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Undercover War: Britain's Special Forces and their secret battle against the IRA
When British troops first deployed to Northern Ireland in 1969, to halt the threat of a new rising force - the Provisional Irish Republican Army - they could not have known that the longest campaign in the British Army's history was beginning. While patrols, vehicle bombs and incendiary speeches are the defining memories of the Troubles, the real war was fought out of sight and out of mind. For thirty years, Britain's Special Forces waged a ferocious, secretive struggle against a ruthless and implacable enemy. Harry McCallion offers a unique insight into nearly every major military action and operation in the Province, having served seven tours with the Parachute Regiment, passed selection for 14 Intelligence Company, completed six years with the SAS anti-terrorism team, and joined the Royal Ulster Constabulary, receiving two commendations for bravery during his service. This book is his blistering account of the history of Britain's war against the IRA between 1970 and 1988 - the most murderous years of the conflict - drawn from his own operational experience and backed by first-hand accounts and unpublished documents. From new insights into high-profile killings and riveting accounts of enemy contact, to revelations about clandestine missions and strategies in combating a merciless enemy, Undercover War is the definitive inside story of the battle against the IRA, one of the most dangerous and effective terrorist organisations in recent history.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2020
83 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
Harry McCallion
20 books14 followersBorn in Glasgow, Harry McCallion joined the army after leaving school. In a varied and exciting military career he served with the Parachute Regiment, South Africa’s elite Recce Commandos and 22 SAS. After leaving the army in 1985 he joined the RUC, but left in 1990 after a near-fatal car crash. Subsequent to this he studied law and was called to the Bar. Now a working barrister and writer he has recently received his Master’s Degree in International Relations. His autobiography Killing Zone was an immediate bestseller.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 22, 2022
"I believe it is important to ask how, if it is lawful self defense to kill an Islamist terrorist in Iraq with a drone strike, or to neutralize a wounded threat in London, it could have been anything other than lawful self defense to kill a Provisional IRA terrorist armed with an AK-47, an ArmaLite, or an DShK Heavy Machine Gun in Northern Ireland?"
That pretty much sums up "Undercover War," I think. This book is not, as the blurb says, an "account of the history of Britain's war against the IRA." More aptly, it is a book length argument for how generally fault-less and awesome the Special Forces operatives were in their actions. And it's all told as one long, detailed list of engagements involving U.K. Special Forces during "the Troubles" - the low-key sectarian civil war/anti-terrorist campaign in Northern Ireland between 1970 and 1998.
When I started reading, I didn't really know who the author was (and I was curious to see how that affected my reading of the book). However, it was almost immediately clear where the author's sympathies lie, and a quick search (after reading a good chunk of the book) confirmed that he was indeed himself a former Special Forces operative himself - I was even familiar with some of his other books. Now, I don't necessarily see the author's loyalties as a negative in and of itself, but it does explain his reasoning and approach. Namely that of rebuking efforts to "tarnish" the legal and noble actions and motivations of the Special Forces operatives during the Troubles.
I don't disagree with him in terms of the individuals' actions. As with all military action, military personnel generally aren't themselves held responsible for acts that would be illegal under civilian circumstances. It is, after all, the military's job to execute state sponsored violence. That is also exactly what the Special Forces did in Northern Ireland. Furthermore, I do think that it is important to address, as the author does, how it's kinda fucked up to go after individual soldiers for acts that were sanctioned in one way or the other.
However, I think McCallion kind of misses the real issue for me. Sure, we can argue that individual soldiers and actions were/are lawful under the circumstances (whether in N.Ireland, London, or Iraq), rightly so. For me that's not the real question, waging war is never clean and soldiers are literally paid to commit acts that would land them in prison or worse under any other circumstances. That doesn't make them villains. Nor does it make them heroes as the author implies.
No, the real issue in the case of the Troubles, Iraq, or any other war (whether that be on sovereign nations, wannabe break-out states, the war on drugs, or the war on terrorism) is, should "we" be there at all (with "we" being the state of the relevant state sanctioned intervention/action)? Is the war itself kosher? While the author himself does not allow for any other impression or interpretation, he completely disregards this question and unequivocally considers all enemy combatants as terrorists. Thus justifying treating them as such. Which is fair, it is his opinion - and one I'm largely in agreement with re: the (P)IRA - but I think he's doing the much more complicated situation a disservice in not acknowledging that his terrorists are someone else's freedom fighters. It is, when push comes to shove, definitely worth keeping in mind that the Irish Catholics were a "legally" oppressed minority.
And this, I think, is where the problem with the author's background comes in. He himself has said elsewhere that "[b]eing in a violent atmosphere like that becomes addictive," and that his enemies "were just the enemy that we were fighting and to be quite honest I enjoyed what I did." Moreover, he's said that killing the enemy, "it gave me a kick. For the soldier it's not the same as you murdering somebody. It's addictive." Not only do his own words kind of raise the question that maybe individual soldiers may be more responsible for their own action than he argues in the book, but it also illustrates how, naturally, the author simply cannot allow for anything other than his own black and white interpretation of the Troubles and the Special Forces' involvement in the conflict.
To his credit, McCallion does direct some criticism against structural and operational faults of the U.K. involvement in N.Ireland - especially of the early years when the Special Forces weren't actively involved. But this doesn't really change the fact that "Undercover War" is essentially a bullet-pointed list of engagements from the U.K. Special Forces perspective. It is less interested in providing a history of the Troubles - or even the military engagements during them - and more interested in arguing for the legality of the Special Forces' actions during the conflict.
All the same, McCallion's writing is no-nonsense and crisp, and the book does provide a valuable perspective of the conflict. What really drags the rating down for me is the format. I've repeatedly mentioned the bullet point list structure of the book, and it is a drag. Yes, sure, it's a non-fiction book, but how enjoyable is it to read a 300+ page long list, really!?
Not particularly, say I.
That pretty much sums up "Undercover War," I think. This book is not, as the blurb says, an "account of the history of Britain's war against the IRA." More aptly, it is a book length argument for how generally fault-less and awesome the Special Forces operatives were in their actions. And it's all told as one long, detailed list of engagements involving U.K. Special Forces during "the Troubles" - the low-key sectarian civil war/anti-terrorist campaign in Northern Ireland between 1970 and 1998.
When I started reading, I didn't really know who the author was (and I was curious to see how that affected my reading of the book). However, it was almost immediately clear where the author's sympathies lie, and a quick search (after reading a good chunk of the book) confirmed that he was indeed himself a former Special Forces operative himself - I was even familiar with some of his other books. Now, I don't necessarily see the author's loyalties as a negative in and of itself, but it does explain his reasoning and approach. Namely that of rebuking efforts to "tarnish" the legal and noble actions and motivations of the Special Forces operatives during the Troubles.
I don't disagree with him in terms of the individuals' actions. As with all military action, military personnel generally aren't themselves held responsible for acts that would be illegal under civilian circumstances. It is, after all, the military's job to execute state sponsored violence. That is also exactly what the Special Forces did in Northern Ireland. Furthermore, I do think that it is important to address, as the author does, how it's kinda fucked up to go after individual soldiers for acts that were sanctioned in one way or the other.
However, I think McCallion kind of misses the real issue for me. Sure, we can argue that individual soldiers and actions were/are lawful under the circumstances (whether in N.Ireland, London, or Iraq), rightly so. For me that's not the real question, waging war is never clean and soldiers are literally paid to commit acts that would land them in prison or worse under any other circumstances. That doesn't make them villains. Nor does it make them heroes as the author implies.
No, the real issue in the case of the Troubles, Iraq, or any other war (whether that be on sovereign nations, wannabe break-out states, the war on drugs, or the war on terrorism) is, should "we" be there at all (with "we" being the state of the relevant state sanctioned intervention/action)? Is the war itself kosher? While the author himself does not allow for any other impression or interpretation, he completely disregards this question and unequivocally considers all enemy combatants as terrorists. Thus justifying treating them as such. Which is fair, it is his opinion - and one I'm largely in agreement with re: the (P)IRA - but I think he's doing the much more complicated situation a disservice in not acknowledging that his terrorists are someone else's freedom fighters. It is, when push comes to shove, definitely worth keeping in mind that the Irish Catholics were a "legally" oppressed minority.
And this, I think, is where the problem with the author's background comes in. He himself has said elsewhere that "[b]eing in a violent atmosphere like that becomes addictive," and that his enemies "were just the enemy that we were fighting and to be quite honest I enjoyed what I did." Moreover, he's said that killing the enemy, "it gave me a kick. For the soldier it's not the same as you murdering somebody. It's addictive." Not only do his own words kind of raise the question that maybe individual soldiers may be more responsible for their own action than he argues in the book, but it also illustrates how, naturally, the author simply cannot allow for anything other than his own black and white interpretation of the Troubles and the Special Forces' involvement in the conflict.
To his credit, McCallion does direct some criticism against structural and operational faults of the U.K. involvement in N.Ireland - especially of the early years when the Special Forces weren't actively involved. But this doesn't really change the fact that "Undercover War" is essentially a bullet-pointed list of engagements from the U.K. Special Forces perspective. It is less interested in providing a history of the Troubles - or even the military engagements during them - and more interested in arguing for the legality of the Special Forces' actions during the conflict.
All the same, McCallion's writing is no-nonsense and crisp, and the book does provide a valuable perspective of the conflict. What really drags the rating down for me is the format. I've repeatedly mentioned the bullet point list structure of the book, and it is a drag. Yes, sure, it's a non-fiction book, but how enjoyable is it to read a 300+ page long list, really!?
Not particularly, say I.
October 12, 2020
Excellent
Amazing read. Could not put it down. A truly awe inspiring account of the great work, risk and sacrifice of the security forces I evolved in the undercover war against terror before the war on terror. Humbling and proud to be British.
Amazing read. Could not put it down. A truly awe inspiring account of the great work, risk and sacrifice of the security forces I evolved in the undercover war against terror before the war on terror. Humbling and proud to be British.
March 26, 2021
Bought for an ex-Royal Marine during what I’d hoped would be a delightful browse in a bookshop but which actually turned in to a horrific event involving a child wittering in about being bored and me scanning the shelves, giving books a quick flick through before buying them and rushing to find a loo for said wittering child.
For me, the main problem with this book is that it’s essentially a list of events. That necessitated a certain level of existing knowledge of The Troubles so didn’t go in to the history of the inequitable voting system or civil rights movement that would have better helped set the scene ... until around 2 chapters from the end. I think what I wanted was context with the details of the SAS’ involvement overlaid on top of that. I don’t feel like I got that so I’m still in a position of understanding the start (thanks BBC iplayer documentary!) and the 80s/90s (thanks, life!) but not the middle bits.
That said, I think it presented a fairly balanced view of the British army’s behaviour and the various paramilitary organisations though at times the author made direct reference to himself which seemed odd when for the majority of the book he didn’t. I quite liked that comparisons were made with Daesh nowadays; it’s a very different threat and the moral dilemma / threshold was carefully laid out.
What was interesting was discussing the book with said ex-Royal Marine. Neither of us liked the book’s event, next event, next event style of writing. I was deeply miffed that the photos included were of covert operatives (maybe this was written for a niche audience?) rather than providing any context of the effect of The Troubles on the community to add flavour to the events listed.
The stand out moment for me was learning that Bernadette Devlin MP not only called the Home Secretary a liar but also slapped him across the face in the House of Commons. Maybe it was the mood I was in, or maybe it’s several years of the Hostile Environment but I can really feel that fury towards a Home Secretary.
But I struggled with this and skim read it. I’m sure I’ll find what I’m looking for on this topic.
For me, the main problem with this book is that it’s essentially a list of events. That necessitated a certain level of existing knowledge of The Troubles so didn’t go in to the history of the inequitable voting system or civil rights movement that would have better helped set the scene ... until around 2 chapters from the end. I think what I wanted was context with the details of the SAS’ involvement overlaid on top of that. I don’t feel like I got that so I’m still in a position of understanding the start (thanks BBC iplayer documentary!) and the 80s/90s (thanks, life!) but not the middle bits.
That said, I think it presented a fairly balanced view of the British army’s behaviour and the various paramilitary organisations though at times the author made direct reference to himself which seemed odd when for the majority of the book he didn’t. I quite liked that comparisons were made with Daesh nowadays; it’s a very different threat and the moral dilemma / threshold was carefully laid out.
What was interesting was discussing the book with said ex-Royal Marine. Neither of us liked the book’s event, next event, next event style of writing. I was deeply miffed that the photos included were of covert operatives (maybe this was written for a niche audience?) rather than providing any context of the effect of The Troubles on the community to add flavour to the events listed.
The stand out moment for me was learning that Bernadette Devlin MP not only called the Home Secretary a liar but also slapped him across the face in the House of Commons. Maybe it was the mood I was in, or maybe it’s several years of the Hostile Environment but I can really feel that fury towards a Home Secretary.
But I struggled with this and skim read it. I’m sure I’ll find what I’m looking for on this topic.
December 8, 2020
Possibly one of my all time favourite books - I am not a particular fan of SAS books but this was more of a holistic history of Northern Irelands 'troubles' and the actors involved in them. I now not only understand to a far greater degree, their genesis but the response of the UK government and the people of Northern Ireland but look at both very differently.
This book, despite the author's personal involvement, seems to be very unbiased and challenging of all sides. Incidentally, after discussing the book with my friend, an ex-para, I discovered he was actually in the unit joint unit whose activities are eloquently described in the book. Highly recommended!
This book, despite the author's personal involvement, seems to be very unbiased and challenging of all sides. Incidentally, after discussing the book with my friend, an ex-para, I discovered he was actually in the unit joint unit whose activities are eloquently described in the book. Highly recommended!
November 15, 2020
A nonfiction book which reads like a thriller, this will delight those looking for details on some of the technical aspects of the British Army's involvement in Ulster. This was my first foray into reading about the Troubles, so I admittedly have much more to learn, but my interest was certainly piqued by this book and I look forward to reading more about the subject. The author has a crisp writing style and a reasonable voice, though he of course comes from the British POV. Overall, a great read!
May 22, 2024
An in-depth book on the role of the intelligence units who operated in N.I.
As someone who has lived through the troubles and witnessed the horror,killings, and bombing that happened in this period or as we ( the general public) knew it as 'the troubles' this book gives a facanating insight of instances I remember clearly, the invaluable behind the scenes and unknown work of our security services. I salute you, the author, and moreover, the brave men on the frontline who helped to bring peace to Northern Ireland.
As someone who has lived through the troubles and witnessed the horror,killings, and bombing that happened in this period or as we ( the general public) knew it as 'the troubles' this book gives a facanating insight of instances I remember clearly, the invaluable behind the scenes and unknown work of our security services. I salute you, the author, and moreover, the brave men on the frontline who helped to bring peace to Northern Ireland.
June 22, 2022
It was surprising to read how open the British were about killing off suspected IRA targets on sight. Plenty of stories of the SAS identifying a suspect, yelling at them and then shooting them as soon as they turn to see who is calling to them. The IRA killing people for not being Catholic and Loyalist killing Catholics for being Catholic. Ireland was rough.
July 16, 2023
Very readable but very biased.
Interesting and very readable account of the incredible challenges for the security forces during 'the troubles'. However, the bias in justifying security forces actions when engaging terrorist (and they definitely are terrorist) is clear and difficult to overlook.
Interesting and very readable account of the incredible challenges for the security forces during 'the troubles'. However, the bias in justifying security forces actions when engaging terrorist (and they definitely are terrorist) is clear and difficult to overlook.
September 21, 2024
Incredibly biased book. Long list of how the SAS / British army influenced and exacerbated conflict during the troubles, followed by the author trying to justify their actions. Calling all deaths at the hands of the IRA as "murder" and conversely never once mentioning the word "murder" when the SAS / british army factions killed civillians.
July 21, 2025
The conflict in Northern Ireland was an ever-present part of my childhood. My father, a civilian, was bombed three times by the IRA. Posters of IRA and Baader Mienhoff terrorists were in the supermarkets.
This book gives an insight into the dirty war fought on both sides, from someone who was evidently a protagonist or close to being one.
This book gives an insight into the dirty war fought on both sides, from someone who was evidently a protagonist or close to being one.
December 28, 2020
Great read it goes someway into giving allowable information about 14 int and SAS involvement in Northern Ireland some of the things that happened and a lot that didn't happen but certain groups have lead us to believe did.
January 3, 2021
An excellent read. As a child of the seventies I grew up with th daily news reports of bombings
and shootings.This book gives background to a lot of the SAS and intelligence operations and made me want to learn more about the 'troubles' ,from both points of view.
and shootings.This book gives background to a lot of the SAS and intelligence operations and made me want to learn more about the 'troubles' ,from both points of view.
February 5, 2021
How the war wasn't lost
A very thorough interesting warts and all book,tells the failings of British policies and how those failings were overcome by the bravery of set and sad units
A very thorough interesting warts and all book,tells the failings of British policies and how those failings were overcome by the bravery of set and sad units
February 11, 2021
A very easy read where I managed to finish within a week. A brilliant book giving the reader an insight into what happened behind the scenes, the author certainly appears to try and stay neutral providing the facts and environment of each scenario. Definitely worth it
May 18, 2022
Very interesting to see an inside look into the UKSF during the Troubles. Most of what I know of those events comes from the Irish Nationalist side so it was very interesting to get a new perspective.
October 19, 2020
Undercover war great read
A really clear explanation of the troubles and the responses by both sides in the conflict. 👍 Well written book.
A really clear explanation of the troubles and the responses by both sides in the conflict. 👍 Well written book.
October 29, 2020
Brilliant book
I found it concise and enthralling..I didnt know what to expect when i purchased it? First audible book i have got too..excellent narration.
I found it concise and enthralling..I didnt know what to expect when i purchased it? First audible book i have got too..excellent narration.
November 24, 2020
Insight to NI intelligence.
A very honest appraisal of how intelligence was obtained and used in the troubles. A great read, I would recommend.
A very honest appraisal of how intelligence was obtained and used in the troubles. A great read, I would recommend.
January 4, 2021
Really insightful. Good use of personal experience interwoven with legal and media arguments. Fascinating.
February 13, 2021
Excellent
An excellent read. An honest, warts and all, recollection of how the Special Forces helped to make sure that PIRA were defeated.
An excellent read. An honest, warts and all, recollection of how the Special Forces helped to make sure that PIRA were defeated.
January 24, 2022
Difficult read and maybe a bit one sided but interesting none the less.
March 20, 2022
An account of Special Forces operations during the Troubles
Not a History about the politics of the conflict
Not a History about the politics of the conflict
May 10, 2022
Excellent book
Lived through the period (from afar).This was a fascinating incite into the “troubles”: A warts and all account and not a patriotic spin.
Feel educated having read t. Thank you
Lived through the period (from afar).This was a fascinating incite into the “troubles”: A warts and all account and not a patriotic spin.
Feel educated having read t. Thank you
September 28, 2022
A decent account of the killings and tactics from one side of the conflict. Some good historical information.is also provided in particular about the IRA and its offshoots.
February 2, 2022
Account of the battles of primarily the SAS against the IRA during the N.Ireland troubles. There’s too much “this happened and then this happened”, but when the author seeks to tell a longer story about key events it’s a much easier read.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews