SAS Forged in Hell: From Desert Rats to Dogs of War: The Second in the Blair 'Paddy' Mayne Trilogy

Forged In Hell By Damien LewisAfter reading Brothers In Arms I was very much anticipating this book which is the second installment of a three book set, the third will be released Autumn 2024.This one covers the SAS missions to spearhead the retaking Sicily and Italy beginning it July 1943.From the get go Damien is in full flow using his inimitable style which has garnered him many fans over the years, his ability to immerse the reader right in the thick of the action remains unparalleled with perhaps the exception of a handful of other writers I have come across within the WW2 genre. Initially, what is so utterly striking is just how young these guys were, I think the average age was around 22 years, yet as the book progresses and the operations commence with such violence and brutality I sensed a very polarizing effect. They were after all very young men to have to face such life-changing experiences, which undoubtedly they took with them until the end of their days.It is during the preparations for the Scicily campaign that I believe Colonel Blair 'Paddy' Mayne truly became the great leader he obviously was. With David Stirling captured and Blair taking over command, his selection process and training of the men became more and more honed, and simply if you didn't meet his strict requirements then you were not going to make the cut. Obviously, he knew very well what was about to come and prepared his men accordingly. The description in the book further uncovers the complexity of his psyche, he seemed to have an aura surrounding him and a calculating coldness during even the most intense battles, truly a remarkable man and leader.The approximate ratio turned out to be fifty enemy to one SAS soldier, at the end of operations sixty-nine SAS casualties were reported, I do not know how many enemies were killed or injured, but I would imagine far more than that number as Hitler threw everything he had at keeping Italy under German control, even deploying his best Parachute regiment who were alleged to be the German counterparts of the SAS.I am not going to give many spoilers away, you should definitely pick this book up if you are a fan, but I will tell you the final battle for Termoli is a great example of the finest military writing to be found anywhere, vivid, exciting and addictive tinged with a little sadness too. Humor is also evident in places, drinking, safe blowing and even a little cross-dressing thrown in. These men were indeed special and we should never forget them.

Loved the book and context

Another great book on the history of the SAS

Having read alot if books on the SAS particularly surrounding there creation on the desert or complete history book the SAS.This is the first book I have read that takes you knyj thf action in Italy, I know Little of the military ops conducted in Italy this books opens to the door to learn more about the Italian campaign.Paddy maybe is the central character the book follows you really get a insight into him, leadership, relationship he has with his superiors and juniors.The book ends with you wanting more and Damien Lewis acknolowges he will release a new book in autumn of this year which will follow paddy maybe and the boys from training for overlord, taking you through the french campaign and into the SAS operations at the end of the war as they fight here way into Germany and the wars ending.

A great read indeed

A scintillating read and fitting tribute to the lions of SAS during wartime operations. We shall never forget these brave souls.

Awesome follow up to Brothers in Arms

I have met some of these chaps & trained with some of them. Can you keep a secret good so can I 👍🇬🇧