Joker: 20 Years Inside the SAS

by Pete Scholey

To survive more than 20 years of active service in the Special Air Service takes a particular kind of man. Pete Scholey, alias "The Joker," ex-Royal Artillery and Parachute Regiment, possessed the necessary mix of courage and coolness under extreme pressure. He joined the SAS in 1963 and hung up his boots 23 years later, during that time serving—often covertly—in many of the world’s trouble spots. He vividly describes life as a soldier at the sharp end, giving firsthand accounts of the many actions he was involved in—from jungle warfare in Borneo and desert fighting in Aden and Oman to his part in setting up the counter-terrorist team that was successfully used in the siege of the Iranian Embassy in 1980. He outlines the operational skills that took his teams deep into enemy territory without ever being captured, reveals how they achieved their objectives, and describes the humor that he managed to find in the most hair-raising moments. The Joker offers genuine insight into the toughness, professionalism, and camaraderie that has made the SAS the world’s premier fighting force.

Genres: Military Fiction, War

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 1999

Reviews

[Muhammad Syed · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be honest this reading was okay. The author has touched various accounts relating to his professional life but to my like very briefly. In particular the Iranian embassy siege. Would have loved to read more about it as it turned to be an historical event that shaped the anti terrorism counter operations in Britain.

A good read as stated earlier but still not that good. Would recommend it for passing the time.

[Nick Boldrini · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very readable account of a career in the army and mainly the SAS. But this isn't the SAS of the Emnassy siege or Bravo Two Zero, but of the 1960's and 1970's in Borneo, Malaya and Yemen, with the authors career ending after the Falklands war. As it spans a long time, it gives less detail about particular operations, but enough to give a flavour of the campaigns, and conditions. Less sensationalist or action packed than the cover on mine suggested, but informative and interesting nevertheless.

[Stephen Fleet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it.
More insight in to the growth and “Maturing” of said Regt.
Interesting to read his take about Borneo and Malaya, Aden and Dhofar.