The SAS

This work, the sequel to Anthony Kemp's definitive "The SAS at War", which dealt with the foundation of the Regiment by David Stirling and its role up to 1945, takes the story forward to the storming of the Iranian Embassy, the attack on the IRA in Gibraltar, and the under-cover Gulf War. Following the Second World War, the SAS became essentially a component of the British Army and took part in colonial campaigns, including those in Malaya, Borneo, South Arabia and Oman. Since 1969, though, elements of the Regiment have been stationed more or less permanently in an under-cover role in Northern Ireland. It was at about that time too that the Regiment became involved in counter terrorist activities elsewhere, including England itself. Since then a cloak of secrecy has descended over all SAS activities, including those in the Falklands and the Gulf War. Intense speculation has been the inevitable result. This book, based on interviews and on more co-operation than the SAS has granted any other writer, tells us the maximum compatible with security of a regiment which has become the most feared and respected of special forces anywhere in the world.