Fire herself. An American who would later receive the Order of the British Empire (OBE), she was actually a balanced journalist (imagine this!) who conducted thorough research. She covered for example the Spanish Civil War from the reporting effort of both sides – she was quite determined to do this unlike others who merely sided with the Communist cause. That sort of boldness got her into trouble on more than one occasion. As a result of her work as then a young woman, she remained in Europe and would become an important war correspondent reporting from England, France, Russia, Finland, Czechoslovakia, and during 1939-40 reporting from Germany. I will look forward to more of her books in the future.

People interested in the war in North Africa will enjoy this book for daring deeds of surprise and bravery of soldiers committed to doing what was right for their country (again “imagine this!”)

[Wilte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on David Stirling, who put the S.A.S. ("Who dares wins") on the map in North Africa in World War II.

Stirling was truly a great leader, after two deaths due to faulty materials with the parachutes:

The next day the men were taken up again. Their faces were strained and their fingers yellow from too many cigarettes. This time David was the first man to jump. The others followed in quick, orderly succession. The tests were successful.

And:

The job of the S.A.S. was not to engage the enemy, but to outwit them. David knew exactly what advantage he could derive from both the element of surprise and the protection of the dark. He had all the cunning of the country-bred sportsman, and he also knew the moment to withdraw. His insistence was on achievement, not heroics; and as a result the S.A.S. won a reputation for both.

This brings one to the conclusion that the devotion David inspired in his men was based on confidence. This was repeatedly justified by the amazingly small casualties suffered by the unit; and it was further fortified by the fact that David never asked his men to undertake anything he himself would not do.

The mentality in an unintended joke:

" If you've really got surprise," said David," you can get away with murder." This was an unintended joke but it made everyone laugh.

Training was tough, but Stirling also had a good grasp of psychology:

Although the men never knew it, these night tests were made progressively easier, for David believed a soldier's success in the dark depended largely on self confidence.

The SAS ("roaming along the enemy's desert flank and darting in to strike at the right moment") did not have an easy path to get established within the British armed forces:

Security against the enemy was essential, but security against the British General Staff was vital.

On the other hand, the founding story of the SAS is also typically British:

Perhaps it is a British failing that although it encourages individuality in time of war, it is slow to learn the lessons in time of peace. That the S.A.S. sprang into being at all is a tribute to the inventiveness of the national character. It is inconceivable that this type of organisation could have flourished in any other army in the world. It was British to its fingertips. It was in the classic tradition of high-spirited boldness which has often brilliantly stamped the pages of English history.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginnings of the famous Special Air Services (SAS) in WWII, created and led by David Stirling "The Phantom Major". Known for their behind the lines attacks on enemy airfields and vehicles beginning in North Africa during WWII. They were a thorn in Rommel's side and were the inspiration for the 1960s TV Series "The Rat Patrol" using American Jeeps with powerful Vickers machine gun (created for aircraft) mounted in the back.
This non fiction story reads like an exciting action-adventure novel with colorful characters who went above and beyond the call of duty during the second World War. The Unit today is still in existence and consists of 3 Regiments. They act as a Special Forces unit of the British Army.

[Alistair Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining and easy read, that shows it's age.

Very much the origins of the SAS according to David Stirling, and of its time. More recent research and scholarship have led to a much more complex and nuanced view of the development of irregular forces during the North Africa campaign.

Much of the focus is at the tactical level, and any consideration of the operational level is superficial, probably reflecting Stirling and his focus.

Certainly valuable, as the first of the books on the history of the Regiment, but rightly now seen as a bit of a hagiography that does a disservice to many others involved in the success of the unit.

[Alastair Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Often books of this nature can be either too generic, trying to encompass wider themes and events without getting into any detail about the subject matter, or too specific becoming a list of names and dates.

This however I feel sits very comfortably in the sweet spot, it lays out the exploits of the SAS during the African campaign (1941-1943) and in particular the leadership of its founder David Stirling.

With insights into the challenges, both internal and external that they faced, along with wonderfully honest descriptions of the raids undertaken directly from the individuals who took part it is a history book which reads like a piece of narrative prose and one I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Phlip Pretorius · Rating 5 out of 5]

I you are interested in the history of the 2nd world war, this is an excellent book describing the formation of the S.A.S. of the English Army.

Well researched and well written.

The author managed to capture the difficulties of the first actions of this elite group of soldiers. It also shown the mettle of the young officer that pressed on to create the unit to do the work that he visualized.

I did not compare this with other resources but from my own interest in reading about the 2nd WW, the facts seems to be accurate.

Enjoy the read.

PPP

[Srijoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adventure, what daring, what bravado.. what a story!

This Virginia Cowles book captures in a rather encapsulated form the story of the formation of the British SAS from the imagination and creativity of one man's vision. It really makes you feel the motto of the SAS ★ Who Dares, Wins!

Robert Whitfield's reading was simply superb, it added an additional zing to the story and kept you hooked as much as the story did.

[Bobby Daugherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of the man who created the Special Air Service of the British military and the exploits of the original unit in the second world war. A good read for anyone who enjoyed Charlie Beckwith's "Delta Force" as Beckwith was inspired to create the Delta Force after having been involved with the SAS.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful little tale of the nativity of the SAS in the sands of Africa during WWII. Exceptional primary source research gives a first look into what was accomplished by such daring me and the author, in keeping with the heritage of the Regiment, does a wonderful job of keep their Herculean efforts presented in a true understated British fashion.

[Kim Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very readable and enlightening story of the British special forces efforts which disrupted German and Italian efforts to retain control of North Africa during the early years of WW II. The provides a revealing accounting of the unique and dynamic personality of David Stirling, the man singularly responsible for the formation, organization, and success of the SAS.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written and fast paced story that gives all the epic moments of one of the most daring WWII stories. It puts a story to the battle cry, "Its better to be an eagle for a minute than a toad for a lifetime!" A mixture of tragedy and heroism, failures and brilliant maneuvers, this is a must read for young men.

[Mark Desjardins · Rating 4 out of 5]

stirling hagiography

Well, written, albeit one-sided view of the SAS adventures in the African campaign. Well worth a read, or a listen to, but there are more modern and balanced works available.

[David Cozens · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of David Stirling who founded the S.A.S. during the North Africa campaign 1941-43.

[Loren Shultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. Well and engagingly written

[Candace Simar · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent account of the SAS in North Africa during the early days of WW2. I really liked it.

[Tricia Bagley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Almost a novel, but with real names, action etc, hard to believe,true heroes,
Will read another of his works, enjoy your trip into the past.

[Terry Whale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth reading

Very Interesting read. Lots that you didn't know regarding the war in the desert. Very brave men. No wonder it's only the hardest and bravest are in the SAS

[Ian James Perryman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boys Own Special!

A likable exciting true account of a little known war sector. The nerve shown by the participants is a lesson to be remembered.

[F S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very informative book

[Colin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who dares wins.

[Joseph D Foresi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Phantom major is an interesting read about Sterling and the SAS. It covers a number of his daring military achievements with a James Bond like flair. However, the character back story and development are very light so unless you want straight military adventure, it may not work for you.