SAS Bravo Three Zero: The Gripping True Story

by Damien Lewis

'A must read. Honesty, integrity and real experience that puts you in the thick of the action.' Billy Billingham

There were three patrols that fateful January 1991 morning: Bravo One Zero, Bravo Two Zero and Bravo Three Zero. It was the opening hours of the Gulf War and the SAS were flown deep behind enemy lines to hunt down Saddam's Scud missiles, the use of which threatened a Third World War.

The men of Bravo One Zero stepped off the chopper, took one look at the flat desert devoid of any cover and decided no way were they deploying into all of that. But Andy NcNab's famed Bravo Two Zero patrol did deploy, with fatal results - all bar one being captured or killed.

And then there was Bravo Three Zero. These men were different. Thought differently. Acted differently. Treating as gospel the SAS's saying 'any fool can be uncomfortable', they deployed with vehicles, and while there was nowhere to hide they could make a dash for the border if desperate.

Even as warnings came in that McNab's patrol was on the run, Bravo Three Zero remained undetected - the furthest Coalition forces behind Iraqi lines. Slipping through enemy positions, a string of targets were taken out. But with the desert turning bitter and snow starting to fall, they were forced to fight a running battle against the elements as much as the enemy.

Though overshadowed by the fate of Bravo Two Zero, the achievements of this highly-decorated patrol are the stuff of elite forces legend. Now, for the first time, SAS veteran Des Powell reveals their story in gritty, blow-by-blow detail. Written with acclaimed military author Damien Lewis, this is a tale of edge-of-the seat daring deep inside enemy lands. Brutal, savage, unrelenting - prepare to be blown away, in a tale that proves utterly the SAS motto - who dares wins.

Genres: Nonfiction, Military Fiction, History, War, Military History, Historical

320 pages, Paperback

First published October 28, 2021

About the author

Not to be confused with the actor, Damian Lewis.

Damien Lewis became an author largely by accident, when a British publisher asked him if he'd be willing to turn a TV documentary he was working on into a book. That film was shot in the Sudan war zone, and told the story of how Arab tribes seized black African slaves in horrific slave raids. Lewis had been to the Sudan war zone dozens of times over the past decade, reporting on that conflict for the BBC, Channel 4 and US and European broadcasters.

His slavery documentary told the story of a young girl from the Nuba tribe, seized in a raid and sold into slavery in Khartoum, Sudan's capital city, and of her epic escape. The publisher asked Lewis if the Nuba girl would be willing to write her life story as a book, with his help as co-author. The book that they co-wrote was called 'Slave', and it was published to great acclaim, becoming a number one bestseller and being translated into some 30 lanc guages worldwide. It won several awards and has been made into a feature film.

Over the preceding fifteen years Lewis had reported from many war, conflict and disaster zones – including Sudan, Sierra Leone, Eritrea, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Iraq, Syria, Burma, Afghanistan and the Balkans (see Author's Gallery). He (and his film crew) traveled into such areas with aid workers, the British or allied military, UN forces or local military groups, or very much under their own steam. He reported on the horror and human impact of war, as well as the drama of conflict itself. Often, he worked alone. Often, he filmed his own material over extended periods of time living in the war or conflict zone.

During a decade spent reporting from around the world Lewis lived in deserts, rainforests, jungles and chaotic third world cities. In his work and travels he met and interviewed people smugglers, diamond miners, Catholic priests 'gone native', desert nomads, un-contacted tribes, aid workers, bush pilots, arms dealers, genocidal leaders, peacekeepers, game wardens, slum kids, world presidents, heroin traffickers, rebel warlords, child prostitutes, Islamist terrorists, Hindu holy men, mercenaries, bush doctors, soldiers, commanders and spies. He was injured, and was hospitalised with bizarre tropical diseases – including flesh-eating bacteria, worms that burrow through the skin and septicemia – but survived all that and continued to report.

It was only natural that having seen so much of global conflict he would be drawn to stories of war, terrorism, espionage and the often dark causes behind such conflicts when he started writing books. Having written a number of true stories, in 2006 he was chosen as one of the 'nation's 20 favourite authors' and wrote his first fiction, Desert Claw, for the British Government's Quick Read initiative. Desert Claw tells of a group of ex-Special Forces soldiers sent into Iraq to retrieve a looted Van Gogh painting, with a savage twist to the tale. That fiction was followed up by Cobra Gold, an equally compelling tale of global drama and intrigue and shadowy betrayal.

Damien Lewis's work, books and films have won the Index on Censorship (UK), CECRA (Spain), Project Censored (US), Commonwealth Relations (UK), Discovery-NHK BANFF (Canada), Rory Peck (UK), BBC One World (UK), BBC-WWF Wildscreen (UK), International Peace Prize (US), Elle Magazine Grande Prix (US), Victor Gollanz (Germany), and BBC One World (UK) Awards. He is a Fellow of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

Reviews

[Daniel Watts · Rating 2 out of 5]

I want to preface this short review by saying that my rating does not reflect my appreciation of the heroism displayed by the people in this book.

A decent book about an interesting subject. I enjoyed the conversational tone of the book. I liked that the grittiness and raw details of the encounter were not censored, and the nod to the other patrols.
At times, it felt lacking in action. To counteract this, the author chose to recount stories of previous encounters, close-shaves and adventures, which, while interesting and worthwhile, did feel shoehorned into the book in some instances. The word 'superlative' was overused; after being introduced for the first time halfway through the book, it was then used often enough to become jarring.

[Andy Wormald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not my ordinary type of read, however, I feel as though my reading experiences have been enriched for having read.

It is difficult to put down in words my thoughts on reading this. It is more than a story of courage or bravery in the face of adversity. It is though a compelling read and a reminder of the sacrifices made by others

Sitting reading this in the comfort of your home, thanks to the writing which is so descriptive and brings things vividly to life on the page, you do get the slightest smidge of what it takes to be in the SAS, and the kind of person you have to be, one can only guess at the physical and mental stresses that must be undertaken and marvel those who serve

This is the untold story of the bravo teams in the first Gulf War and in particular Bravo Three Zero written with first hand knowledge of the events leading up to the operation and during.

Don’t under estimate what was endured, unfortunately for some the biggest sacrifice of all. Reading through the book you have to be amazed and in awe that Des Powell is actually around to tell his story

To some degree you get the feeling that the mission was rushed and somewhat ill prepared with a lack of vital equipment. You do though get a real sense of teamwork, camaraderie and team bonding all knowing what they expect of each other, how important it must have been to keep up morale, some of the decisions made you feel must have been anguished over, even though some of these seem simple, lives are dependant on them

This is not a book of self congratulatory glory written for the sake of it. It is an account of one one the pivotal moments in world history. Des Powell is clearly an extraordinary man as are those who he served with, he comes across in the book as a person of honour and integrity,

In part the book is autobiographical of Des Powells life it gives a sense of his upbringing and utter determination to succeed, where most would fail

This is a story that needed to told, a story that deserves to be read, a story that needs to be read, a story which makes you stop, think and remember

I would hope that we may be able to read more about the exploits of Des Powell, to be able to spend some time in this mans company would be some experience

The book is written with feeling and through the darkest of times there are moments of humour and real human emotion

I am so pleased to have the opportunity to read this and to reflect

Cannot recommend this book enough, you need to read it for yourself

[Mark Colley · Rating 2 out of 5]

mediocre

Bravo three Zero and Damien Lewis, made me want to buy this straight away, but reading it, It doesn’t come across as a Damien Lewis book, He has let his credentials and reputation down. I think Des Powell who repeatedly tells the reader that he is a mouthy northerner and a hard northerner and a no nonsense northerner and is from Sheffield wrote the book and it comes across as very amateurish and in inspiring. If you are looking for an interesting SAS book, stick to “Soldier I”

[N B · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing book. The first book in years the just absolutely captured me. I read this book in 2 days.
It's funny - but still leaves you with a lot of valuable take aways. Life lessons.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not often I read anything biographical, or, at least, not often that I review what I have read. It's not as easy as talking about fiction - about the rhythm of the story, the pacing, the way in which you like or don't like the all action hero or the evil, and the often exaggerated enemy. This is real life. Someone's story where there is no right or wrong - just fact. In the case of SAS: Bravo Three Zero that story belongs to Des Powell, and his fellow soldiers from the SAS who formed one of the earliest Patrols to enter Iraq at the start of the Gulf war. Now people are probably far more aware of one of their fellow patrols, Bravo Two Zero, their story having been immortalised in the media and in print already, but the story of Bravo Three Zero is every bit as fascinating, and illuminating, and from the very start of this book I found myself drawn in and focused on every single page.

Told in first person in an almost conversational style, it was so easy to fall into step alongside Des Powell and his regiment as he navigates his way through that fateful, and almost fatal, mission into Iraq to hunt down the locations of Saddam Hussain's scud missiles. As a unit who almost didn't get deployed to Iraq, originally due to remain in the UK on counter terrorism duties, we join the Powell and his fellow soldiers as they learn of their impending deployment, as they engage on pre-mission training, much condensed, and as they make those first moves behind enemy lines. Interspersed with this story are some of the key moments in Des Powell's career, from his initial attempt at selection for the SAS - which, aside from the intensive and gruelling exercises he needed to endure, ended in pretty grim fashion - through to some of the happier moments in his private life and the near miss moments in his career that make you wonder just how many cats he had to barter will to obtain some of their extra lives. It certainly seems as though he used a good number up without even making it into combat.

This is a very honest recounting of Bravo Three Zero's mission into Iraq, not holding back on the moments of conflict that occured between the team as the tension, and the intensity, of their situation saw tempers flare, even as body temps plummeted. But it also stands as testament to that band of brothers mentality that is shared by those in the armed forces. The camaraderie, the slagging' as they call it, and the naturally banter filled rivalry between the different sections of the Armed Forces. For what is abundantly clear from this first hand account is just what each of the people in Des Powell's patrol had to endure as a result of their mission.

We often hear on the news about the lack or resource, the poor quality of the equipment that troops are deployed with, and how it affects them and their morale. Here we get a ringside seat as the implications of poor intelligence, unsuitable equipment and unreliable communications links become abundantly clear. Compared to their American counterparts, the SAS, despite being one of the UK's elite units, seemed like they were being sent to a gunfight with a taser. A short range, low voltage one at that. And the result is quite shocking. The risk to life is greater that it needed to be and what comes to pass is almost inevitable really. Faced with an unexpected terrain, freak weather conditions and useless vehicles (although ones that would prove to be live saving in spite of initial misgivings) this is a troop, a team of men, who gave their all and just got on with the job at hand. In spite of all of the trials they faced, the far-too-near death experiences, the determination and focus of this group of men is really inspiring.

As second in command of the patrol, Des Powell is well placed to share this story, and he really brings all of the individuals, their traits and quirks, but most importantly their singular intent to complete their mission, to life. The more I learned of their fate, of what they endured in those seemingly short, although to them infinitesimally long, days in Iraq, the more wide eyed I felt I became. There was a point near the end, when I felt almost gobsmacked and yet, to a degree unsurprised, by a certain revelation that is made, almost casually, about the failed comms links. It beggars belief that if might occur, and yet it somehow also doesn't.

The book is subtitled 'The SAS Patrol that got away - The Explosive True Story'. And it truly is a remarkable story, one that extends and has meaning far beyond that particular theatre of war. This is a totally honest, sometimes harsh, but definitely inspiring tale of a unit who made a significant impact upon the course of the Gulf War. Paying tribute to their fallen colleagues, and showing the honesty and integrity of the men who fought for each other, and for the sake of so many others, if you are in any way interested in military history, or just want to read about a group of determined, honour driven men who put duty before all else, I'd definitely recommend this book.

[Alan Bardos · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Bravo Two Zero’s patrol during the First Gulf War is the stuff of legend, not surprisingly it is less well documented that there were two other ‘Bravo’ patrols. Bravo One aborted due to conditions on the ground and Bravo Three is the subject of this book.
          There are obvious comparisons between ‘SAS Bravo Three Zero’ and Andy McNab’s ‘Bravo Two Zero’. They are both firsthand accounts of an SAS patrol sent behind Iraqi lines, something the authors do not shy away from, referencing Andy McNab‘s patrol throughout.
          However they are very different stories, Bravo Two Zero focuses on the patrol’s fight for survival after being compromised. Bravo Three Zero focuses on their patrol’s battle to complete their mission.
          The key difference between Bravo Three Zero and the other two patrols was their decision to take vehicles, which weren’t fit for purpose, but ‘better than nothing’.
          Special forces had not originally been intended to play a large part in the Gulf War, but following an escalation in the conflict were rushed to the Middle East. They were therefore badly equipped and prepared, Des Powell was even in the middle of buying a house when he was deployed.
          However the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Saddam Hussain had begun to launch Scud missiles at Israel, trying to draw the Arab Alliance against him into switching sides and provoke World War III.
          The Scuds attacks had to be stopped, but they were highly mobile and were often disguised. This made them almost impossible to track from the air. The Bravo patrols were deployed to find the launch sites and radio in air strikes.
          Speed was of the essence and the patrol had to improvise with poor equipment and beg, borrow and steal basic supplies. The most concerning aspect of this was the poor intelligence. The patrol was told to expect mild weather, ‘England in the spring’ and were unprepared for the ‘worst winter in living memory’. The weather became their main enemy, with snow drifts  in the desert to combat. The book chronicles the patrol’s tenacity and initiative to survive, even resorting to wearing their rubber NBC suits. Des Powell gives a harrowing account of the constant cold, with little protection from the elements and having no way to get warm.
          Despite suffering from the effects of hypothermia, Bravo Three Zero we’re able to avoid capture and death to call in airstrikes that inflicted significant casualties on the enemy.
          The narrative is interspersed with Des Powell’s life story, portraying a very human side to a seemingly ordinary man, who gets injured, makes mistakes, wonders how many times he can cheat death and worries about his wife at home. Yet is capable of extraordinary acts on a day to day basis.
          This is a well rounded and no holds barred account of men on the brink, successfully pulling off what was to all intents and purposes a suicide mission; combining the testimony of someone who was there, with the skill of a gifted historian.

[Zoomjenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t a greatest-hits remix of Bravo Two Zero. Powell offers perspective, context, and the uncomfortable truth that real operations are messy, human, and rarely align with the tidy narratives people prefer after the fact.

What makes this book matter is its restraint. Powell doesn’t shout. He doesn’t posture. He simply lays out events as he experienced them, with clarity and quiet authority. That tone carries more weight than any chest-thumping ever could.

If you’ve never served, never operated, never frozen in a desert wondering whether your next decision would get someone killed, then read this book. Learn from it. More than a couple of WTF moments.

Powell doesn’t ask for sympathy. He doesn’t demand agreement. He offers honesty. That alone puts Bravo Three Zero in rare company.

This is a valuable, grounded contribution to the Bravo story, one that reminds us that history is not a single voice shouting the loudest. Sometimes it’s a steady one, finally being heard.

[Jeremy Rea · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have read Andy McNabb and Chris Ryan’s books on the Bravo Two Zero patrol then this is a passable read for some extra info on one of the other patrols. If you haven't read the two min Bravo Two Zero books, go read them.

This book is perfectly fine but it has two main flaws. Firstly, not much really happened. Especially compared the more famous patrol. That’s not to say the book isn’t interesting, but it does lack the action of the other two. Secondly, the author does have a habit of shoehorning in stories about his time in the SAS. Often they aren’t particularly notable stories, just an anecdote that loosely relates to what he was doing at the time. Once you cotton on to it, after a few chapters in my case, it gets a bit monotonous as yet another meandering anecdote takes up a few pages.

The book is perfectly readable and quite interesting, but if you have read the original two Bravo Two Zero books this won’t tell you much you didn’t already know.

[M Hewitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Difficult.

Difficult to read from a purely subjective standpoint. Seems all over the place at times and is quite a difficult read. Of course to say that could be misconstrued as attempting to try and downplay the importance and the achievements of what took place. Not so. It is just that it could have been such a much better story to the reader if it had been written in a way similar to McNab or Ryan’s versions. It was written clearly to avoid a repeat of those books I think. Unfortunately due to this, it falls short of being “gripping” to the reader. I found myself skipping out huge sections and trying to get back on track to the main story. It suffers from a tendency to keep on backtracking to earlier memories. One minute we’re in the middle of Iraq in 1990 and the next back in the 80’s in Hong Kong. It was difficult to keep track of the story.

[John Avery · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as advertised.
This isn’t a story about Bravo Three Zero, it is the autobiography of someone who was part of that patrol. We had to wait to chapter 8 for it to get to the point.
Nothing wrong with the book but had it been offered as another biography of an SAS operative I would not have bothered. No disrespect but I have already listened to many and the difference between each isn’t that great.
Also, they decided to not use a professional actor to read it so it’s very plodding in delivery and the random mispronunciation is irritating. But it was a choice and good for him for taking the challenge.

[Matthew Gildea · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s surprising that I rated this book so highly, considering I agreed with some of the other reviews highlighting a lack of action. The book chronicles the fate of Bravo Three Zero, and as the book states, ‘the patrol that got away’. As such, there’s not too much of a shocking story to be revealed.

However, there’s neat writing and references to Des Powell’s career gives an enjoyable description of the man’s work, and kept me interested throughout. And the included photographs were a great insight into the elusive SAS forces.

If you’re interested in biographical military stories, this is well worth a read. If you’re looking for a thrilling war story, best stick to some fiction.

[Tim Prideaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting story, supplying lots of details I wasn't aware of.

I have been aware of the three Bravo patrols for I long time and I have read both Andy McNab and Chris Ryan's books.
I was aware that the other two patrols had discovered similar problems and that one patrol had got back onto the helicopter. However I had been under the impression that the third patrol had driven straight back to Saudi Arabia, in fact this patrol had deployed for many days and had managed to report several Scud launches. This book is well worth reading as it gives a clear report of what really took place. The story is well written and I would recommend it to others.

[Andy Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the accounts of Bravo Two Zero by Andy McNab and Chris Ryan some years ago so I was intrigued when I saw this book. It is quite an account of accomplishment, bravery, and sheer dogged determination in spite of everything that was thrown against them. It seems inconceivable that our soldiers could be sent on such a mission so poorly equipped on all counts and the fact that they succeeded in spite of it all is truly amazing. Great account and huge respect to all those engaged in this patrol.

[Simon Ackroyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating insight into the trials and tribulations of Bravo Three Zero during The Gulf War. It's not particularly well written, and some may complain there's little action when compared to the SAS squadrons of World War 2. I also wanted to know more about what happened to his comrades. However, the description of the punishing environment really hammers things home.

I was going to give this 3 stars, but the tale is important, and more people should know what these soldiers put themselves through.

[Devourthewords · Rating 4 out of 5]

Des Powell hooked up with a professional writer and the combination of true life with the skills of the writer have created the most compelling first person account of a special forces soldier in Iraq since Andy McNabb and Chris Ryan's books of their own exploits in the same conflict, and with a completely different, and previously totally unknown, episode in the first gulf war. Riveting for me, and read in almost one sitting.

[J Cracknell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read. Just not quite as good as some of Mr Lewis' other books. For me it jumped about a bit at critical moments and I believe it could have been a bit more chronological. That said a great story about brave men working in the shadows for the benefit of our nation. Men who generally stay below the radar and whose actions are rarely get to be acknowledged by the wider public. Thank you for your service and dedication to duty.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the best read, but a fascinating read and incredible story of the troubled but Bravo Three Zero patrol in the first Gulf War. As a Territorial infantryman in the 80s I’d thought it was the normal PBI which suffered with poor or non-existent kit but this book shows that even the SAS suffered and things were exacerbated by poor intelligence, logistics and comms failings which meant the success of the mission was down to the resilience and strength and capability of the troopers involved

[guerilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book and gives a gripping story. A little outdated for new SAS Ops, although I know this is history. Repeats itself a couple times on random dits such as the HALO accidents and mentioning in Kenya, then later “classified country”, so pretty contradictory. Most places and names are fiction or altered for obvious reasons.

Very much so enjoyed the book and enjoyed the history behind him rather than the op.

[KEITH BENSON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something that the British should be ever proud of

A book detailing the many difficulties our special forces face while protecting the British public. The organisation involved in planning such an exercise left a lot to be desired. Surely this level of management should come under closer scrutiny. My regards to those who made it. My deepest respect to the less fortunate.

[william dodds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read , great account.

Really easy read that filled in the blanks. Well paced and has enough detail without being just another commando comic.
Respect to these guys and all their collective and individual endeavours.

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an odd book, as it seems the author was just piggybacking on the fame achieved by Chris Ryan and Andy McNab, just 25 years too late. It was interesting and descriptive, but also poorly written and almost nothing happens throughout.

[K. Leach · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note to self: not a typical Damien Lewis book. Much of the book was very slow & draggy & filled with personal memories from Des Powell. I think this was more of his autobiography. I almost put it on my DNF shelf several times.

I’d suggest removing the word “explosive” from the title

[Ben Mapletoft · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay read, I think you’re always going to compare it to the one that got away and bravo two zero, definitely not as good as those. Also had one of the copies that is missing 8 pages randomly in the middle!

[Andy Eccles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fasinating read

A frank and believable story of how tough men can survive with humour and honesty. If you like reading about SF operations, this is for you.

[Andy Blanche · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ability of soldiers, especially those in special forces, to withstand adversity, bad weather, stress etc. never ceases to amaze me and this book tells the story well.

[Ian Taplin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brave men

A gripping tale of a few poorly equipped highly trainedBritish soldiers doing their utmost best to fulfill their mission. Total respect.

[Mr Robert Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting to read as everybody knows about bravo two zero

[Stephen Harrison]

Thoroughly enjoyable read, peppering humour throughout, with a great, engaging narrative. It was an earthy, courageous and exciting read, well worth the time spent.

[Jack Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book telling the story of an unknown patrol, was an easy read and des Powell’s personality really stood out, he was easy to relate too

[PAUL JOHNSON · Rating 5 out of 5]

CUT ABOVE.

Exceptionally well written account of what is required to be part of the elite in the services. Told with such honesty and clarity.
Bravo Zulu.