Rogue Heroes

Lieutenant David Stirling was the man behind the idea of the Special Air Service.  Wealthy and headstrong, Stirling didn't seem to be the military type.  Having volunteered for the commandos, he was frustrated by their lack of action when sent to the Middle East.  Having met fellow commando, Lieutenant Jock Lewes, who was also fretting at the lack of action, the pair decided to try parachuting in preparation for possibly doing that behind enemy lines.  Unfortunately for Stirling, his parachute snagged on the tail of the plane and he plummeted to the ground.  It was while he was convalescing in hospital that the idea of a special group of small hit and run units behind enemy lines developed.  Now, all he had to do was convince the senior officers that his plan was feasible.

Stirling's first recruit was Lewes, although it was a hard task to convince him to join.  Lewes would be responsible for the training of the recruits.  It would be a very tough regimen.  Lewes would also devise a time bomb, which would be perfect for raiding purposes. However, the first mission was a complete debacle due to wind and rain.  What would be the future of the SAS now?

Stirling feeling that parachuting was not suitable proposed using the Long Range Desert Group to provide transportation for the SAS.  They set up headquarters in the desert to the south of the enemy's lines.  The next raid on three different enemy airports was extremely successful.  The SAS would raid again!  Sadly Jock Lewes would be killed in one of these raids.

Injuries suffered by his men caused Stirling to realise that his unit needed its own doctor.  Dr. Malcolm Pleydell arrived just as the SAS was preparing for its next major series of attacks.  He was totally unprepared for the men he met.

Although the aforementioned attacks would relieve some of the pressure on Malta, it didn't stop the Germans and Italians from going on a major offensive, which sent the British reeling in retreat.  However, this extended Rommel's supply lines, much to the delight of the SAS.  It was now an independent, self-sufficient unit.  It wasn't long before the commandos developed a reputation on both sides of the line.

A later meeting between Stirling and Winston Churchill ensured the continued existence of the SAS.  Unfortunately, the next action was a botched affair because the powers that be decided a larger attacking force would be better, which was contrary to the SAS philosophy.  However, after the action the SAS was raised to full regimental status.

The unit began to suffer more and more casualties because of a stool pigeon in their midst.  Stirling would end up being captured.  However, that was not the end of the SAS.  A second regiment would be formed, and they would move on to fight in Europe.  The SAS would lead the invasion of Sicily.

Because of the actions of the commandos, Hitler ordered that any captured were to be immediately executed.  Prior to D-Day, a number of SAS troops were parachuted behind enemy lines to work with local resistance groups.  There would be both success and disappointments.

The SAS was disbanded in October 1945 because the powers that be deemed that nuclear weapons would be the way wars would be fought in the future.  However, it wasn't long into the Cold War before the SAS was reformed.  Many current special forces throughout the world would be based on the SAS.

Author Ben MacIntyre has brought to light the secret world of the SAS' formation and many of its accomplishments.  Well written and well worth the read for a fan of military history.