Sky News Kay Burley
James O’Brien LBC radio interview
BOOK REVIEWS.
“I would strongly recommend this book by tom petch. Having been working on the early history of the Regiment for several years, I can honestly say that this book is the best there is on that subject.”
Mars & Minerva
“AWESOME. THE TRUE STORY OF THE MEN WHO INVENTED SPECIAL FORCES WARFARE IS EVEN MORE COMPELLING THAN THE MYTHOLOGY.”
Andy McNab
“We rightly value the SAS as a precious national jewel. However its is rarely seen in its full splendour, embedded in our national sceptre of strategic operations - in which the UK excels. To marvel at this phenomenon you must read this book. Well written, entertaining - with breathtaking depth of research telling a genuinely new story of an old tale.”
Colonel Tim Collins OBE
“A genuinely fresh and insightful account of the origins of the SAS. Combining extraordinary depth of research with an understanding born of first-hand experience, this is the page-turning and revelatory story of how a small group of men tried to change the way that war was fought and, in doing so, led to the formation of the world’s first special force.”
Sir Ranulph Fiennes
“The book is well written and highly recommended to readers who love military history in general, and specifically those who have a keen interest in special forces as well as clandestine and deception operations”
South African Journal of Military Studies
“Gripping and fascinating in equal measure... A highly readable, fast-paced and enjoyable account of the SAS, packed with unforgettable characters and thrilling adventures.”
Will Iredale, bestselling author of The Pathfinders
“I thought I knew this story. I didn’t. Tom Petch’s account of the creation of the Special Forces is more complex, more compelling and more inspiring than the versions we’ve previously heard. And the fate of the men who have been written out of history — until now — gives it a profoundly poignant conclusion.”
John Nicol, shot down in the Gulf War 1991, bestselling author; ‘Tornado Down’, ‘Spitfire’ and ‘Lancaster
“BOMBASTIC, ROLLICKING AND COMPULSIVELY PAGE-TURNING, PETCH'S GRIPPING ACCOUNT OF THE GENESIS OF THE SAS TELLS A LITTLE-KNOWN STORY OF MAVERICK FIGHTERS, EXOTIC LOCATIONS AND GRAND MILITARY STRATEGY IN PULSATING STYLE.”
Waterstones
FILM REVIEWS.
“Tom Petch makes a powerful impression with this tough, smart war movie on a shrewdly managed small scale .”
Peter Bradshaw, Guardian
“A former soldier's award-winning film about disillusioned troops in Afghanistan is impressive.”
Mark Kermode, Observer
“Finally a British answer to the Hurt Locker, refreshingly sober and politically engaged.”
Simon Kinnear, Total Film
“Petch conjures an eerie atmosphere of distance, not just from the invisible enemy but from the supposed allies.”
Peter Young, FT, critic’s choice