SAS Brothers in Arms: The Mavericks Who Made the SAS: Blood-and-Guts Defiance at Britain's Darkest Hour

The book "SAS Rogue Heroes" by Damien Lewis is a compelling account of the band of mavericks and visionaries who made up the SAS during World War II. It is based on previously untold stories and new archival sources and follows the close-knit band of warriors from their foundation through to the Italian landings. The book chronicles the extraordinary part they played as the tide of the war truly turned in the Allies' favor, with wall-to-wall do-or-die action and daring. The depth of research is astounding, and the characters are well-developed and portrayed.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 08 June 2023
Publisher: Quercus Publishing

From the very first word, this captivating tale captures your attention and holds it tight. Alexis Conran, Times Radio, praised it for its "convincing insight into the terror and adrenaline rush of war." The Mail on Sunday described it as an "action-packed, riveting story" that follows the remarkable journey of a band of mavericks and visionaries who formed the SAS.

Historian Damien Lewis has delved into previously untold stories and uncovered new archival sources to bring this captivating narrative to life. He takes us on a journey from the SAS foundation to the Italian landings, chronicling the extraordinary role played by this close-knit band of warriors as the tide of the Second World War began to shift in favor of the Allies.

This is a story of unwavering determination and bravery, showcasing the exploits of some of the most highly decorated soldiers of the twentieth century. It is a narrative of wall-to-wall do-or-die action, filled with daring missions and heroic acts that will leave you breathless.

The depth of research in this book is astounding. Historian Damien Lewis has pored over letters, diaries, and reports kept by the Mayne family, as well as conducted extensive interviews with its surviving members over the past ten years. This meticulous approach has allowed him to paint a vivid and authentic portrait of the men who formed the SAS and the challenges they faced during their service.

One of the standout characters in this book is Paddy Mayne, a young soldier who joined the SAS at the age of 18. Lewis describes him as a "fearless warrior" with a "deep sense of loyalty" to his fellow soldiers. Mayne's bravery and determination were tested to the limit during his service, and he emerged as one of the most decorated members of the SAS.

But beyond his military achievements, Lewis also highlights the humanity of Mayne. He portrays him as a man with a strong moral compass, who was deeply committed to helping his fellow men and women in need. This portrayal adds a layer of depth and complexity to the character, making him more than just a hero on the battlefield.

Another remarkable aspect of this book is the way it captures the camaraderie and sense of brotherhood that existed within the SAS. The soldiers were a tight-knit group, who relied on each other for support and protection in the face of danger. They shared a common goal and a shared sense of purpose, which drove them to push themselves to their limits and achieve incredible feats of bravery.

The book also sheds light on the political and historical context in which the SAS operated. It explores the role of the SAS in the fight against fascism and the impact it had on the course of the Second World War. The soldiers were often deployed in covert operations, behind enemy lines, and their actions had a significant impact on the outcome of the war.

Overall, "SAS Rogue Heroes" is a must-read for anyone interested in military history, adventure, or the human spirit. Damien Lewis has masterfully crafted a narrative that is both thrilling and informative, and it will leave you inspired and in awe of the incredible bravery and resilience of the men who formed the SAS.

Weight: 316g
Dimension: 128 x 198 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529413779