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SAS Brothers in Arms
From a critically acclaimed and #1 internationally bestselling author, the most riveting WWII story of Churchill's legendary SAS, the special forces unit of the British Army, chronicling one close-knit band of warriors from the SAS foundation through to the Italian landings—which truly turned the tide of war.
In 1941, as World War Two raged, scores of men stepped forward to answer Winston Churchill’s call for volunteers for Special Service, a high-risk opportunity to undertake the most hazardous, top-secret duties of war. Comprised of some of the finest fighting units in the entire British Army, these warriors longed to leave behind their mind-numbing garrison duties for battle. They hungered to pit themselves against a seemingly omnipotent enemy and brave a bloody and bruising baptism by fire. A rightfully proud regiment with an unrivalled esprit de corps , they were disavowed as unruly by top brass, unyieldingly vaunted by Churchill, and courageously loyal to the clandestine “butcher and bolt” raids that made their sacrifices—and their triumphs—legendary. But even as the combat-worn ranks of the SAS risked all to deliver the first resounding defeats on Nazi Germany, there were well-founded fears that their fortunes would change.
In Brothers in Arms, Damien Lewis pays tribute to the mavericks and visionaries who founded elite-forces soldiering—the SAS. Exhaustively researched from an invaluable trove of never-before-seen documents, wartime letters, diaries, mission reports, rare photos, undeveloped film, plus interviews with WWII veterans and their surviving families, Damien follows one close-knit band of men from the founding of the SAS through to the Italian landings, which truly turned the tide of the war. It is a breathtaking narrative of do-or-die action and unbelievable daring chronicling the exploits of some of the most fearless, revered, and under-the-radar soldiers of the 20th century.
In 1941, as World War Two raged, scores of men stepped forward to answer Winston Churchill’s call for volunteers for Special Service, a high-risk opportunity to undertake the most hazardous, top-secret duties of war. Comprised of some of the finest fighting units in the entire British Army, these warriors longed to leave behind their mind-numbing garrison duties for battle. They hungered to pit themselves against a seemingly omnipotent enemy and brave a bloody and bruising baptism by fire. A rightfully proud regiment with an unrivalled esprit de corps , they were disavowed as unruly by top brass, unyieldingly vaunted by Churchill, and courageously loyal to the clandestine “butcher and bolt” raids that made their sacrifices—and their triumphs—legendary. But even as the combat-worn ranks of the SAS risked all to deliver the first resounding defeats on Nazi Germany, there were well-founded fears that their fortunes would change.
In Brothers in Arms, Damien Lewis pays tribute to the mavericks and visionaries who founded elite-forces soldiering—the SAS. Exhaustively researched from an invaluable trove of never-before-seen documents, wartime letters, diaries, mission reports, rare photos, undeveloped film, plus interviews with WWII veterans and their surviving families, Damien follows one close-knit band of men from the founding of the SAS through to the Italian landings, which truly turned the tide of the war. It is a breathtaking narrative of do-or-die action and unbelievable daring chronicling the exploits of some of the most fearless, revered, and under-the-radar soldiers of the 20th century.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published October 24, 2023
171 people are currently reading
526 people want to read
About the author
Damien Lewis
83 books450 followersDamien 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 18, 2024
A gripping and meticulously researched account of the brave men who formed the backbone of Britain's special forces during World War II. Lewis's writing style is both engaging and authoritative, taking readers on a thrilling journey through some of the most daring operations of the war. One of the book's greatest strengths is its focus on the human stories behind these elite soldiers. Lewis delves into the lives and personalities of these courageous individuals, painting a vivid picture of their motivations, fears, and the bonds they formed with one another. This approach not only adds depth to the narrative but also allows readers to develop a genuine connection with the characters. The author's attention to detail is commendable. Lewis has clearly conducted extensive research, drawing on a wealth of primary sources and interviews with surviving veterans. His descriptions of the missions, from the disastrous Dieppe Raid to the audacious commando raids on occupied Europe, are vivid and immersive, transporting readers to the heart of the action. Moreover, Lewis's ability to contextualize these operations within the broader strategic landscape of World War II is exceptional. He skillfully weaves together the political, military, and personal threads to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by the British special forces during this darkest hour. "Brothers in Arms" is an outstanding contribution to the literature on World War II. It is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of these unsung heroes and a gripping exploration of their crucial role in shaping the outcome of the war. Damien Lewis's meticulous research and compelling storytelling make this book a must-read for both history enthusiasts and those seeking tales of courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
January 24, 2023
What an expertly written book by an author who knows how to do research properly. What fellows he writes about. Stirling and Mayne, and the other ‘pilgrims’ who are the very best of us. The frankly astonishing raids that they entered into are brought tremendously to life and are described in such ways and in such detail that you feel you could be sitting in one of the jeeps in North Africa as they blazed up and down the dunes. What an outstanding book.
November 23, 2022
Following the BBC's recreation of the story and the characters involved in SAS ROGUE HEROES, the author now tells us what really happened.
In his free flowing way, Damien had me always wanting to squeeze in another chapter. The battle scenes are described brilliantly, and we get a far truer idea of what the men were actually like.
Another highly recommended read from the master of true storytelling.
In his free flowing way, Damien had me always wanting to squeeze in another chapter. The battle scenes are described brilliantly, and we get a far truer idea of what the men were actually like.
Another highly recommended read from the master of true storytelling.
November 3, 2024
Listened to the book on audible. Great book and always kept my interest. I do find it always a bit of an adjustment to go from a narrator in one book to a narrator for another. When the narrator is British than that is a good start. This one at first put me off with his dramatic tone and breaking up sentences with pauses where maybe there isn't a comma, but since almost all is dramatic than it fit and I got into it.
For anyone who saw the old TV series 'Rat Patrol', a lot is like that. Makes me want to go watch that series again.
I am so thankful for those who served.
For anyone who saw the old TV series 'Rat Patrol', a lot is like that. Makes me want to go watch that series again.
I am so thankful for those who served.
May 7, 2025
Having seen the BBC's SAS Rogue Heroes Series, I wanted to know more about Paddy Mayne. So I decided to read this book, which did not disappoint, and look forward to reading the other books within the series.
April 17, 2023
Insightful and a great page turner .Very well written
November 12, 2023
I owe my new found interest into WW2 to my mom, who grew up during the War in Germany, whose gone onto heaven, miss her stories and every WW2 book I read is a tribute to her.
While I do owe several of Damien Lewis WW2 books, 'Brothers In Arms', was my first read from the author, it won't be my last, really like his writing a lot and this one is one of my favorite reads of the 2023 books I've read.
With nonfiction as a reader, you have to like the subject you're reading, but it's even better when you're reading actual history about the SAS, then find the main characters that the author picks out to focus on and you like them. Major Robert Blair Mayne just reaches out of the pages, grabs your attention, he's a likable hero, then both Commander David Stirling, and Lt. Eion McGonigal are two other hero's I liked and just made the reading more riveting.
Brothers In Arms is so well researched, it's a mix first hand accounts, diaries masterfully mixed, descriptive details that's action packed, your in the Sahara desert with Paddy and Co., puts tears in your eyes, made me cry when I realized that Eion was killed verse a POW, due to several of the SAS soldiers escaping, kept waiting for him to reappear back at the desert base they use and can't wait for the sequel.
Definitely give the author Damien Lewis a try, he's WW2 historian writer, a great starting point to read about WW2, and be your new favorite author.
While I do owe several of Damien Lewis WW2 books, 'Brothers In Arms', was my first read from the author, it won't be my last, really like his writing a lot and this one is one of my favorite reads of the 2023 books I've read.
With nonfiction as a reader, you have to like the subject you're reading, but it's even better when you're reading actual history about the SAS, then find the main characters that the author picks out to focus on and you like them. Major Robert Blair Mayne just reaches out of the pages, grabs your attention, he's a likable hero, then both Commander David Stirling, and Lt. Eion McGonigal are two other hero's I liked and just made the reading more riveting.
Brothers In Arms is so well researched, it's a mix first hand accounts, diaries masterfully mixed, descriptive details that's action packed, your in the Sahara desert with Paddy and Co., puts tears in your eyes, made me cry when I realized that Eion was killed verse a POW, due to several of the SAS soldiers escaping, kept waiting for him to reappear back at the desert base they use and can't wait for the sequel.
Definitely give the author Damien Lewis a try, he's WW2 historian writer, a great starting point to read about WW2, and be your new favorite author.
October 11, 2023
4.5 Stars
A detailed and fascinating history of the men who helped establish and shape the SAS (especially "Paddy" Mayne), this work focuses on the early African deployments during WWII. It's well-researched and offers more in-depth descriptions than many books on the subject. There's to be a sequel which will describe the subsequent period, the European segment of the SAS during WWII. For military history fans.
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A detailed and fascinating history of the men who helped establish and shape the SAS (especially "Paddy" Mayne), this work focuses on the early African deployments during WWII. It's well-researched and offers more in-depth descriptions than many books on the subject. There's to be a sequel which will describe the subsequent period, the European segment of the SAS during WWII. For military history fans.
Net Galley Feedback
January 16, 2023
Excellent. Yet again Damien Lewis brings to life the hardships, dedication and bravery of men at the forefront of WWII. Highly recommended and for those that follow the history of this era, one that must be kept on the shelves for future generations to read.
July 9, 2024
My thanks go to NetGalley and Highbridge Audio for the review copy of Band of Brothers, the history of one unit of Churchill’s Special Forces during World War II. This book is for sale now.
I was initially attracted to this nonfiction work by Lewis’s reputation—a list of awards as long as your arm—and the fact that I knew nothing about the Special Forces. I enjoy military history and although I can’t learn about every aspect of the history of everything during my lifetime, I like to at least skim the surface of noteworthy people, organizations and events that affected contemporary history in some meaningful way. In short, I came to this book to shore up a gap in my education.
Had I been a bit more cautious, I would have noted the bit of the promotional blurb that says I will learn about “one close-knit band of warriors.” Sadly, I didn’t.
Worth noting, though, is that narrator Peter Noble does an outstanding job, providing an engaging performance without distracting us from the text.
Lewis is a solid researcher, and I don’t doubt that any fact within these pages will fail to pass the sniff test. He knows his stuff. I became impatient, however, because I genuinely didn’t—and don’t—care about the personal lives of the men that served in this unit; their families; their interests; nor their camaraderie with one another. Perhaps it is just as well, since there are too many people introduced up front for me to keep track of using an audiobook. However, I came to this story in search of hardcore military history, and so I found myself chafing every time the action paused to detail some personal tidbit about one of these men or another.
Ultimately, it comes down to the author’s purpose. I’ve had this happen before, where there’s so much personal information about a service member that I wonder whether the book was commissioned by a family member. I don’t think that’s the case here, but it’s a problem I have run across more than once, where I want more of a documentary vibe than what I have found. And of course, there may be many others out there that enjoy this book, including its format and extensive personal references. But I can only tell you what one reader has experienced, and that reader is me, and so as much as I respect the abilities of this author, I can’t recommend this book to those that love military history. If you choose to read it, I recommend getting it free or cheap. Don’t spend big bucks on this one.
I was initially attracted to this nonfiction work by Lewis’s reputation—a list of awards as long as your arm—and the fact that I knew nothing about the Special Forces. I enjoy military history and although I can’t learn about every aspect of the history of everything during my lifetime, I like to at least skim the surface of noteworthy people, organizations and events that affected contemporary history in some meaningful way. In short, I came to this book to shore up a gap in my education.
Had I been a bit more cautious, I would have noted the bit of the promotional blurb that says I will learn about “one close-knit band of warriors.” Sadly, I didn’t.
Worth noting, though, is that narrator Peter Noble does an outstanding job, providing an engaging performance without distracting us from the text.
Lewis is a solid researcher, and I don’t doubt that any fact within these pages will fail to pass the sniff test. He knows his stuff. I became impatient, however, because I genuinely didn’t—and don’t—care about the personal lives of the men that served in this unit; their families; their interests; nor their camaraderie with one another. Perhaps it is just as well, since there are too many people introduced up front for me to keep track of using an audiobook. However, I came to this story in search of hardcore military history, and so I found myself chafing every time the action paused to detail some personal tidbit about one of these men or another.
Ultimately, it comes down to the author’s purpose. I’ve had this happen before, where there’s so much personal information about a service member that I wonder whether the book was commissioned by a family member. I don’t think that’s the case here, but it’s a problem I have run across more than once, where I want more of a documentary vibe than what I have found. And of course, there may be many others out there that enjoy this book, including its format and extensive personal references. But I can only tell you what one reader has experienced, and that reader is me, and so as much as I respect the abilities of this author, I can’t recommend this book to those that love military history. If you choose to read it, I recommend getting it free or cheap. Don’t spend big bucks on this one.
January 31, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Damien Lewis for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Brothers in Arms coming out January 30, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
In 1941, as World War Two raged, scores of men stepped forward to answer Winston Churchill’s call for volunteers for Special Service, a high-risk opportunity to undertake the most hazardous, top-secret duties of war. Comprised of some of the finest fighting units in the entire British Army, these warriors longed to leave behind their mind-numbing garrison duties for battle. They hungered to pit themselves against a seemingly omnipotent enemy and brave a bloody and bruising baptism by fire. A rightfully proud regiment with an unrivalled esprit de corps, they were disavowed as unruly by top brass, unyieldingly vaunted by Churchill, and courageously loyal to the clandestine “butcher and bolt” raids that made their sacrifices—and their triumphs—legendary. But even as the combat-worn ranks of the SAS risked all to deliver the first resounding defeats on Nazi Germany, there were well-founded fears that their fortunes would change.
In Brothers in Arms, Damien Lewis pays tribute to the mavericks and visionaries who founded elite-forces soldiering—the SAS. Exhaustively researched from an invaluable trove of never-before-seen documents, wartime letters, diaries, mission reports, rare photos, undeveloped film, plus interviews with WWII veterans and their surviving families, Damien follows one close-knit band of men from the founding of the SAS through to the Italian landings, which truly turned the tide of the war. It is a breathtaking narrative of do-or-die action and unbelievable daring chronicling the exploits of some of the most fearless, revered, and under-the-radar soldiers of the 20th century.
I love historical nonfiction and books about WWII, so I was definitely excited to check out this book. I enjoyed the narrator. I thought the story flowed well, listening to it. I love listening to stories about what the soldiers went through and how they formed a band of brothers. I’ve studied a lot about WWII, but there was still new information to learn. I think the book was well-researched and informative. I loved it!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys WWII historical nonfiction!
In 1941, as World War Two raged, scores of men stepped forward to answer Winston Churchill’s call for volunteers for Special Service, a high-risk opportunity to undertake the most hazardous, top-secret duties of war. Comprised of some of the finest fighting units in the entire British Army, these warriors longed to leave behind their mind-numbing garrison duties for battle. They hungered to pit themselves against a seemingly omnipotent enemy and brave a bloody and bruising baptism by fire. A rightfully proud regiment with an unrivalled esprit de corps, they were disavowed as unruly by top brass, unyieldingly vaunted by Churchill, and courageously loyal to the clandestine “butcher and bolt” raids that made their sacrifices—and their triumphs—legendary. But even as the combat-worn ranks of the SAS risked all to deliver the first resounding defeats on Nazi Germany, there were well-founded fears that their fortunes would change.
In Brothers in Arms, Damien Lewis pays tribute to the mavericks and visionaries who founded elite-forces soldiering—the SAS. Exhaustively researched from an invaluable trove of never-before-seen documents, wartime letters, diaries, mission reports, rare photos, undeveloped film, plus interviews with WWII veterans and their surviving families, Damien follows one close-knit band of men from the founding of the SAS through to the Italian landings, which truly turned the tide of the war. It is a breathtaking narrative of do-or-die action and unbelievable daring chronicling the exploits of some of the most fearless, revered, and under-the-radar soldiers of the 20th century.
I love historical nonfiction and books about WWII, so I was definitely excited to check out this book. I enjoyed the narrator. I thought the story flowed well, listening to it. I love listening to stories about what the soldiers went through and how they formed a band of brothers. I’ve studied a lot about WWII, but there was still new information to learn. I think the book was well-researched and informative. I loved it!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys WWII historical nonfiction!
February 7, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC audiobook.
Brothers in Arms by Damien Lewis is a gripping and thrilling account of the origins and exploits of the legendary SAS, the special forces unit that changed the course of World War II. Based on new archival sources and firsthand testimonies, Lewis tells the story of the visionary leader David Stirling, the fierce warrior Blair 'Paddy' Mayne, and the band of mavericks and misfits who followed them into the most daring and dangerous missions behind enemy lines. From the deserts of North Africa to the mountains of Italy, the SAS fought with courage, skill, and audacity, striking fear into the hearts of the Axis forces and turning the tide of the war in the Allies' favor.
Lewis is a master storyteller who brings to life the personalities, the battles, and the heroism of the SAS with vivid detail and dramatic flair. He also explores the complex and controversial aspects of their unconventional warfare, such as the ruthless logic of killing enemy pilots, the use of stool pigeons and traitors, and the psychological toll of their actions. The audiobook is narrated by John Sackville, who delivers a captivating and compelling performance, capturing the accents, the emotions, and the intensity of the SAS saga. Brothers in Arms is a must-listen for anyone interested in military history, adventure, and the human spirit.
Brothers in Arms by Damien Lewis is a gripping and thrilling account of the origins and exploits of the legendary SAS, the special forces unit that changed the course of World War II. Based on new archival sources and firsthand testimonies, Lewis tells the story of the visionary leader David Stirling, the fierce warrior Blair 'Paddy' Mayne, and the band of mavericks and misfits who followed them into the most daring and dangerous missions behind enemy lines. From the deserts of North Africa to the mountains of Italy, the SAS fought with courage, skill, and audacity, striking fear into the hearts of the Axis forces and turning the tide of the war in the Allies' favor.
Lewis is a master storyteller who brings to life the personalities, the battles, and the heroism of the SAS with vivid detail and dramatic flair. He also explores the complex and controversial aspects of their unconventional warfare, such as the ruthless logic of killing enemy pilots, the use of stool pigeons and traitors, and the psychological toll of their actions. The audiobook is narrated by John Sackville, who delivers a captivating and compelling performance, capturing the accents, the emotions, and the intensity of the SAS saga. Brothers in Arms is a must-listen for anyone interested in military history, adventure, and the human spirit.
October 4, 2023
A superbly written account of the early days of the SAS during the North African desert campaign in WW2.
Many books have been written about the legendary SAS, but this rates as one of the best that I have read.
I especially liked the depiction of Paddy Mayne, one of the founders of the regiment. Some sources portray him to be a psychopathic thug. However, the author destroys this argument showing Mayne to be an erudite, self-effacing officer, who cared passionately about his men. That said, there were a few violent combat incidents where he possibly overstepped the acceptable rules of war!
The merging of the Long Range Desert Group (LDRG) and the SAS was inspirational and was proven to be extremely effective. Both sets of men worked spectacularly well together, forming bonds that could only be made in wartime. The soldiers all endured incredible hardships and suffered at times extreme violence.
Many books have been written about the legendary SAS, but this rates as one of the best that I have read.
I especially liked the depiction of Paddy Mayne, one of the founders of the regiment. Some sources portray him to be a psychopathic thug. However, the author destroys this argument showing Mayne to be an erudite, self-effacing officer, who cared passionately about his men. That said, there were a few violent combat incidents where he possibly overstepped the acceptable rules of war!
The merging of the Long Range Desert Group (LDRG) and the SAS was inspirational and was proven to be extremely effective. Both sets of men worked spectacularly well together, forming bonds that could only be made in wartime. The soldiers all endured incredible hardships and suffered at times extreme violence.
January 23, 2024
Book: Brothers in Arms
ARC: Pub date 1/30/24
Format: Audio
This nonfiction history book reads like a novel. History isn’t short of drama and exciting stories. History is short of good storytellers. This book shares the story of Churchill’s Special Services, commonly known as the SAS, in Italy and Africa. The SAS were a group of men who were close-knit and famous for what they could do. This was thanks to their leaders. Rommel was looking for these men…he hunted them down like on Safari. A few times, I expected to look up to find myself in a jeep speeding across the African desert, avoiding an attack from the Axis troops. I am so glad Damien Lewis shared their story with us.
Thank you, Net Galley and HighBridge Audio, for the advanced copy.
ARC: Pub date 1/30/24
Format: Audio
This nonfiction history book reads like a novel. History isn’t short of drama and exciting stories. History is short of good storytellers. This book shares the story of Churchill’s Special Services, commonly known as the SAS, in Italy and Africa. The SAS were a group of men who were close-knit and famous for what they could do. This was thanks to their leaders. Rommel was looking for these men…he hunted them down like on Safari. A few times, I expected to look up to find myself in a jeep speeding across the African desert, avoiding an attack from the Axis troops. I am so glad Damien Lewis shared their story with us.
Thank you, Net Galley and HighBridge Audio, for the advanced copy.
February 5, 2024
In the book Brothers In Arms, author Damien Lewis follows a group of men that started Churchill’s call for volunteer Special Service. The now legendary SAS. Going behind enemy lines to wreak havoc on the enemy, this small band of special forces type warriors overcame impossible conditions and insurmountable odds to accomplish their mission – to stop the Nazi’s. These men sacrificed their health and lives to defeat the evil Nazi empire. This was an incredible book with information and stories I had never heard of before. I would highly recommend this book! I received a copy of this audio-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2024
Covering the first couple of years of Sterling's SAS, the North African desert years. Rather than on Sterling, it centres on the original No. 2 member, R,B. Mayne.
This isn't a dry history. Lewis is clearly a fan of Mayne and the SAS. It is richly researched, with perhaps some injections of imagination when it comes to things like facial expressions in certain places.
It is a rewarding telling of a remarkable group of men fighting the desert as well as the Germans and Italians, achieving incredible results.
It is a cliff-hanger, with the SAS' European adventures to follow.
This isn't a dry history. Lewis is clearly a fan of Mayne and the SAS. It is richly researched, with perhaps some injections of imagination when it comes to things like facial expressions in certain places.
It is a rewarding telling of a remarkable group of men fighting the desert as well as the Germans and Italians, achieving incredible results.
It is a cliff-hanger, with the SAS' European adventures to follow.
September 15, 2025
Sadly I have returned this audiobook. This is the first in a series I would love to listen to, but as several readers have noted, the author who read this book was so flat and monotonous that it was unbearable. Apparently this was taken to heart and another person was used for books 2 and 3.
Mr Lewis is clear, audible but manages to be so flat that one of the greatest stories of action in WW2...well, you've got the picture. I rarely flat out reject a book because of the readers presentation.
Mr Lewis is clear, audible but manages to be so flat that one of the greatest stories of action in WW2...well, you've got the picture. I rarely flat out reject a book because of the readers presentation.
September 30, 2023
A truly gripping and interesting story regarding the formation and operation of the SAS. This is the first in a series and concentrated on the campaign in the desert. The book is full of action, firsthand accounts and makes for an enjoyable read. I cannot wait for the follow-on book! Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 2, 2024
An excellent book. Similar in coverage to Ben MacIntyre's equally excellent "Rogue Heroes", I would still recommend that anyone who is interested should also read this tome. It is somewhat more "gritty" in its coverage and also has a first-rate opening chapter on the campaign of Number 11 Commando in the levant, from whom many of the SAS originals were drawn.
October 7, 2023
Another great history of the SAS in the Second World War. Lewis does a great job detailing their exploits as the new unit glided through Hitlers’ Germany. Would recommend this for those interested in SOF history.
December 6, 2023
This is an excellent account of the fledgling days of the SAS. It's not exceptionally well written and doesn't always flow, but the raids these men pulled off were incredibly daring and bonkers. I've ordered more of Lewis' books, as I'm keen to learn more about Paddy Mayne and his companions.
May 26, 2024
This is a very interesting story and history lesson that kept me engaged the whole time. It was well written and well put together. Plenty of research and time went into this and it was greatly appreciated. I am excited to dive into other Damien Lewis books.
January 24, 2025
Interesting and inspiring how brave the soldiers were. Trying to decide how it measures up against the SAS Rogue Heroes book which I read a while back and feel similar with parts missing. But my memory may be wrong.
January 26, 2023
More detailed about the desert campaign Audio book put a few myths to rest, I reckon the Audio book flowed well.
Damien Lewis did well
Damien Lewis did well
February 11, 2023
Good book. Large amount of information written in an interesting and digestible way made for an enjoyable read.
March 31, 2023
Great read
July 26, 2023
Very easy to read and enjoyable but the boys own style was a little offputting
August 21, 2023
Well written account, looking forward to the sequel.
October 30, 2023
Fanatic book about amazing people and events
February 1, 2024
If you're a history buff, you will enjoy this account of how the British version of Special Forces began. It was an honest, brutal account of the sacrifices made to help stop the German Reich.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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