A thrilling account of Special Force soldiering.

Manx Independent

This is an interesting autobiography examining the British experience of the Second World War from a slightly different viewpoint - that of a pre-war long-service army man rather than the more normal wartime entry, with a mix of special forces and engineer service. Radford and his editor Mackay have produced an interesting book, of special value for those with an interest in the SAS but also of use for those with an interest in the wider British army.

www.historyofwar.org

Francis Mackay has edited Charlie Radford's wartime autobiographical notes to form this very readable volume. Mackay is well suited for the task being both an established military and SAS author as well as an expert on the ground on which Charlie's Italy SAS operations took place. As a reader of Mars & Minerva the chances are that you have already read some of Charlie's work and therefore have a good idea of the quality of his writing. Charlie contributed many articles to this journal over the years and if you ever had the added pleasure of receiving letters from him then you will also understand fully why this book was crying out to be written. Like his letters the text is laced with self-effacing humour, accurate historical and linguistic references, enlightening social commentary, and level headed (and refreshingly honest) assessments of his wartime experiences of the SAS.

Charlie's narrative briefly takes us through his early life, then his boy service as an apprentice fitter in the pre-war Royal Engineers,, before his first combat experiences in Tunisia where he cleared mines and was witness to the surrender of the Afrika Korps. A brief interlude in Egypt training for amphibious operations is followed by para training in the UK and his transfer, in March 1944, to 2nd SAS.

Charlie paints a vivid picture of the political as well as the personal aspects of the wartime unit, the equipment used, and the training that he received. These are the good grounding for the adventures he relates concerning Operation RUPERT in France and the Operation COLD COMFORT/ZOMBIE in Italy.

The story does not end with the disbandment of the Regiment but continues with his post-war postings in Africa back with the Royal Engineers. Much to his credit Mackay has also included Charlie's notes on his modern day Association and privately organised pilgrimages. These underline just how proud Charlie was of the Regiment as well as his genuine interest in its history and welfare.

AAs this book was written by Charlie anyone interested in the unit will, without doubt, find this amusing and engrossing. Whilst it makes the reader wish that Charlie were alive to see it in print for himself it also makes him grateful that Francis Mackay has put it together for our benefit.

Mars and Minerva

SAS Trooper is a fascinating read for its realistic portrayal of war and life in Teignmouth in the 1920s and 30s.

Mid-Devon Advertiser

This book is a must read for anyone interested in the SAS of WW2.
It is also an excellent companion to the other new release the SAS in Tuscany.

WW2 Connection.com