Looking For Trouble: SAS To Gulf Command- The Autobiography

by Peter de la Billière

From his childhood, rebellion at school, the early death of his father and conflict with his step-father, on to his exploits in the army in Korea, Egypt, Malaya, Oman, Borneo, the Sudan, the Falklands, and the Gulf War, this book chronicles the SAS General's life.

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

480 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

General Sir Peter Edgar de la Cour de la Billière, KCB, KBE, DSO, MC & Bar is a former British soldier, who was Director of the United Kingdom Special Forces during the Iranian Embassy Siege and Commander-in-Chief of the British forces in the 1990 Gulf War.

Reviews

[John Winterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sir Peter’s swashbuckling memoirs are particularly worth reading for two slightly contradictory reasons.

First, he gives a fine overview of what the life and career of a successful Post-War army officer – albeit a far from typical one – actually involves.

Second, he shows how the Special Air Service is different. His service spanned a crucial period in the Regiment’s development from shortly after its reformation under ‘Mad Mike’ Calvert until the Iranian Embassy Siege made its reputation as the global standard-setter in ‘counter-revolutionary warfare.’

In that time he held active commands at every level from Troop officer to Director, fighting all over the world, and being decorated three times for gallantry in the field. During that period, the SAS evidently developed a lot from its improvisational roots, becoming far more professional, but its constant values, reiterated throughout the book, are initiative, delegation, and independent thought – combined with a definite ruthless streak. With due respect to Sir Peter, one cannot help feeling that, in a different time and place, he might have made a very successful buccaneer.

Although he can do little more than hint at some of the operations in Oman and Borneo – and the entrepreneurial activities of ‘former’ SAS men including the legendary founder David Stirling – with which he was involved, this is still a thrilling tale of adventure, combined with a very useful essay on practical leadership that is applicable well beyond the SAS.

[Geeze · Rating 3 out of 5]

Initially, I found it interesting and rather amusing but as it progressed I got the feeling that the author was somewhat pompous and arrogant, especially when he continually referred to the squadron and sabre members as "His" or "My" men - an inferred ownership.

It is a real pity that some of the lessons that he had learned in his earlier years with the Regiment (And which he vehemently espoused) were totally forgotten when it came to the Gulf war with the consequence that good men lost their lives for little or no gain.

For those of you who have read this book may I suggest that you also read Ghost Force (The secret history of the SAS) by Ken Connor (a 23 year SAS veteran). This is an excellent accompaniment to this book as it far better written, more detailed and also calls into question some of the recollections and decisions made by PDB in his book.

One further point is this; The deeper one gets into the book the more it's like a name dropping exercise and a Who's Who of people he can call his friends.

All in all though a fairly good read and although I have given it 3* it really only rates about 2.5*.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

In my opinion this man is a military genius...yet he is also an arrogant pompous arsehole....

Much the same has been said of Montgommery.... but de Billiere isn't in the same league.

the book is relatively boring and quite dry... yet the subject matter should have leant itself to a far better telling...

[Duane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good man. He had to stand up to Swartzkopf to get respect for his soldiers and his nation. He is a true patriot and a general who cares about his troops. If I was a soldier, I would follow this man anywhere.

[Dan Cohen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read. The author covers a lot of ground and gives a good sense of what the SAS was about.

[Govindraj Prabhu · Rating 5 out of 5]

General Anna Polis Royal beautifully explains his childhood as well as rising up early when with the Military, and more about Maintenance, and, a Gentleman by nature; more that of a Noble Man, highly competitive when it comes to rankings of his Command, his Nation, more bent on Safety and Saving Soldiers' Lives in the Battlefields and a believer in To Be, Not to Be, meant to be, and in reaching Home Safely. I would come with a Red Rose to meet up with him, again, any time. Amazing Personality. Further, I would like to see him more often rubbing shoulders with Prince Philip. General Da Le Billiere, you owe me a pack of Dunhill. I owe you a pint of dark beer from the tap....any where, any time and when you consider. Seven Seas, Seven Stars for the General*. Thank you. Govind

**He says in the autobiography that "a set of Human Eyes" can not be replaced by any equipment !.

Philosophically Jesus said "the Blind will See"....

[Caryatid · Rating 1 out of 5]

Half way through I gave up. Spoiled selfish troublemaker as a child and youth I couldn't stomach any more of his tales. Could he not have nursed his mother to coherence after she raised him with great forbearance of his destructive antics, he was the eldest, especially as his future wasn't yet mapped out for him. But no, off into the wild blue yonder and derring-do. ugh.

[Artie LeBlanc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and engaging biography by an officer whose unorthodox career path in the SAS and other non-mainstream positions paradoxically equipped him to be ideally suited to lead Britain's troops in the Gulf War.

Recommended.

[Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book of a strong military leader who leads by example.

[Paul Pryce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read in Madeira waiting for a plane. Good.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although written in a rather 'standard' style I found this book very thought provoking and easy to read quickly. His words on leadership are very worthwhile, the evolution from daring school boy to successful officer serves as an inspiration for anyone willing to commit to hard work, perpetration and a 'go get um' attitude. Heavily laced with SAS experiences and tours, this book is a good illustration of what makes that force so effective and how it has contributed to our security since it's creation.

Easily readable and defiantly worthwhile.