Across an Angry Sea: The SAS in the Falklands War

by Cedric Delves

Early summer 1982, winter in the South Atlantic, and Argentina’s military junta invades the Falklands and South Georgia. Within days a Royal Navy Task Force is assembled and British forces dispatched.

This is the story of D Squadron, 22 SAS, commanded by Cedric Delves. The Squadron will be in at the start, at the repossession of South Georgia; and they will be there at the end, still going forward. Theirs will be the first Union Jack raised over Government House in Stanley, signifying the end of the war.

This is more than a tale of derring-do, although the events and their relentless tempo defy belief. Angry seas, inhospitable glaciers, hurricane force winds, an Argentine submarine, helicopter crashes, raids behind enemy lines –– all these and more are in the mix. 'Across an Angry Sea' is a chronicle of daring. The Squadron prevails, but the cost is high. They lose a third of their fighting strength.

This is a portrait of a tight knit SAS band of brothers at war. It doesn’t always go right. But the Squadron learns fast. They win through and at all times fight hard, with determination, skill and steadiness, never losing sight of their humanity.

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

Paperback

First published February 1, 2019

Reviews

[Barry Sierer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cedric Delves has written a fascinating and concise account of his time commanding D Squadron of the SAS during the Falklands conflict. Delves does not spend time on the history of the regiment or its famous selection process, but dives right into the Squadron’s deployment. By doing so the reader gets a picture of the command relationships that the Squadron commander must juggle as well as the distinct planning and limitations that the CO of a Special Forces unit might be loath to admit outside of his unit.

D Squadron was not the best suited squadron for immediate deployment to the South Atlantic (G squadron had more recent and relevant training), but Delves managed to get his unit deployed first through sheer cleverness.

D Squadron was the primary unit responsible for many of the SAS’s most notable successes, such as the raid on Pebble Island, and its failures, such as the debacle at Fortuna Glacier. Delves is upfront with his own command mistakes that sometimes caused additional and unneeded dangers to his men.

Delves himself inserted with his men on missions involving the entire Squadron but usually kept a distance from the fighting so he could maintain situational awareness. This may leave the reader disappointed at times that some of the accounts of the fighting are not as detailed as one might hope.

While the operations at Fortuna Glacier and Pebble Island have garnered the most attention, I believe the most interesting operations that Delves commanded were in the area of Mount Kent and Port Stanley during the final stages of the war.

Delve’s account is a humble and well written story of a unit that exercised a quiet glory in the recapture of Falkland Islands.

[Nick Metcalfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating tale, well told, of small teams at war, professional soldering and guts. Delves’ story begins on the outbreak of war and the swift move of ‘D’ Squadron to Ascension Island and then onto the ships of the task force ordered to retake South Georgia. The subsequent attempts to land, and then rescue, a troop on the Fortuna Glacier is recounted in harrowing detail—the uncommon bravery of the aircrew involved being emphasised and justifiably praised. The Pebble Island raid is, rightly, at the heart of the book and in two chapters Delves describes a remarkable special forces operation that achieved most of its aims against the odds; he notes that, ‘war would remain nine parts the management of cock-up.’ This success was followed by the tragic loss of a helicopter while cross-decking, which cost the Squadron, and Delves, dear. The final stages of the book deal with the Squadron’s role during the landings and later in securing Mount Kent overlooking Port Stanley.

The writing is gripping; at times erudite and clever, at other times appropriately simple and direct. Failures and success get equal exposure and Delves’ is as convincing and thought-provoking when dealing with the strategic issues as he is with the tactical detail. His wry humour is evident throughout. Refreshingly, there is nothing jingoistic or self-promoting and also absent are the snark and criticism of other organisations found in many special forces’ memoires. This candid and sincere memoir is highly recommended.

[Hermien · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but probably more for those interested in military strategy and procedures.

[Steve Birchmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this on audio a few weeks back. The author, Cedric Delves, commanded D Squadron SAS during the Falklands war and although the book is about the exploits of D Squadron, it does cover the activities of other services in the Falklands War and is very generous in that regard - particularly with the Navy. I had a couple of mates who were there, in the Falklands in the Navy, and although 'bomb alley' or being hit by an Exocet would have been quite an experience, they don't seem to have had the glamour of the ground forces But the way Cedric Delves writes about the Navy in the Falklands, they appeared to have been an awesome super professional machine. Heroic, and unflustered, the coolness under fire is not a myth from old WWII films. The helicopter pilots in particular come in for high praise.

Maybe I would go as far to say the book seems full of humility together with great respect for the bravery and professionalism of others. I admit to being a little surprised. I've only ever known one person who was in the SAS and he certainly never came across as arrogant or prideful in any way, but I suppose the way the media has portrayed the SAS over the years, in some part my hind-brain I half expect them (and I imagine I'm far from alone in this) to be some sort of ninja supermen. But as I recall somewhere in the book Cedric Delves writes that the SAS are just normal people who are excellent soldiers who are also exceptionally physically fit.

The audio seems a little perhaps stilted at first, and also perhaps because of the way it is written, I imagined Cedric Delves to be one of those upper middle class Englishmen of the decidedly deadly variety, rather like Edward Fox in The Day Of The Jackal. However, there are a couple of videos on Youtube with Cedric Devles speaking about D Squadron SAS in the Falklands and I was almost disappointed to hear his voice doesn't sound at all like Edward Fox - although it might have been my imagination, his voice still occurred to me as deadly!

One of the things that I thought was quite striking about the various raids and actions described in the book was how many things went horribly wrong. But I suppose that is the nature of the business. In a book I've recently finished by Ian Gardiner (who commanded X-Ray company, 45 Commando in the Falklands) entitled 'The Yompers' , Ian Gardiner writes: (page 43)

"It has been said that there are three, and only three, types of military operation: The Adjustable Military F*ck Up (AMFU); the Semi Adjustable Military F*ck Up (SAMFU); and the Complete Military F*ck Up (CMFU). This is rather cynical acknowledgement that nothing in war ever goes to plan, and there are so many unforseeables, so many uncontrollables, so many unknowns, that the only thing one can expect at every turn is the unexpected."

Cedric Delves doesn't stint on details about this, so much so, that I found the extent of the difficulties experienced a little surprising, special forces real life isn't like the Commando Comics of my childhood.

The raids themselves are everything the SAS is famous for. The raid on South Georgia was really quite something. Landing on a ice covered glacier by helicopter in zero-visibilty in a storm, then having to be airlifted off, with two helicopters loaded with troopers crashing into the mountain in high winds and a snow storm, and the daring rescue, is the sort of thing you'd see in a film, with part of you doubting this is the sort of thing that happens in real-life. The raid on pebble island with canoes - amazing stuff!

I'm not an SAS groupie, but I do kind of take their awesomeness for granted. Early last year there was a terrorist attack in Kenya, an SAS trooper happened to be in Kenya training local police and troops, he was nearby, got his weapons and kit out of the boot of his car, and stormed the hotel where the terrorists were. In a way, I almost took the whole bizarre incident as something you would expect to happen if an armed SAS trooper was in the area.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remarkable book where the perspective gained by the author's post-Falkland operational/strategic experience creates a succesful blend of 'I was there' action with the senior officerspracticed eye for conflict

[Mr Roy Davidson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yes, the SAS are heroes and their exploits on the Falklands operating behind enemy lines is legendary. But I found the book a little dull. The battles of Goose Green and Darwin barely got a mention even though one of the author's close friends was killed. Bluff Cove just a few lines despite it being one of the major tragedies of the war. The battles for the mountain tops again got little mention even thought this was where the few real fighting moments took place. South Georgia took up a quarter of the book and there wasn't even much of a battle. So interesting recollections from nearly 40 years ago, but I didn't really enjoy the book.

[Johnny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly lacking in bullshit or obvious military cliche. Matter-of-fact even if maybe self consciouly so. It's no masterpiece but a mistake-free solid real soldier's account of behind the line ops during the war. This is hidden history of a forgotten war that very much had high stakes. Lacking much personality of the troop or squadrons involved (being a Geordie doesnt count for "personality"). However the importance of the role of the SAS in their part of taking back South Georgia and the triumph of the destruction of enemy aircraft on Pebble Island on the Falklands is clear.

[Alan Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly honest tale

I really enjoyed this.
Having served under the author for a short period I could hear what I was reading, and the honesty came through so clearly.
So much could have gone wrong, but sometimes brave determined men make a thoroughly disproportionate impact.

[Kirsty Walkington · Rating 3 out of 5]

An as yet unseen perpective of strategy on the frontline of war. It was both a fascinating and extremely difficult read. Simply, I am no expert on the vocabulary of military bodies and therefore had to pause frequently to fully comprehend what I had read. It took a while due to this but it was still a very interesting read.

[Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great read. Not just interesting but well written. Written by the first SAS commander on the ground in the Falklands War it is not only the story of the Special Forces' participation but also puts their actions into the context of the greater effort. Recommended for the military reader focusing on mission command and expeditionary warfare over long distances.

[Dave Monds · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting account

An interesting read from the SF perspective of the Falklands campaign. While lacking in grit in places it gave good insight into the planning and considerations faced by a combat leader.

[Iain Bulpett · Rating 5 out of 5]

How D squadron SAS, found their way to war. Their trials & tribulations during 100 days of engagements. Never overstated, nor undervalued a statement of can do, loss & ' get on John' attitude. No romance of war here, just everyday facts and trust in others. Brilliant

[Matthew Okuhara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possibly the best military history book I have ever read. This book gives a realistic account of SG military operations; not supermen but capable men who are given specific tasks during times of conflict.

[Patrick Baty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably one of the best books that I've read about recent conflicts. Exceptionally well-written. Thoughtful, intelligent and humble - as one might expect from such an able man.

[Tim Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

The deep and sincere bond amongst these small bands of very professional, ruthless and compassionate soldiers is very touching. Also the complete lack of bullshit is downright inspiring.

[Graham Melloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Very good account of an SAS Sqn in the Falklands Conflict. Very interesting if you follow this conflict. Some great unbiased detail.

[Wilder · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read about conceiving, planning, and executing special operations.

[gareth bates · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read through very much an officer's eyes

Honest, almost overly so, account of the conflict.... fair one to share it.... Start to finish will raise an eyebrow or two

[Apjase Kanchha · Rating 4 out of 5]

very touchy and beautifully written.

[Kristian Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read by a compassionate and insightful leader of men. It must be very challenging to lead a squadron of SAS soldiers when they are taught to work train and think on their own initiative but the author is clearly humble about his own skills and leadership. Well written and a fascinating insight into the Falklands War from a SF perspective

[Matthew A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review here: https://smallwarsjournal.com/jrnl/art...

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting account of the human element of the SAS during the Falklands. Intriguing to find a book not just focusing on Goose Green.

[Allen Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives an interesting look into the SAS involvement during the Falklands War.

[Barry Irwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A first person account of the Role of D Squadron, 22SAS during the Falklands conflict.

[Nick Harriss · Rating 4 out of 5]

A highly informative book that gives a real feel to how the men on the ground thought at the time.

[Mariusz · Rating 5 out of 5]

My initial reaction to the book was one of eager anticipation, waiting for the action to begin. Much of the book’s early chapters are dedicated to descriptions of D Squadron, 22 SAS, searching for war but failing to find it—a theme that persists throughout the latter portion as well. Then came the realization: the book’s uniqueness lies in its commitment to presenting events as they were, rather than shaping them into the flash-bang spectacle typical of many special operations forces’ accounts. The moments of intense action are interspersed with long stretches of relative calm, reinforcing the authenticity of its portrayal.

Another distinct aspect of the book is the perspective of its author. Having not only commanded the SAS unit whose story is told, but later the entirety of 22 SAS, and eventually larger tactical formations within the British Army—rising to the rank of lieutenant general—he provides far greater context on the Falklands campaign than rank-and-file SAS operators would. The reasoning behind key tactical decisions, or the lack thereof (e.g., the absence of major offensive operations for nearly a month after the initial landings), is laid out in notable detail.

One aspect that particularly struck me was the extent to which the SAS was under-equipped when deploying to the Falklands. This concern had been touched upon in other SAS books covering operations such as Mirbat, the Iranian Embassy siege, and Bravo Two Zero. However, "Across an Angry Sea" presents it far more explicitly. With Antarctic winter approaching, launching operations in South Georgia and the Falklands using utility helicopters lacking low-visibility flight equipment, and assault boats whose outboard motors were notoriously unreliable, was a recipe for disaster—and disaster duly arrived. Unfortunately, this issue was merely a symptom of a broader decline, reflecting the UK's transition from imperial dominance and global reach to a more regional role. With better-equipped forces stationed in Germany to counter the Warsaw Pact, reclaiming the Falklands fell largely to light infantry and special forces. Facing a numerically superior enemy, with insufficient air-defence missiles and limited air cover from distant aircraft carriers—kept at bay due to the threat of Argentine submarines and aircraft—the ultimate deciding factor which won the war was the fighting spirit and rigorous training of British soldiers.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best sas book ive ever read

[Chris Wray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best military memoirs that I've read, and is written with clarity, sensitivity, modesty and good humour. Lt. General Delves commanded D-Squadron SAS in the Falklands and was involved in some of the most famous incidents in the war, including the landings on the Fortuna Glacier and the liberation of South Georgia, the Pebble Island Raid, and the action on and around Mount Kent and Port Stanley.

The Falklands campaign itself was largely unexpected when it erupted, and clashed with the NATO-aligned priorities of the British armed forces (keeping open the North Atlantic lines of communication and fighting alongside allies on the Central Front). As Delves succinctly puts it, "The coming campaign was going to put our defence assumptions under severe pressure: the Army optimised for continental, armoured warfare, the Navy for keeping the North Atlantic sea lanes open, the Air Force for operations from hardened, fixed bases, all of us in close proximity to the national supply lines. Instead, at every level, the three Services would be wrestling with the uncertainties attendant upon projecting force 8000 miles down the Atlantic, through a harsh southern winter, only to launch an attack from the sea upon an enemy on land in fully prepared positions. If all that were not challenging enough, there was also little or no retained institutional memory of major amphibious operations to draw upon either. Things once known had faded, been lost or neglected. But we all clung to one certainty: the need to demonstrate national resolve." Most of his writing is similarly crisp and clear, much like an O Group!

Delves also writes with deep humility and honesty throughout, such as this comment on the Pebble Island raid: "And so there it is, my part in the Pebble Island raid, a Special Forces operation regarded by many as a model of its type, a fine example of the precise, judicious, restrained use of force, faultless in planning, flawless in execution...For much, if not most, of my time on target I shelled my own troops...The raid confirmed for me that no operation would ever go as planned or intended. This had been my experience in Dhofar, Northern Ireland, South Georgia, and over the last hours. It seemed that war would remain nine parts the management of cock-up."

The book leads me to some more general reflections on the war in the Falklands. The thought that capital ships like HMS Coventry and HMS Sheffield were expendable, and that their loss in the escort role, while tragic, was a calculated and necessary prerequisite to victory, is a sobering one. In that respect, the naval war in the Falklands was similar to the Second World War, and is likely the last time that the Royal Navy will fight a war in this way. Any future Falklands-like scenario would probably involve much heavier use of drones and ship-launched ballistic missiles, the ultimate fulfilment of the Second World War mantra of 'steel not flesh.' Another reflection is the fact that the success in the Falklands led to a period of high confidence (albeit with reduced funding) in the British armed forces, which would only be dispelled with the recent withdrawal from Iraq and Afghanistan. That was in no small part due to the professionalism and performance of British Special Forces, and Delves' concise and lucid account of D-Squadron's war and his part in it is both enjoyable and memorable.

"In truth, an SAS soldier is like any other man, conforming to an imagined type: best at doing one thing at a time, forgetful of anniversaries, inclined to put off until tomorrow the DIY that should have been done the day before, attracted to gizmos and so on. The Falklands and previous regimental generations did it mostly on 'beer and fags'; a fair number didn't. We then came in all shapes and sizes. But then as now the most superficially obvious distinguishing feature between an SAS man and any other decent soldier would be his ability to carry a bergen of improbable weight over prodigious distances for protracted periods; that, and a natural capacity for operating in the jungle, or at least being able to cope in the jungle. There were one or two other things, but that was about it; the essential, underlying matter being one of mental toughness."

[Scott Andrews · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting account of events, but extremely lacking in description of action and other events of significance.