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The Hard Way: Adapt, Survive and Win
Billy Billingham grew up tough; a grim future ahead of him offering little respite from the hostile streets he walked. Leaving school at eleven years of age, the threat of borstal hanging over his head, running with gangs in Birmingham, and almost being killed in a knife fight eventually led to Billy discovering the British armed forces at sixteen years of age. It would be the making of him.
Billingham would graduate from the Royal Marine cadets to enlisting with the Parachute Regiment in 1983, where he would serve with distinction as a Patrol Commander and expert sniper . In 1991 he took on an even bigger challenge – taking the SAS course – the fearsome and secretive elite special forces unit with a well-won reputation for excellence in operating in extreme and hazardous conditions. He excelled in this life, rising to the rank of sergeant major for the regiment, and undertaking dozens of classified and extremely dangerous missions. He would ultimately serve seventeen years with the SAS, serving in countless war zones, winning a commendation for bravery and being awarded the MBE . After leaving the army he would embrace the life of a bodyguard to Hollywood stars such as Angelina Jolie , Brad Pitt , Sir Michael Caine , Tom Cruise and Russell Crowe , before being recruited as one of the lead instructors on SAS - Who Dares Wins for television.
Billy is a highly-decorated veteran; with a reputation for excellence, honesty and integrity not only supporting his comrades Ant Middleton , Jason Fox and Ollie Ollerton , but equally intimidating and inspiring the contestants who take on the gruelling challenges each week. The Hard Way details Billy’s story thus far, but will also educate and enthral those wishing to seek a challenge and conquer it – the SAS way .
Billingham would graduate from the Royal Marine cadets to enlisting with the Parachute Regiment in 1983, where he would serve with distinction as a Patrol Commander and expert sniper . In 1991 he took on an even bigger challenge – taking the SAS course – the fearsome and secretive elite special forces unit with a well-won reputation for excellence in operating in extreme and hazardous conditions. He excelled in this life, rising to the rank of sergeant major for the regiment, and undertaking dozens of classified and extremely dangerous missions. He would ultimately serve seventeen years with the SAS, serving in countless war zones, winning a commendation for bravery and being awarded the MBE . After leaving the army he would embrace the life of a bodyguard to Hollywood stars such as Angelina Jolie , Brad Pitt , Sir Michael Caine , Tom Cruise and Russell Crowe , before being recruited as one of the lead instructors on SAS - Who Dares Wins for television.
Billy is a highly-decorated veteran; with a reputation for excellence, honesty and integrity not only supporting his comrades Ant Middleton , Jason Fox and Ollie Ollerton , but equally intimidating and inspiring the contestants who take on the gruelling challenges each week. The Hard Way details Billy’s story thus far, but will also educate and enthral those wishing to seek a challenge and conquer it – the SAS way .
272 pages, Hardcover
Published March 1, 2020
177 people are currently reading
591 people want to read
About the author
Mark Billingham
104 books2,176 followersAlso writes as Will Peterson with Peter Cocks.
Mark Billingham was born and brought up in Birmingham. Having worked for some years as an actor and more recently as a TV writer and stand-up comedian his first crime novel was published in 2001. Mark lives in North London with his wife and two children.
Mark Billingham was born and brought up in Birmingham. Having worked for some years as an actor and more recently as a TV writer and stand-up comedian his first crime novel was published in 2001. Mark lives in North London with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
February 7, 2020
Inspirational Read. There should be more Mark Billinghams in the world. Thoroughly enjoyed reading about Marks life and everything he has endured and poured his life and passions into. Top Bloke! I envy his grandchildren, he must have some awesome stories to sit and tell them with many a lesson to learn. Thumbs up!
December 15, 2019
Hollow
Enjoyable enough, the author is obviously a legend, but the general lack of depth and detail was disappointing. It felt like a roughshod glimpse of his life told through a handful of anecdotes designed to capitalise on his celebrity.
Enjoyable enough, the author is obviously a legend, but the general lack of depth and detail was disappointing. It felt like a roughshod glimpse of his life told through a handful of anecdotes designed to capitalise on his celebrity.
January 29, 2020
A lot of respect for this man his life journey and the lessons he wishes to share with us. 4 stars for the story, the writing though was pretty mediocre and a lot of parts in the story seems more like a summary than a biography
January 12, 2020
Well written full of highs and lows and a credit to the author for turning his life around. A really good read and someone who has helped so many.
May 4, 2021
I have watched channel 4’s SAS: Who dares win, from the beginning and it has only taken me this last year to read the autobiography’s from the ex SF’s guys. Each of them are equally brilliant (still have Foxys to read!) and oh my goodness Billy’s book just grabbed me. I felt so enthralled with it I couldn’t wait to see what the next page or the next chapter would bring!
It starts with his childhood and goes through various bits of his life till now. The way he speaks about his friends and family, his comrades, Parachute Regiment and The Regiment - is wholly full of love and care. Regardless if they were nice or not.
I already can’t wait to re read it! It has me hooked
It starts with his childhood and goes through various bits of his life till now. The way he speaks about his friends and family, his comrades, Parachute Regiment and The Regiment - is wholly full of love and care. Regardless if they were nice or not.
I already can’t wait to re read it! It has me hooked
July 25, 2022
What a fabulous story. After only knowing about the author for his role in Who dares, wins I was amazed and in awe of his other achievements. What a wonderful life he has carved out for himself against all the odds. An absolute must read.
October 23, 2021
As an avid watcher of the Channel 4 SAS program, you might be forgiven that Billy takes a back seat because he is less experienced than the other DS.
This could not be further from the truth.
A business man, bodyguard and a charity man at heart, this easy read gives a glimpse into the softer side of Billy, and how he got to appear in front of the TV cameras.
This could not be further from the truth.
A business man, bodyguard and a charity man at heart, this easy read gives a glimpse into the softer side of Billy, and how he got to appear in front of the TV cameras.
May 12, 2020
What a story and inspiration to be gained, you the man Billy.
August 21, 2021
Having seen this guy on SAS who dares wins, I like and can definitely relate to his no nonsense style, and having a keen interest in the British military I bought this to understand the mindset of a British special forces operative and to read about his experiences on operations and in battle. The book started off well, Billy talks about his childhood, mixing with the wrong people and getting into a few scrapes, starting boxing and then joining the army. His chapters on the Paras and the SAS were mainly about selection....I didn't really learn a great deal here.....I know that selection for both is brutal....I know you're expected to walk, march, TAB to certain checkpoints, over hilly terrain in a certain time with 3 tons on your back, whilst being observed all the time. The mindset part of this was good, he talks about what drove him in these moments. Then Billy drops the bomb.....he is unwilling to disclose any details about his battle experiences in the Paras or the SAS. Now don't get me wrong, that's his right and he's earned that right and I respect that decision, and I respect him for making the decision....but I did feel a little cheated as it was one of the main reasons I bought the book. I have read lots of other books where these details were disclosed so I had no reason to think Billy would do this, but he did and that's that.
The rest of the book was about him being a bodyguard to celebrities, which to be quite frank I found boring, and him setting up "security businesses" in a number of different countries. At this point the book had went flat for me and I almost put it down, but I'm glad I didn't as the chapters on Haiti and Africa were very good and Billy's genuine desire to help people less fortunate than him came across loud and clear and I saw him in a different light.
I found the epilogue quite inspirational, as he reflected on the turning points in his life which had shaped him, and the key figures along his journey who had influenced him to become the person he is today, and these and other things which drive him when he is in tight situations or faced with difficult decisions. His mindset is to constantly prove himself, to feel as though he is being constantly observed, like he was in selection, but this time it's to the people in the past who doubted him, and to himself who he knows continues to grow, and to his wife and children and all the others who he knows believe in him.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes, but not for the reason I bought it.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, but don't expect detailed battle scenes, and without being disrespectful.... it's not very well written, but it is inspirational, and motivating.
The rest of the book was about him being a bodyguard to celebrities, which to be quite frank I found boring, and him setting up "security businesses" in a number of different countries. At this point the book had went flat for me and I almost put it down, but I'm glad I didn't as the chapters on Haiti and Africa were very good and Billy's genuine desire to help people less fortunate than him came across loud and clear and I saw him in a different light.
I found the epilogue quite inspirational, as he reflected on the turning points in his life which had shaped him, and the key figures along his journey who had influenced him to become the person he is today, and these and other things which drive him when he is in tight situations or faced with difficult decisions. His mindset is to constantly prove himself, to feel as though he is being constantly observed, like he was in selection, but this time it's to the people in the past who doubted him, and to himself who he knows continues to grow, and to his wife and children and all the others who he knows believe in him.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes, but not for the reason I bought it.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, but don't expect detailed battle scenes, and without being disrespectful.... it's not very well written, but it is inspirational, and motivating.
January 26, 2020
The fourth SASWhoDaresWins guy to get his biography out is the highest decorated and an MBE.
Starting from a scrubby childhood in Walsall Billy has a couple of run ins with men who, instead of giving him a good hiding, see something there and tell him to join boxing, where a new avenue of life opens up.
Later his brother takes him along to cadets, appreciating the order and discipline and underneath understanding his own accountability for how things are, Billy starts looking longterm at a career in the army, the Paras no less, and off he goes.
With a string work ethic he finds this life suits him, not always his family, but he excels.
There are a few war stories in here and I enjoyed the jungle ones along with him. Never telling all he gives enough to give the picture of the madness on the ground.
His life as security is interesting. I didn't know he had been bodyguard for so many Hollywood names.
I liked his outlook at problem solving and the way he has carved his life his own way. Even as he says, the hard way.
At the too he has his life lessons he adheres to which are informative and you know when he makes decisions later in the book these were his base of thinking.
His dealings in Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake a few years ago also see him come through as a man who can get things done, a man who plans and can see a bigger picture.
I found this a different read from the other guys. I felt engaged and his no nonsense opinion of his combat and actions, acknowledging he was a cause of many of his own problems when young, with enough savvy to know when to turn it around he has made himself quite the life story worth reading about.
A nod to Conor Woodman his 'ghost writer' who managed to put such a life into an order I could enjoy reading about.
Starting from a scrubby childhood in Walsall Billy has a couple of run ins with men who, instead of giving him a good hiding, see something there and tell him to join boxing, where a new avenue of life opens up.
Later his brother takes him along to cadets, appreciating the order and discipline and underneath understanding his own accountability for how things are, Billy starts looking longterm at a career in the army, the Paras no less, and off he goes.
With a string work ethic he finds this life suits him, not always his family, but he excels.
There are a few war stories in here and I enjoyed the jungle ones along with him. Never telling all he gives enough to give the picture of the madness on the ground.
His life as security is interesting. I didn't know he had been bodyguard for so many Hollywood names.
I liked his outlook at problem solving and the way he has carved his life his own way. Even as he says, the hard way.
At the too he has his life lessons he adheres to which are informative and you know when he makes decisions later in the book these were his base of thinking.
His dealings in Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake a few years ago also see him come through as a man who can get things done, a man who plans and can see a bigger picture.
I found this a different read from the other guys. I felt engaged and his no nonsense opinion of his combat and actions, acknowledging he was a cause of many of his own problems when young, with enough savvy to know when to turn it around he has made himself quite the life story worth reading about.
A nod to Conor Woodman his 'ghost writer' who managed to put such a life into an order I could enjoy reading about.
August 28, 2020
Having now read all the books by the ds team of sas who dares wins I would have to say that I enjoyed this one the most.
Mark billy billingham is the only actual sas man out of the ds team the others having served in the sbs.
This book is fast paced from the very start and very difficult to put down a real page turner from a very difficult upbringing his story tells of positive influences that people have had on his life to enable him to turn from a self destructive path of crime and violence which very nearly cost him his life to a more meaningful path to boxing and military career.
He has gone on to use these experiences to help others through charity work and much much more.
I like the way that he has respected the secrecy of the sas by not revealing to much about his service but also just enough to keep the reader engaged.
Although he admits he can be a horrible b******d when he needs to be he also genuinely enjoys helping people and comes across as a lover of people even bearing very little grudge against those who have wronged him accepting all of it in a fact of life kind of way with no bitterness.
This is probably the easiest 5 star rating I’ve given so far excellent book.
Mark billy billingham is the only actual sas man out of the ds team the others having served in the sbs.
This book is fast paced from the very start and very difficult to put down a real page turner from a very difficult upbringing his story tells of positive influences that people have had on his life to enable him to turn from a self destructive path of crime and violence which very nearly cost him his life to a more meaningful path to boxing and military career.
He has gone on to use these experiences to help others through charity work and much much more.
I like the way that he has respected the secrecy of the sas by not revealing to much about his service but also just enough to keep the reader engaged.
Although he admits he can be a horrible b******d when he needs to be he also genuinely enjoys helping people and comes across as a lover of people even bearing very little grudge against those who have wronged him accepting all of it in a fact of life kind of way with no bitterness.
This is probably the easiest 5 star rating I’ve given so far excellent book.
January 16, 2020
Absolutely fantastic book written by a brilliant bloke
Can't fault this book at all . Just fantastic . It was nice as someone from the west midlands to read a book written by a fellow midlander. Mark Gillingham has had an extraordinary life full of ups and downs and I'm so glad , after so many people giving up on him , that finally someone can along who believed in him . I highly recommend this book and I was especially impressed with how Mark didn't talk about any operations he took part in in the SAS, I see too many ex SAS soldiers spilling the beans and it infuriates me , Mark respects his regiment and that is a wonderful thing . A fantastic soldier and a fantastic man , but this book , up in won't regret it .
Can't fault this book at all . Just fantastic . It was nice as someone from the west midlands to read a book written by a fellow midlander. Mark Gillingham has had an extraordinary life full of ups and downs and I'm so glad , after so many people giving up on him , that finally someone can along who believed in him . I highly recommend this book and I was especially impressed with how Mark didn't talk about any operations he took part in in the SAS, I see too many ex SAS soldiers spilling the beans and it infuriates me , Mark respects his regiment and that is a wonderful thing . A fantastic soldier and a fantastic man , but this book , up in won't regret it .
December 22, 2021
Having been a fan of the popular Channel 4 show SAS: Who Dares Win, quite a few of the DS', have penned their autobiographies.
Whilst I don't doubt that this book had a ghost writer, Marks' story is a highly inspirational read. Starting life out in poverty in Walshall, England, he makes his career through the British Military and into his security work with Hollywood Starlets, his charity endeavours and ending with his show on channel 4.
This man has definitely had a hard life, and his constant hustling, there is some detail lacking around his military career, which is disappointing, but understandable given the nature of his career and the high security around those operations.
Overall, an enlightening read of one of the ex-SAS soldiers.
Whilst I don't doubt that this book had a ghost writer, Marks' story is a highly inspirational read. Starting life out in poverty in Walshall, England, he makes his career through the British Military and into his security work with Hollywood Starlets, his charity endeavours and ending with his show on channel 4.
This man has definitely had a hard life, and his constant hustling, there is some detail lacking around his military career, which is disappointing, but understandable given the nature of his career and the high security around those operations.
Overall, an enlightening read of one of the ex-SAS soldiers.
January 25, 2022
Hugely enjoyed this book and finding out more about Mark Billingham. Finding out about what motivates individuals like to this to push beyond the normal and achieve amazing things in their lives is something both inspirational and motivational. Reading it you get a personal insight and glimpse in to the life he has lived and what he has experienced.
Really positive message at the end of the book making you think about the difference you can make, not only in your life but also the life of others. This is a message that comes through in both the writing and the reality of the events that Mark has experienced throughout his life.
Really positive message at the end of the book making you think about the difference you can make, not only in your life but also the life of others. This is a message that comes through in both the writing and the reality of the events that Mark has experienced throughout his life.
October 29, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyable
I've read most of the SAS biographies and all have been very interesting, Billys is no different, I always find it surprising that quite a lot of Special Forces seen to come from a harder upbringing, or maybe a dysfunctional family, Billy, while acknowledging he had good strong parents, still "Sailed close to the wind" whether it be fighting to prove himself, or striving to get some kind of recognition from his father stoic father.
A fascinating book showing the best of the human spirit and determination, this guy really HAS done it all, and remains a,very down to earth, humble person, well worth a,read.
I've read most of the SAS biographies and all have been very interesting, Billys is no different, I always find it surprising that quite a lot of Special Forces seen to come from a harder upbringing, or maybe a dysfunctional family, Billy, while acknowledging he had good strong parents, still "Sailed close to the wind" whether it be fighting to prove himself, or striving to get some kind of recognition from his father stoic father.
A fascinating book showing the best of the human spirit and determination, this guy really HAS done it all, and remains a,very down to earth, humble person, well worth a,read.
November 25, 2019
I’m not a fan of autobiography, so this was never likely to make 5 stars in my opinion. I am however an admirer of Billy and the British Army in general.
I completely understand that Billy is limited in what he can say for security reasons, and therefore this is just about Billy as a person, not some action-packed SAS book. I knew what I was getting into.
I found it OK. I can’t rave about it, but there was enough in it to keep to interested. For someone into biographies I’m sure they’ll enjoy it.
I completely understand that Billy is limited in what he can say for security reasons, and therefore this is just about Billy as a person, not some action-packed SAS book. I knew what I was getting into.
I found it OK. I can’t rave about it, but there was enough in it to keep to interested. For someone into biographies I’m sure they’ll enjoy it.
June 15, 2022
A very rewarding read. Whilst the writer mentioned his Special Forces background, there was non of the bravado and macho stuff. Instead you get an insight into a guy from a very modest background who takes every chance to get on the ladder. The story is astonishing: from a small town in the Midlands to the SAS and then a minder for famous Hollywood stars. But the best thing here is the emotional intelligence and how Mark uses his background in a very positive way. It's a story of modesty and achievement and because of that really inspirational.
I felt a bit sad when I got to the end!
I felt a bit sad when I got to the end!
April 7, 2020
I loved this from start to finish, and read it in no time (I'm usually a slow reader). I have so much respect for this guy. From my home town Walsall, to the jungle and everywhere in between. Its well written and in a way it feels as though he is telling you his story to your face, in a pub?! There is so much more to his career than some will think, I can't recommend it enough. I hate to use the word 'unputdownable' but it truly is that.
May 15, 2020
Excellent read.
This is a great read about the life of Mark “Billy” Billingham.
My only confusion was when he was talking about Poachers in Africa & it switched to him serving in Iraq.
I can understand the point he was making at the end of that story, but it really confused me at one point as I thought it was a misprint in the book & should have been wrote earlier in the story.
Still a great read.
This is a great read about the life of Mark “Billy” Billingham.
My only confusion was when he was talking about Poachers in Africa & it switched to him serving in Iraq.
I can understand the point he was making at the end of that story, but it really confused me at one point as I thought it was a misprint in the book & should have been wrote earlier in the story.
Still a great read.
September 26, 2020
Yet another great read from the SAS: Who Dares Wins crew, this one by Mark "Billy" Billingham. This was a very eye-opening read, with Billy opening up about his early days as a troublemaking teen, to his introduction to the Paras, before eventually a small insight into his SAS selection experience. Some of his post SAS life was a major surprise to me, from his work in Hollywood, to his relief efforts in Haiti after the earthquake. This was a great read and I hope to see more books from him!
July 4, 2024
No me ha gustado... seguro que su vida ha sido la mar de interesante, pero no creo que lo haya transmitido en el libro, que parece un recuento de los sitios dónde ha estado y qué ha hecho, por encima, con algunas anécdotas por el camino. Yo creía que hablaría más de cómo consiguió la motivación y fuerza para salir del agujero donde estaba hasta llegar a donde ha llegado, pero no, eso lo pasa por encima.
May 8, 2020
Interesting read, had no idea the life ‘Billy’ had lead and refreshing to hear his no holds barred exploits form his youth. Massively respectful towards his old career throughout which is brilliant, so if you want a book full of SAS stories then this isn’t for you. Great read, great guy, well worth your time.
May 14, 2020
Wow - Legend
This is a book everyone should read. It’s not about the nitty gritty of being in the army and ultimately the SAS but about power and strength of mind to really go for it and to be there to help others along the way the same as you were helped by kind caring people. Inspirational
This is a book everyone should read. It’s not about the nitty gritty of being in the army and ultimately the SAS but about power and strength of mind to really go for it and to be there to help others along the way the same as you were helped by kind caring people. Inspirational
August 27, 2020
What a book,what a life.
I could not put this book down, had to keep reading it as it's so riveting and interesting, informative also very, very inspiring, l had already read Ant Middleton s book, but I think this way better (sorry Ant) it proves you can do anything if you really want to no matter start in life! Well done Billy.
I could not put this book down, had to keep reading it as it's so riveting and interesting, informative also very, very inspiring, l had already read Ant Middleton s book, but I think this way better (sorry Ant) it proves you can do anything if you really want to no matter start in life! Well done Billy.
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November 13, 2020I highly recommend this book and I was especially impressed with how Mark didn't talk about any operations he took part in in the SAS, I see too many ex SAS soldiers spilling the beans and it infuriates me , Mark respects his regiment and that is a wonderful thing . A fantastic soldier and a fantastic man , but this book , up in won't regret it .
February 20, 2021
Good Easy Read
Good insight into the life of 'Billy'. Some really interesting stories that will surprise you regarding his work outside of the military. His description of life events during his upbringing in Walsall are comical, and his mind set during military career is inspiring.
Good insight into the life of 'Billy'. Some really interesting stories that will surprise you regarding his work outside of the military. His description of life events during his upbringing in Walsall are comical, and his mind set during military career is inspiring.
October 12, 2021
A brilliant insight into the man that makes up part of the DS on Channel 4's SAS Who Dares Wins.
From the roguish humble beginnings to the inspirational leader that he is today, its all there. As always with these books you're left wanting more, I want the juicy details of SAS tours and action behind enemy lines but of course these cant be told.
A great read for those who are fans of the show.
From the roguish humble beginnings to the inspirational leader that he is today, its all there. As always with these books you're left wanting more, I want the juicy details of SAS tours and action behind enemy lines but of course these cant be told.
A great read for those who are fans of the show.
July 21, 2025
great read, thanks Mark👍🏻
An excellent read, I enjoyed every chapter, a very inspiring account of his early life and how he went on to become a great leader in all aspects of life, I try to emulate his approach to people with the team I’m in the process of building currently and it’s definitely working 👊🏼
An excellent read, I enjoyed every chapter, a very inspiring account of his early life and how he went on to become a great leader in all aspects of life, I try to emulate his approach to people with the team I’m in the process of building currently and it’s definitely working 👊🏼
September 7, 2025
I enjoyed this, an interesting life from someone who grew up near where I live. You've probably seen him as one of the instructors on SAS: Who Dares Wins on Channel 4 and he comes across as a really likeable bloke in this book. Easy to read, not too long, recommend for anyone interested in this sort of thing.
November 9, 2025
Told It As It Was
A really good read, not full of the ‘gung ho’ war stories, more cerebral, more informative. The story of one man’s rise from the streets of Walsall to Sgt Major in the SAS, film star, TV star and all round good guy.
As well as saving people he’s done his ‘bit’ and more in saving both our wildlife and our planet.
Give it a go, you’ll enjoy it.
A really good read, not full of the ‘gung ho’ war stories, more cerebral, more informative. The story of one man’s rise from the streets of Walsall to Sgt Major in the SAS, film star, TV star and all round good guy.
As well as saving people he’s done his ‘bit’ and more in saving both our wildlife and our planet.
Give it a go, you’ll enjoy it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews