For years the British Special Air Service (SAS) was shrouded in mystery. Almost everyone had heard of them but opinions differed as to who they were and what their missions really were. Their most recently well publicized exploit was the storming of the Iranian Embassy in London in 1980 to free hostages taken by terrorists. However, their history goes all the way back to World War II and they have been continually in service since then although there were times in their early history when they were threatened with disbandment.

 Pete Scholey, a former SAS member, has written the story of this elite organization from an unusual viewpoint. He has taken the exploits of 20 members of the Regiment to illustrate as many aspects of what makes up an SAS trooper as possible. Mr. Scholey readily admits that he has not written a history of the SAS, but rather a fond look back at men who were his friends as well as a couple of the legendary founders of the group. His stories vary in tone and scope as well as locale. From the steaming jungles of Borneo to the aforementioned Iranian Embassy incident to the windswept islands of the Falklands in winter, the stories unfold mixing action with humor quite nicely.

 If you’re looking for the complete history of the Special Air Service, you will need to look elsewhere. If, however, you enjoy reading the exploits of true warriors, this book is for you. I was only disappointed that Mr. Scholey did not go into more detail about the rigorous Selection process a candidate has to go through to become a SAS trooper. Fewer than 10% of applicants make it through Selection. Having said that, I can unconditionally recommend this book to the dabbler as well as the enthusiast.

 Drew Nix

April 2008

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