SAS DAGGERS DRAWN

SAS DAGGERS DRAWN
by Damien Lewis.


1944.
Amongst the forests, hills and isolated villages of France, groups of the SAS have joined forces with the local Marquis.
In a series of operations, in several different areas, their purpose is to gain vital intelligence, hamper German communications and try to prevent German reinforcements moving towards the Normandy invasion beaches.
In his usual thrilling style, Damien describes some incredible battles as the SAS and their Allies would often go up against superior numbers of German soldiers and weapons.
Originals like Seekings and Cooper were still in the cusp of the action. Readers of other books will also recognise the names of Wellsted, Close and Fraser. 
Of course Paddy Mayne, whilst initially leading back in Britain, would eventually return to the heat of the action. 

Often the hunters became the hunted. Despite being in isolated areas, the camp bases of the SAS and Marquis would also be targeted by the Germans. Anyone caught would be subjected to interrogation and torture, before a death sentence was carried out. Often too, would the German's revenge be carried out on local French civilians and villages, where terrible stories of atrocities were reported across France.

Almost every chapter tells of immense bravery, but inevitably  there would be losses to face. No man felt these more than Paddy Mayne.
These intense battles, the planning and having to live almost on a constant level of alert, would be an immense strain for any man. We learn of the mental toll that the weeks and months of living and fighting on the edge, took out on these men and how drink was often seen as the solution. Many men struggled in silence with what we would now call PTSD. Both they and their families found immense difficulties in adjusting to a return to some form of normality. 

But the war was not yet won. Whilst France would be eventually liberated, Holland, Belgium and the push into Germany would bring many more battles and sadly, further losses.
Despite all they had been through the incredible and heroic men of the SAS Regiments would be there until victory was won. 
Sadly eighty years later, the fight to get the thoroughly deserved commendation to one particular man goes on.

If you are reading this without knowing much about the SAS and their incredible achievements during the second world war, then you will find this and Damien's other books an absolute treat. 
The aim of my reviews is not to spoil your own reading of the books, merely to wet your appetites.
It is another masterclass in storytelling. Again reminding us just what an elite and heroic group of men they were.

The hardback book is published by Quercus Publishing and is available from 24th October.

I must thank Damien for providing me with an early manuscript of the book to review.
It is a privilege to be in such a position to have the chance to do so.


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