Eye of the Storm: Twenty-five Years in Action with the SAS

by Peter Ratcliffe, Noel Botham

Peter Ratcliffe served in the SAS for 25 years. Blooded in Oman in the 1970s, he also saw action in Northern Ireland, in the Falklands War, and in the Gulf campaign. From his early days in the Paras to his time as Regimental Sergeant-Major in the Gulf, he has lived and fought by the motto, "Who Dares Wins." This is his insider's account of that exceptional career. Fastpaced, earthy, dramatic, funny, occasionally disturbing, it is laced with firsthand descriptions of ferocious and bloody fighting, sudden death, and incredible heroism, and peopled with a cast of extraordinary individuals. Beyond that, however, it corrects many of the distortions and exaggerations of other books, and explodes several long-standing myths about the Regiment. Here—at last—is the authentic voice of the SAS.

Genres: Military Fiction, Nonfiction, Biography, War, Autobiography, Military History, Audiobook

480 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Walter Stevens · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a disappointment. While Peter Ratcliffe must be a highly accomplished individual, his choice of what to include and what not to, was most frustrating! For example, he spent a great deal of time on some of the minutiae of his joining the Army, his progression through the Paras to the SAS, but doesn't really cover what for him were the events that shaped his opinions. He spouts the usual stuff about SAS being "the best SF unit in the world" but much of his operational reporting is of cowards, laggards ad/or incompetents! He mentions the SAS as being the best equipped unit in the world but admits that individual unit leaders can decide what equipment to use, regardless of their seniors' opinions. He talks a lot about getting things done, often disregarding SOPs or the rank structure, but he takes obvious delight in replacing an officer in leading a unit. He doesn't reflect on his rapid promotions, or discuss what must have been a significant change, moving from Warrant Officer to Commissioned Officer. The book also winds up in a hurry, mentioning his last couple of postings in a paragraph or two. Perhaps I'm too judgemental, but giving that PR was assisted by a professional writer, and the wealth of raw material available, this memoir had the potential to be a lot better than it was..

[Richard van Balen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Picked this up in the sale being curious about the content not realizing it was an auto biography. Personally I enjoy these kind of books, the writer seems straight forward and does a good job telling the story of his life. A good read for everyone interested in the business that make institutions like the SAS what they are. This makes the dragging story, especially near the end of the book, something that can be forgiven.

A massive let down, and something that can not be forgiven is that apparently these 'courageous men' turn into bitch slapping pubescent girls when they leave the army. "He said this...." "Then he lied about that...." These are sentences that form the central concept of this book. Combine this nagging with the arrogance fitting to a member of a royal family and you destroy your book in one easy swoop.

Sir you had an interesting book there but I am not interested in who has the largest genitals.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the SAS's Regimental Sergeant-Major, Peter Ratcliffe led the longest and most successful operation behind Iraqi lines during the Gulf War and served in the SAS for 25 years. This book is packed with the details of SAS selection and training, information on weapons and equipment and, where it is safe to give them, details of operations

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Good Read for interested in Military Literature

A good account of life in the regiment detailing in great detail the planning and execution of missions. The author is a born story-teller often elaborating or explaining reasons for decisions. As some others have said the author quite happily reveals the reality of war and how things don't often go to plan. Many authors in this arena would have you believe the SAS operates with a cinematic flare - but as is rightly pointed out this is not the case.

Whilst the truth is helpful in bringing the book down to earth it does sometimes skirt on professional rivalry with other members of the regiment and descends a little into a degree of bickering about the authors feelings towards other members in a unit.

Despite some of the negative tones the book is a good read and worth a look to those into military literature.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A "yawn" this was not, even though by the author's own admission, some of their forays became tedious and they were almost hankering for a fight, which was after all, what they were trained for. An informative read about the author's rise from naughty boyhood into the best of the best SAS soldiering in war torn countries from Middle East to Ireland, to Maggie's war in the Faulklands even a brief trip to Scotland and back to war in Saddam's Iraq. What an excruciating amount of training brings out of these men is the amazing resilience in the worst conditions one could endure. What I found irritating at times, was the constant reference to previous books written under pseudonyms by previous SAS soldiers, which had embellished or fibbed about the realities they had faced. Peter Ratcliffe was determined to set the record straight - including the faults and failures of certain individuals - by being absolutely honest and forthright in his explanations of what happened where and, more importantly, why.
I can't say I "enjoyed" the book, but for any historians or military minded people out there, it brings an amazing insight into what war was actually like for these brave and honourable men.

[A.R. Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful and honest

Having read multiple military history books, many about 22 SAS Regiment, I found this book by far the most insightful and honest portrayal of life in and around the SAS. One gets the feeling that author himself went to great lengths to put the reader on the ground in a neutral way in order for the reader to make their own minds, rather than other authors who’ve tried to force various courageous narratives upon the reader. Peter Ratcliffe treats his readers as grownups and doesn’t try to thrust the lowest common denominator of Cowboy and Indian style glory to embellish the edges, instead he trusts the reader to pick out the salient points for themselves, whilst guiding readers through his extremely interesting world. The best I’ve read to date, thoroughly enjoyable, thought-provoking, and also bringing out that element of military black humour which is such an important factor to bind a team.
Thoroughly recommended and Bravo Zulu to Peter.

[dr_set · Rating 3 out of 5]

What sets apart this book from many similar other written by both American and British special forces it's his modest tone that comes out as honest. Most similar accounts are filled with bravado and exaggerations of all kinds that make the books more interesting but far less credible.

One of the things that surprise me the most is the amount of times the soldiers get cold feet on both sides of the fence and refuse to fight at all, including professional elite soldiers.

There are several detailed account of the gear and tactics employed across the author's years of service in theaters as diverse as Oman, the Falklands and the Gulf war.

[Rod · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insight to those who protect us.

I found this book to be an insight to the high standards of the men in the SAS. A book that shows the work of this unit from the 1970s. I enjoyed the modest writing of the author and his knowledge of the actions the SAD were engaged in. Setting the facts of those years and correcting the information of other WAS author's was exceptional. I find the book to be gripping and one I know I will read again and again.

[MR PT Barber · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different perspective

Having read many encounters of the SAS, this one is excellent. Not much bravado, honest and appears to be much more truthful than a lot of others. A few opinions are shared with other authors of similar books which is why I believe it to be more truthful. There are several repeating phrases and patterns but for the most part a good and enjoyable read of a very experienced and honourable soldier.

[Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and well written book on the authors military career. Starting his SAS posting in Oman the story moves to involvement in the Falklands and Gulf War. I was a little disappointed that little to no detail was written on Northern Ireland operations.
The book feels like the most honest account of the SAS in the Gulf War and addresses 4 other book written and the inaccuracies they contain.
Definitely a worthwhile read for anyone interested in modern military

[Robert Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need more books from this Author

History,History,History......no ridiculous claims, no twisting facts just an Awsome read!! Covering many different conflicts around the world. Pure factual content of SAS history. Fiction Not Included, for anyone who enjoys military history or stories.

[john rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autobiography that rings true, this is a tough honest cookie who is not about to tell fairy tales, unlike too many of the other men of the regiment. Some fail but most do a splendid and sometimes very hard job. And half of what they have to do they do not get credit for.

[gary moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read

This is perhaps the best book I have ever read about 22 SAS. It’s a no nonsense and very truth filled account of events and is to be commended for that.
The writer has a very easy style which made it a pleasure to read and enjoy.
Thank you for your service.

[martin lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Loved it from start to finish.
Just read bravo 2 0 again and bravo 3 0 for the first time. All great books, and now I have all the answers I need about the sas in iraq. You get no bull from Peter Radcliffe.

[cliff a russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

AN EXCELLENT READ

Okay, there are books on Desert Storm written by ex SAS Troopers. Here is the RSM 's take on th war. It is well worth anyone's time to read it. You will not be disappointed. He was in the thick of it.

[Kristaps · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting overview of a special forces soldier's professional life over many years, including the n0-so-exciting bits.. which weirdly greatly contributes to the narrative. 5 stars well deserved, great storytelling!

[Tom Soyeur · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well written but...

[simon payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read, putting to bed many myths that have grown out of various books on the special forces. An incredible career, the truth is far better than fiction.

[Alistair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book

This is a really great book about events to do with the SAS. A great read up there with some about WW2.

[MATTHEW BROWN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good read!

This book shows a really good insight into the SAS . From a soldier and officers view in the regiment.

[Les Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gritty and thrilling

An honest watts and all book that keeps you reading late into the night. Couldn't put it down even when I knew I had to get my head down.

[Charles Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the better SAS books I have read and gives a more honest, truthful account of the wars I have witnessed. Thank you Peter Ratcliffe.

[M Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting

This book seems to have the most expansive and truthful version of events that took place during the Gulf War. Probably.

[Ardos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read and learn the true SAS warts and all.

Exceptional.
Every page keeps you glued.
The best book I have ever read about the SAS, it's honest and told by a genuine soldier.

[Don Deedigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

I enjoyed the honesty and frank writing,it makes a change to hear how things really were back then.
Great job

[martin scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honest to a fault, engaging account of life inside the worlds most elite military regiment.

[Colin Conway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best story written by an ex SAS soldier

[Hywel Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book without the usual BS

Well written and entertaining. A genuine story from someone who has been and without the gung-ho drama. Worth a read

[Peter Vogelsanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

A great book with a fascinating story, very well written and truly inspiring and very interesting and entertaining. Well done indeed

[Lynda Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit too in depth with the military stuff but still a good read.