About the book
The Special Air Service (SAS) is the toughest regiment in the British Army and is fêted as the best Special Forces unit in the world. Members of the SAS live in a shadow world, unable to divulge their whereabouts or mission details, living a hard life of combat and secrets. This book brings to life the stories of 20 soldiers who were genuine heroes, although many were never recognised as such during their lives or even in death.
SAS Heroes contains former SAS soldier Pete Scholey's memories of some of those men. It is a book about soldiers who bravely fought for their country in extreme circumstances with no desire to be famous, fêted or rewarded. Each chapter tells us about the life and combat stories of the men who, although capable of superhuman effort, were very much human beings. Some of the stories of Pete's heroes have never been heard before and certainly none of these dramatic tales of combat and life in the regiment have been told in such a touching and compelling manner.
Contents
Acknowledgements
Foreword: By Frederick Forsyth
Introduction
The Heroes:
Chapter 1:
Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Blair 'Paddy' Mayne:
One of the founding fathers of the SAS and one of the most highly decorated soldiers of World War II
Chapter 2:
Sergeant Len Owens
Member of the Phantom Special Communications Unit in WWII
Chapter 3:
Major Michael 'Bronco' Lane
Renowned mountaineer and member of the SAS who scaled Everest in 1976
Chapter 4: (Read this chapter online)
WO2 'Squadroon' Sergeant-Major Don 'Lofty' Large
Korean War Veteran who spent two years as a prisoner of war. Against all the odds he mad an amazing recovery and went on to serve for more than 15 years in the SAS.
Chapter 5:
Sergeant Iain 'Jock' Thomson
Although horrifically wounded in the jungles of Borneo, he survived against all the odds and was back in action within 10 months.
Chapter 6:
WO2 Squadron Sergeant-Major Kevin Walsh
Completed five operation tours in the secret war with Oman
Chapter 7:
Sergeant Mick 'Ginge' Tyler
An ex-gunner commando who served in Borneo and Aden and became a top survival instructor.
Chapter 8:
Staff Sergeant John Partridge
Boy soldier in the Artillery who served with the SAS in 'Malaya', Aden and Borneo
Chapter 9:
WO2 Squadron Sergeant-Major Alfie Tasker
Was awarded the MBE for services to the SAS
Chapter 10:
WO1 Regimental Sergenat-Major Reg Tayler
Top SAS medical instructor
Chapter 11:
Staff Sergeant Bob Podesta
Spent 25 years in the SAS and was mentioned in dispatches
Chapter 12:
Sergeant Talaiasi Labalaba and Staff Sergeant Sekonaia Takavesi
Held off 250 shock troops during the battle of Mirbat in an amazingly courageous action. Labalaba was mentioned in dispatches and Takavesi was awarded the DCM
Chapter 13:
Staff Sergeant Peter Winner
Took part in the Iranian Embassy Siege, the battle of Mirbat and served in the Falklands
Chapter 14
Sergeant Tommy Palmer
Awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal for action in the Iranian Embassy Siege
Chapter 15
Trooper Tommy Tobin and Sergeant Pete Loveday
Shortest and longest serving members of the SAS detailed in this book. Tommy Tobin lost his life in a courageous effort to get medical aid to his comrades Labalaba and Takavesi in the battle of Mirbat
Chapter 16
WO2 Squadron Sergeant-Major Steve Callan
Worked in Ops Research
Chapter 17
Captain Gavin Hamilton
Awarded the Military Cross for bravery in the Falklands
Chapter 18
Sergeant Vince Phillips
Was part of the ill-fated Bravo Two Zero mission
Afterword
Appendices
Index
Book details
US Title: Who Dares Wins: Special Forces Heroes of the SAS (USA / Canada)
UK Title: SAS Heroes: Remarkable Soldiers, Extraordinary Men (UK / Rest of World)
Author: Pete Scholey
Price: £17.99 / US $24.95 / CAN $29.95
US Publication date: 18 March 2008 / UK Publication date: 10 March 2008
Format: 233 x 152mm, hardback
Number of pages: 304pp
ISBN: 978 1 84603 224 0 (UK and Rest of World)
ISBN: 978 1 84603 311 7 (USA and Canada)