web hosting short URLs photo sharing

The SAS is one of the best known special forces organisations in the world. It is a small, elite section of the British Armed Forces. It is highly trained in "insertion behind enemy line" tactics, such as employed in the Falklands conflict and the Gulf war. As with other organisations (such as MI5) searching for new roles, it is also highly trained in counter terrorist situations. Most famously demonstrated to the world at Princes Gate, the Iranian Embassy seige. Their moto is "Who Dares Wins".
The secretative and mysterious way the organisation conducts itself seems only to highten the public's interest in it, as a string of books (and this web page) illustrate.

The Green Berets - US Army Special Forces (although SFOD-D Delta Force, was patterned after the SAS. Also SEAL Team 6, is more akin to the SAS in terms of duties)
Australian and New Zealand SAS
Germany's GSG 9
Canada's JTF

The SAS Headquarters are based in Hereford.
UPDATE: The SAS Headquarters are moving. The SAS have been hunting for a new home for some time, after the planned closure of Stirling Lines, the regiment's base for about 40 years. Recently it has been confirmed that the regiment will move to Credenhill, a disused RAF base a few miles away [from Hereford]. Reported in The Times 27/03/96.
The active regiment of the SAS is 22 SAS (21 and 23 being the TA regiments). It numbers about 550 men, who's average age is around 27. To be selected to join the SAS you must have completed three years in a regular unit.
22 SAS has four operational squadrons (A, B, D, G and R) comprising of four troops each (except R which is similar to the TA SAS, but all it members have had previous service in the British Armed Forces). Each troop should have 32 men organised into four 8 man patrols. However as the regiment is always undermanned this is not always the case.
Each troop has a speciality in terms of an "insertion skill". These are:
AIR: Parachuting
MOUNTAIN: Climbing and walking
MOBILITY: Vechicles and motorbikes
BOAT: Boats and canoes
The squadrons rotate every six months between three roles. These are:
SPECIAL PROJECTS: Anti-terrorism role
TEAM TASKS: Overseas training
SQUADRON TRAINING: Deployment and training
A previous commander of the SAS is General Sir Michael Rose, who has gone on since in his military career to command British forces in Bosnia, and is currently responsible for recruitment in Army (which has been suffering somewhat of a crisis lately). The Telegraph 09/02/96.

There are quite a few books out on the SAS, they are:

Stand By, Stand By	By Chris Ryan About an SAS Sgt. Geordie Sharp who was wounded during the Gulf War. Follows his activities after the war with the regiment, including covert operations in Northern Ireland, Bodyguard training and hostage rescue in Colombia. This book will probably be followed by sequels, given the way it ends...
Inside the SAS	Tony Geraghty, 1980, Ballantine books (ISBN 0-345-29749-0). A good book that covers the history of the SAS up to the raid on the Iranian Embassy.
Inside the SAS (again)	By Craig Philip and Alex Taylor. A very good overall book on the Regiment, covering all the major campaigns, selection, past Regiment 'warriors' (as it calls them), tactics and training, plus double page spreads of many weapons used by the Regiment. ISBN 1-85605-232-X
SAS: The Soldier's Story	By Jack Ramsay. This is the book accompanying the ITV series - a good book recounting the majors events in the Regiments history (Embassy seige, Borneo, the Gulf etc etc) plus some extra not in the series, all first hand account from ex-Regiment soldiers. ISBN 0-333-66102-8
The One That Got Away	By Chris Ryan (The book from which the TV film was made - see SAS speak publically in activities below) Chris Ryan was the only surviving member of Bravo-Two Zero who escaped capture - enduring a 120 km escape/evasion the book recounts _his_ story of the mission. Definitely worth reading. ISBN 0-1726-7616-3
The Quiet Soldier	By Adam Ballinger. This book describes taking Selection for 21 SAS (One of the TA SAS Regiments) - descrbing Selection from the point of view of a man with no military background. Definitely worth reading, especially if you fancy joining the SAS as a volunteer... ISBN 1-85979-158-2
SAS - The Worlds Best	An interesting anylisis of the SAS's activites throughout history, which are compared to similar operations conducted by other SF organisations, such as the USN SEALs, Green Berets, and Britain's own SBS.
A-Z of the SAS	An encyclopedia of the battles, the weapons, the training and the men. Includes a useful summary of the Regiments activites in all acknowledged theatres, such as Northern Ireland (details on Loughall and Gibralter) and the Gulf. A useful reference.
Weapons and Equipment of the SAS	Examines all the weapons which are used and have been used by the SAS. Details how they have performed, and what qualities make them suitable for use. Includes information on Eastern Bloc weapons as SAS men may have to use any weapons they can they their hands on.
The making of the SAS and the world's elite forces	Dr. Terry White, 1994, Greenhill Books (ISBN 1-85367-184-3). This one also covers the SAS, Royal Marine Commandos (not much on the SBS), Australian SAS, U.S. Army Special Forces and others.
Bravo Two-Zero	By Andy McNab, 1993. Recount of B Squabron Roadwatch North Patrol - better know as Bravo Two Zero, during the 1991 Gulf War. Inserted 180km behind Iraqui lines on Jan 22 1991, they were comprimised two days later and made a run for the Syrian border. Three members died, while four others (including McNab) were captured. Only one (Corporal Chris Ryan) managed to escape.
Who Dares Wins	The true story of an SAS recce team that was compromised and scarfed up by the Iraqis within sight of the Syrian border. See Bravo Two-Zero...
The SAS Survival Handbook	John Wiseman, an imprint of Harper Collins publishers,1986, Harvill.
SAS: Great Britain's Elite Special Air Service	By Leroy Thompson. (ISBN 0-87938-940-0).
Immediate Action	By Andy McNab, 1995. McNab's story as a member of the Royal Green Jackets and (later) 7 Air Troop, B Squadron, 22 SAS. It has loads of information on the SAS - especially their selection and continuation processes and is probably the most detailed in this regard.
Looking for Trouble	Gen Peter de la Billiere, 1994. Autobiography of the Gulf War general who was also a former CO of 22 SAS and later the SAS Group (as a Brigadier). Lots of infomation on earlier SAS operations in the 50's and 60's as well as the Iranian Embassy siege and the Falklands.
Killing Zone	Harry McAllion, 1995. Autobiography of ex Para and ex SA Defence Force Reconaisance Commando force member who served, from 1980 to 1985, with 22 SAS. Lots of info on N. Ireland operations and (for the first time) SAS operations on mainland Argentina during the Falklands.
Shoot to Kill	Michael Asher. Autobiography of ex Para who after leaving the British Army was a member of 23(V) SAS. Brief section on 23 SAS.
Soldier 'I' SAS	Michael Paul Kennedy, 1990. Biography written in conjunction with Pete W [Wignall], a former B Squandron 22 SAS member. Wignall was among others a member of the 10-man SAS BATT team - that repulsed a 250 strong rebel force at the Battle of Mirbat in the Oman on July 1972. The officer in charge (Capt Mike Kealy) was awarded the DSO - usually reserved for those above the rank of Major.
David Stirling	Alan Hoe, 1993. Biography of Col David Stirling, founder of the wartime SAS by Alan Hoe (a former SAS amjor who served with 22 SAS from 1960 - 1980). Goood for info on the founding of the SAS and its commanders up to Stirling's capture in 1943.
SAS: The Jungle Frontier	Peter Dickens, 1983. Run down of SAS operations in Borneo during the 'Confrontation' of the early 60's
SAS: Operation Oman	Tomy Jeapes, 1983. Recount of the SAS operations in Oman in 1976 by a former 22 SAS Squadron commander, Tony Jeapes (who later rose to the rank of Major-General
The Special Air Service	Phillip Warner, 1971. Further history of the SAS - emphasis on WW2
The History of the SAS Regiment	Major-General John A Strawson, 1984. Further history of the SAS - emphasis on WW2
Winged Dagger	Roy Farran, 1948. Autobiography of a WW2 SAS officer
See you in November	Peter Stiff, 1985. Biography of 'Taffy', a former 22 SAS member who served with the SAS A Squadron (3 Troop) from 1964-1969; he was also involved in the 1970 plot to kill Libyan leader Gaddaffi and (later still) worked for the Rhodesian CIO against the black nationalist forces of Robert Mugabe and Joshua Nkomo; Among his more spectacular operations was leading in the Rhodesian SAS into, Lusaka on their (failed) April 1979 attempt to assisinate Joshua Nkomo, and the (aborted) operation to kill Mugabe at the 1979 Lancaster House talks.
The Elite: The story of the Rhodesian SAS	Barbara Cole, 1984. History of the Rhodesion SAS from the 1950's to December 1980 when it was disbanded. Highly detialed and well written.
The SAS at Close Quarters	Steve Crawford, 1993. Coffee-table book with lots of photos on more recent SAS operations - eg the Gulf War - and first hand recounts. Quite comprenhensive for its size.
Phantoms of the Jungle - History of the Australian SAS	By David Horner. Includes some excellent after action reports from South Vietnam.
The SAS in action	By Peter Macdonald, Sidgwick & Jackson
The Raiders	By Arhtur Swinson. An account of the WW II SAS and Long Ranger Desert Group
The SAS at War	By Anthony Kemp. WW II History.
The SAS: Savage Wars of Peace	By Anthony Kemp. Post WW II History.
The Specialist	By Gayle Rivers. Accounts by SAS reservist who is an international security advisor.
Big boys' Rules. The SAS and the Secret Struggle against the IRA	By Mark Urban, former defence correspondent of the Independent. (London: Faber & Faber, 1992).
These men are dangerous	By Paul Harrison. The title derives from a communique from Hitler to the French occupational forces directing that all captured SAS troops be turned over to the Gestapo immediately, stating that 'These Men Are Dangerous'. Contains accounts of SAS troops openly driving through occupied France in heavily armed Jeeps, sabotaging rail lines and generally tying up many German troops. As regular soldiers, they wore full battledress, but apparently received no benefit from the Geneva War Measures Act; summary execution was the typical result of capture. Contains some excellent pictures of Harrison, Paddy Mayne, and others... Comes highly recommended.
Who Cares Who Wins - SAS: THE FINAL CASH IN	By Corporal Andy McGrabb with a foreword by General Sir Peter de La Billionere (Pavilion Press). Parody on the Ex-SAS members obsessive desire to publish books.
Biting The Bullet - Married To The SAS	By Jenny Simpson, pub. Harper Collins. ISBN 0 00 255807 6. This autobiography of one of a long suffering wife adds a new perspective to the current glut of books currently available. Worth the 15.99 (UK pounds) asking price.
The SAS Survival, Escape and Evasion Manual	The escape and evasion covers about 20 pages. The rest of the book appears to be a rehash, of the Colonel Wiseman book.
Who Dares Wins; The Special Air Service 1950 to the Gulf War	By Tony Geraghty, Publisher Warner Books, ISBN 0-7515-0358-4. A very informative read which boasts this quote on it's front cover: "The leading history of the post- War SAS" - Sir Peter de la Billiere.
SAS - The Worlds Best	By Peter Darman, Publisher Sidgwick & Jackson. Compares the training etc of the SAS to other special forces around the world.
????	???

This section is undergoing constant change - if you have a better review of any of the above books, or a book which is missing, please contact me...

The Telegraph (11/12/95) reported that SAS soldiers were involved in a hostage rescue in Colombia. Sgt Timothy Cowley, 33, a clerk was kidnapped in August whilst on a bird watching expedition. General Ferrano (from the Colombian Police) confirmed that "an intelligence operation in conjunction with British Embassy SAS operatives" had made the rescue possible. An SAS team highly trained in rescue, surveillance and anti-terrorism were dispatched to Colombia after the kidnapping.
British Airways is to pay £4 million damages to French passengers after a French court awarded against them. The passengers were on a flight that landed in Kuwait just after Iraq invaded. It was claimed that BA and British Security Services were in collusion and that the plane was carrying an SAS unit. From the Telegraph (09/11/95).
During NATO Air operations against Serbs in Bosnia it was reported in the Telegraph (31/08/95) that special forces (including the SAS) were used on the ground to laser designate targets for precise air strikes by NATO jets.
It appears some people can't get enough of the SAS:
Christopher Reynolds, 36, was fined £250 for impersonating an SAS officer and giving a talk to army recruits. Reported in The Telegraph (17/08/95).
The government paid legal costs to relatives of three IRA members shot dead in Gibraltar after the European Court found that Britain breached the Human Rights Convention. The Deputy Prime Minister had called the decision by the court "incomprehensible". The three IRA members were shot by SAS operatives who believed they were going to detonate a car bomb at the changing of the guard ceremony in Gibraltar in 1988. Reported in The Telegraph (28/09/95 and 27/12/95).
A Palestinian hijacker, Souhaila Andrawes, and a member of the SAS team, Barry Davies, (who in October 1977 stormed the plane) have reunited to collaborate on a book and film. Andrawes was shot 27 times in the legs during the storming of the plane by the SAS operation, was not expected to live. Three of her accomplices were killed. She since turned her back on violence and moved to Norway. For Davis the Mogadishu siege was the highlight of his long service with the SAS. It made headlines around the world at the time, as Lufthansa flight 181 was carrying 87 passangers from Plama to Frankfurt when the terrorists seized control of the aircraft. Reported in The Sunday Times (11/02/96).
The SAS has spoken out publicly for the first time. It condemned the ITV's dramatisation, The One That Got Away, of the Bravo Two Zero patrol in the Gulf War. The TV programme was based on a book (of the same name) by Chris Ryan, a member of the eight-man squad which was behind enemy lines during the Gulf War. Three members of the squad died and four were captured, Ryan managed to get away. Col David Lyon (colonel commandant of the SAS, and chair of the committee setup to deal with the recent spate of books by former SAS members) took the unusal step of writing to The Daily Telegraph to complain about the unnecessary additional grief that the programme caused to the relatives of those who died. The Telegraph 19/02/96. UPDATE: The BBC are also to show a dramatisation of the same patrol, based on Andy McNab's book Bravo Two Zero. Andy McNab was the squad's leader.
The Army has launched a drive for SAS Territorials. The two SAS TA units 21 SAS (V) - based in London (and has bases in Dulwich, Hitchin, Bramley and Newport), and 23 SAS (V) - based in Brimingham (and has bases in Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Dundee and Glasgow), were cut in the 1994 frontline first defence cuts. Like many other sections of the UK armed forces they are now suffering from a recruitment shortage. The first step in the drive for more recruits is a two page feature in the Army's magazine Soldier, which includes a report on a recent SAS exercise, with photographs, and details of the units' role. John Elliott, deputy editor of Soldier, said "We obviously had to get clearance for the story once we had written if because the MoD, for all sorts os very good reasons, is highly protective of the SAS". Reported in The Telegraph 16/01/96.
The SAS and SBS may be getting some new weapons. A plan to buy upto sixof the most powerful gunships in the world is being considered. The American aircraft, Spectre (a variant of the C-130 Hercules) has recently been flying operations over Bosina. It is equiped with 25mm, six-barrelled Gatling gun and 3,000 rounds, a Bofors 40mm machine gun and a 105mm Howitzer. It has the ability to fire on two targets simultaneously, special television for reconnaissance, full radar and electronic protection equipment, plus lightweight ceramic armour. It is fitted out by Rockwell Aircraft Modification and is currently only in service with the American special forces.
Negiotiations follow the delivery of eight Chinook helicopters, also adapted for special forces use. Together they indicate a shift in roles for the special forces. Usually the SAS and SBS operate in 4-8 man teams, however now they will be able to delivery squadron sized forces with light vehicles behind enemy lines. This would make them suitable for missions such as rescuing downed pilots as well as reconnaissance and sabotage. All reported in The Sunday Times (10/03/96).
The SAS are evaluating a new handgun. The SAS use handguns as concealed weapons, or as a back-up in case the HK MP5 sub-machineguns jam. They are carried in under-arm holsters and fired in a double handed crouch position. However, modern lightwieght body armour, which can stop all but the most powerful handguns at point-blank range, is increasingly used by terrorists and criminals nowdays. As a result the SAS (and other UK organisations) are evaluating a new handgun, the Five-SeveN, made by FN Herstal. This new handgun is claimed to be the most powerful handgun in the world. It can penetrate 48 layers of laminated Kevlar armour at a range of 200 metres. The browning 9mm pistol, currently used by the SAS, fires 8 gram bullets at a speed of 350 metres per second, whilst the Five-seveN fires (5.7mm) 2 gram bullets at a muzzle speed of 650 metres per second - almost twice as fast. It also produces significantly less recoil than a conventional handgun, due to the lightweight bullets, and an ingenious design which causes the gun to partially cancel out the recoil with the gas pressures created when the gun fires. Reported in The Sunday Times 07/07/96.
UPDATE: Believed that the SAS now use the Sig Sauer P226 9mm instead of the Browning 9mm.
A flurry of activity. On Thursday (01/08/96) Paul Bruce, the author of The Nemesis File was detained at 5:45am at his home in Weston-super-Mare, by officers of the RUC. A copy of his manuscript containing a new chapter, which the publisher claimed would substantiate his claims, was also seized. The Nemesis File was a best selling book billed as a true story of an SAS squad that had executed about 30 men in Northern Ireland, of which Bruce had claimed to be a member. Defence sources had always ridiculed the claims, and even Sinn Fein described them as "totally outlandish". Paul Bruce was flown to Northern Ireland and questioned by the RUC under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and a day of claims and statements followed. On Friday (02/08/96) the RUC issued a statement. The book was a "work of fiction". Paul Inman, who used the pen name Paul Bruce, had never worked for the SAS. The closest he had got was working for several months in Ulster as a army vehicle mechanic. The RUC confirmed that he could now face a charge of wasting Police time. A senior SAS source said "We are delighted this man has been exposed as the phoney we always said he was." Reported in The Telegraph 01/08/96 and 02/08/96.
All former SAS members who have published books have been banned from entering the SAS Headquarters by a new ruling. 22/01/97. More to follow on this story ...