Brilliant!!!
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a truly great book theres not a dull point in this book and it spills alot of truths on other books written about the SAS in the gulf but this is no made up fairy tale its true from beggining to end with no mucking about i hope we see more books from 'billy' ratcliffe
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You make your own Luck! Who Dares Wins.
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Absolutely compelling, frank and honest account of a truly inspirational tenure with the United Kingdom's elite soldiers.
Also shows how a glittering career could have faltered at any number of hurdles and also that these men come from ordinary places to do extraordinary things.
A very human and personal account of becoming, and remaining, one of the elite.
I cannot recommend this more highly.
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one of the best books on the market
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i got this book been interested in the sas and the british military didnt know what to expect and i was amazed to learn that he's from salford my home town and a man united supporter which makes me some what biassed should have a statue of him in salford. the book though is brilliant documenting his 25 years in service and his growing up in salford in the first chapter. as others have said theres no egocentric ramblings in here he tells it like it is, the humour that pops up is good for example his hearing going abit dodgy in iraq one morning and somebody comes upto him saying something he thought was good morning turns out it was "bomb warning" it never strays from the seriousness of the situations though anyone interested in the sas or the british military will read this book a fair few times also makes you realise some of the falsehoods excadurations and plain lies that some other books say regarding the iranian embassy siege and bravo 2 zero. its a gripping no nonsense read that makes you wanna shake the mans hand.
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Totally Honest
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A man who keeps his feet firmly on the ground (he doesn't like parachutes) and gives a great account of his life in the military. There is no over embellishment or gloss, just facts.
This book is a thoroughly good read - an absolute must for those who enjoy military history.
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ChrisD
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I have recently read Peter Ratcliffe's book.
I have read one or two other books over a period of years about life in the SAS. Having served in the Army for 25 years myself and also having held the appointment of RSM, i was interested to read Mr Ratcliffe's attitudes and feelings concerning the plethora of 'stories' that have emerged about the Regiment that used to be the Army's best kept secret!
I was also 'recommended' this book by another ex soldier who had informed me that it was a very good read indeed. I found the story to be fairly well balanced but would have liked a little more insight into what he did / was involved with in between deployments.
The author provides a captivating story stretched over his 25 year service in the Army. More importantly, he highlights on many occasions the courage of his convictions. Ratcliffe the soldier was certainly not affraid to confront people head on regarding issues of competency or professionalism! This is also apparent with regards to his synopsis of the writings of many of those who have gone before him.
In all, the book was excellent value for money, and i like others found it difficult to put down. No sensationalism, No BS, and also a frank honesty over failures, mistakes and shortcomings within the Military, Army and his Regiment.
I particularly found the chapters deicated to the SAS involvement in the Falklands Campaign to be very interesting and informative. Again, the balance of detail, humour, fact and summary provides one mans thoughts and observations based on raw experience in War Fighting without the 'Rambo' and 007 element appearing!
Pure and simply, reading some of the other 'SAS' books and reading Peter Ratcliffe's book is the divide between glorified fiction and honest fact. I fully recommend this book to all who have an interest in military life and the Special Air Service. Well done Mr Ratcliffe, CD
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