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Operation Mayhem
'Captures the confusion, black humour, raw courage and sheer exhilaration of combat brilliantly' THE TIMES
'Read this account of his stint with the 26-man strong X Platoon in the sweltering jungle, living on grubs, outnumbered 80 to one, battling heavily armed rebels with bamboo sticks and home-made grenades, and you'll be asking the question... Why wasn't he given TWO MCs?' SUNDAY SPORT
2,000 blood-crazed rebels. 26 elite British soldiers. One man's explosive true story.
Airlifted into the heart of the Sierra Leone jungle in the midst of the bloody civil war in 2000, 26 elite operators from the secret British elite unit X Platoon were sent into combat against thousands of Sierra Leonean rebels.
Notorious for their brutality, the rebels were manned with captured UN armour, machine-guns and grenade-launchers, while the men of X Platoon were kitted with pitiful supplies of ammunition, malfunctioning rifles, and no body armour, grenades or heavy weapons.
Intended to last only 48 hours, the mission mutated into a 16-day siege against the rebels, as X Platoon were denied the back-up and air support they had been promised, and were forced to make their stand alone. The half-starved soldiers, surviving on bush tucker, fought with grenades made from old food-tins and defended themselves with barricades made of sharpened bamboo-sticks, tipped in poison given to them by local villagers.
Sergeant Steve Heaney won the Military Cross for his initiative in taking command after the platoon lost their commanding officer. OPERATION MAYHEM recounts his amazing untold true story, full of the rough-and-ready humour and steely fortitude with which these elite soldiers carried out operations far into hostile terrain.
'Read this account of his stint with the 26-man strong X Platoon in the sweltering jungle, living on grubs, outnumbered 80 to one, battling heavily armed rebels with bamboo sticks and home-made grenades, and you'll be asking the question... Why wasn't he given TWO MCs?' SUNDAY SPORT
2,000 blood-crazed rebels. 26 elite British soldiers. One man's explosive true story.
Airlifted into the heart of the Sierra Leone jungle in the midst of the bloody civil war in 2000, 26 elite operators from the secret British elite unit X Platoon were sent into combat against thousands of Sierra Leonean rebels.
Notorious for their brutality, the rebels were manned with captured UN armour, machine-guns and grenade-launchers, while the men of X Platoon were kitted with pitiful supplies of ammunition, malfunctioning rifles, and no body armour, grenades or heavy weapons.
Intended to last only 48 hours, the mission mutated into a 16-day siege against the rebels, as X Platoon were denied the back-up and air support they had been promised, and were forced to make their stand alone. The half-starved soldiers, surviving on bush tucker, fought with grenades made from old food-tins and defended themselves with barricades made of sharpened bamboo-sticks, tipped in poison given to them by local villagers.
Sergeant Steve Heaney won the Military Cross for his initiative in taking command after the platoon lost their commanding officer. OPERATION MAYHEM recounts his amazing untold true story, full of the rough-and-ready humour and steely fortitude with which these elite soldiers carried out operations far into hostile terrain.
288 pages, Paperback
First published May 22, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 17, 2018
An excellent military book.
This is the British version of Black Hawk Down, with a happy ending.
Pathfinders, a hardy group of special forces (they claim they are tougher than SAS) are sent to Sierra Leone to stop the bloodthirsty RUF from overrunning the international airport while the evacuation of foreigners is underway. They are 26 guys, placed in a village of Lungi Lol, directly in the path of the limb-chopping army, which has some 2,000 operatives. The odds aren't good.
The story is told by Steve Heaney, one of the 26 guys. The narrative is simple, the language honest and down to earth. This is no Shakespeare tale. This is the common man's tale. It's fascinating. The friendly jibes among the team, their personal stories, their experience. A tough bunch to be sure, with the typical mindset of natural born warriors.
The book covers the intro to the unit, their expedited flight to Freetown, their deployment into the battlezone and the subsequent attack. It's not just about fighting. It's how the men managed to salvage and turn around a desperate situation. They befriended the locals and the Nigerian UN contingent, they ate snails, they fashioned their own home-made Claymores, and they repelled the rebels. It's a grim, sobering story. There's no romance, only hard, sad reality.
What makes it even more fascinating is that these men operated 80% civilian kit, bought by their own money, which was superior to the army stuff. They hated their British rifles, they lamented the change to the smaller 5.56mm caliber (same story all over the world for special forces), and they envied the Americans for their hi-tech stuff. They made do with what they could, and Steve even got decorated for bravery in Operation Mayhem.
We all know how this chapter of history ended, so there's no point going into those details. Their presence in the village made the difference, and the Brits managed to turn the tide around without suffering the defeat like the Americans in Somalia. Although, and this is not just book material, for those interested, you should also read on the South African merc company called Executive Outcomes, and their activity in Sierra Leone.
Anyway, for military and history buffs, this is a great read. Like all war books, by those who were there, the likes of James Jones or Joseph Heller, it has that same crazy cynicism and fatalism, which I guess are defensive mechanisms that keep soldiers sane. Simple language but a breathtaking story, and all the more fascinating for that.
Truly recommended.
Igor
This is the British version of Black Hawk Down, with a happy ending.
Pathfinders, a hardy group of special forces (they claim they are tougher than SAS) are sent to Sierra Leone to stop the bloodthirsty RUF from overrunning the international airport while the evacuation of foreigners is underway. They are 26 guys, placed in a village of Lungi Lol, directly in the path of the limb-chopping army, which has some 2,000 operatives. The odds aren't good.
The story is told by Steve Heaney, one of the 26 guys. The narrative is simple, the language honest and down to earth. This is no Shakespeare tale. This is the common man's tale. It's fascinating. The friendly jibes among the team, their personal stories, their experience. A tough bunch to be sure, with the typical mindset of natural born warriors.
The book covers the intro to the unit, their expedited flight to Freetown, their deployment into the battlezone and the subsequent attack. It's not just about fighting. It's how the men managed to salvage and turn around a desperate situation. They befriended the locals and the Nigerian UN contingent, they ate snails, they fashioned their own home-made Claymores, and they repelled the rebels. It's a grim, sobering story. There's no romance, only hard, sad reality.
What makes it even more fascinating is that these men operated 80% civilian kit, bought by their own money, which was superior to the army stuff. They hated their British rifles, they lamented the change to the smaller 5.56mm caliber (same story all over the world for special forces), and they envied the Americans for their hi-tech stuff. They made do with what they could, and Steve even got decorated for bravery in Operation Mayhem.
We all know how this chapter of history ended, so there's no point going into those details. Their presence in the village made the difference, and the Brits managed to turn the tide around without suffering the defeat like the Americans in Somalia. Although, and this is not just book material, for those interested, you should also read on the South African merc company called Executive Outcomes, and their activity in Sierra Leone.
Anyway, for military and history buffs, this is a great read. Like all war books, by those who were there, the likes of James Jones or Joseph Heller, it has that same crazy cynicism and fatalism, which I guess are defensive mechanisms that keep soldiers sane. Simple language but a breathtaking story, and all the more fascinating for that.
Truly recommended.
Igor
August 25, 2025
A great war book. Real edge of the seat stuff.
It tells the story of a small British unit sent to Sierra Leone as part of the British intervention there that brought an end to the civil war. The larger issues both political and military get little coverage, which is fair as this book is written by the unit sergeant who describes what he experienced, and is not intended to be a history of the intervention.
The book grippingly recounts the battle fought by the British unit and is a great war book which really captures the terror, horror and violence of combat. The author describes the other soldiers well and we get a real feel for their characters, abilities and skills. We also learn a lot bout the assorted weapons and other military kit being used.
Actually I found the non-combat sections even more interesting. We are told a lot about the local culture and lifestyles of the villagers. We also learn how the soldiers went about interacting with the locals, how they got supplied and so forth.
Really worth your while reading this book.
It tells the story of a small British unit sent to Sierra Leone as part of the British intervention there that brought an end to the civil war. The larger issues both political and military get little coverage, which is fair as this book is written by the unit sergeant who describes what he experienced, and is not intended to be a history of the intervention.
The book grippingly recounts the battle fought by the British unit and is a great war book which really captures the terror, horror and violence of combat. The author describes the other soldiers well and we get a real feel for their characters, abilities and skills. We also learn a lot bout the assorted weapons and other military kit being used.
Actually I found the non-combat sections even more interesting. We are told a lot about the local culture and lifestyles of the villagers. We also learn how the soldiers went about interacting with the locals, how they got supplied and so forth.
Really worth your while reading this book.
July 1, 2025
Did not expect to like it when I found out it's a non fiction book, but was happy to be proven otherwise. Given how few non fics i read, this and Is Paris Burning together have made for a great change this month.
September 29, 2025
Oh dear. There's a lot not to like about this book. And about the Steve Heaney that is portrayed by this book.
I found it quite dull. Lots of build up, lots of chest-beating about how good the Pathfinders are, and a fair amount of moaning. And then an admittedly gnarly firefight, and then a rapid withdrawal and the end of the book. I finished the book feeling 'was that it?'. All a bit of a damp squib.
As for the author, I found him insufferable and full of his own puffed up self-importance. He also seemed to carry a chip on his shoulder, or possibly both. Trying to suggest that Pathfinder selection is tougher than SAS selection. Nope. Total drivel as most in the unit will admit. Are they on a par with the SAS? Nope. They are not the equivalent of Tier 1. Again, most will admit that. His whingeing about not being paid a higher rate of pay for what they do begs the question: why did he not put himself forward for the SAS? Or perhaps he did so and failed. That is what one could conclude from the carping and self-agrandissement.
And then we have the treatment of Royal Marine Captain Cantrill. Admittedly some of this may have been playing for laughs or seeking to inject some comedy into the turgid story he was telling but really, it comes across as petty and childish. Portraying an experienced RM officer as "wide-eyed and awe-struck" in the midst of these "hairy arsed Pathfinders" like he was an 11 year old boy scout. It just falls flat, and makes the author sound a tad ridiculous.
Finally, the suggestion that the Royal Marines don't have a unit as capable as operating in that type of role as the Pathfinders is just daft, as well as factually wrong. We go back to that chip on the shoulder. I wonder what the Mountain and Arctic Warfare Cadre, or the SBS, or even the Brigade Patrol Troop did to offend the author? Or maybe he feels a bit inferior to, or threatened by their capabilities? The Cadre certainly operate at a far higher level than the Pathfinders and are a more specialist and capable unit.
The relentless banging of "the Pathfinders are best" drum and the blowing of the author's own "I'm the best and everyone follows my lead" trumpet gets a bit wearing.
An undoubtedly brave and spirited group of soldiers engaged in a testing military operation. But the book itself is let down by how the story is told and by the deeply tiresome individual telling the tale.
I found it quite dull. Lots of build up, lots of chest-beating about how good the Pathfinders are, and a fair amount of moaning. And then an admittedly gnarly firefight, and then a rapid withdrawal and the end of the book. I finished the book feeling 'was that it?'. All a bit of a damp squib.
As for the author, I found him insufferable and full of his own puffed up self-importance. He also seemed to carry a chip on his shoulder, or possibly both. Trying to suggest that Pathfinder selection is tougher than SAS selection. Nope. Total drivel as most in the unit will admit. Are they on a par with the SAS? Nope. They are not the equivalent of Tier 1. Again, most will admit that. His whingeing about not being paid a higher rate of pay for what they do begs the question: why did he not put himself forward for the SAS? Or perhaps he did so and failed. That is what one could conclude from the carping and self-agrandissement.
And then we have the treatment of Royal Marine Captain Cantrill. Admittedly some of this may have been playing for laughs or seeking to inject some comedy into the turgid story he was telling but really, it comes across as petty and childish. Portraying an experienced RM officer as "wide-eyed and awe-struck" in the midst of these "hairy arsed Pathfinders" like he was an 11 year old boy scout. It just falls flat, and makes the author sound a tad ridiculous.
Finally, the suggestion that the Royal Marines don't have a unit as capable as operating in that type of role as the Pathfinders is just daft, as well as factually wrong. We go back to that chip on the shoulder. I wonder what the Mountain and Arctic Warfare Cadre, or the SBS, or even the Brigade Patrol Troop did to offend the author? Or maybe he feels a bit inferior to, or threatened by their capabilities? The Cadre certainly operate at a far higher level than the Pathfinders and are a more specialist and capable unit.
The relentless banging of "the Pathfinders are best" drum and the blowing of the author's own "I'm the best and everyone follows my lead" trumpet gets a bit wearing.
An undoubtedly brave and spirited group of soldiers engaged in a testing military operation. But the book itself is let down by how the story is told and by the deeply tiresome individual telling the tale.
January 11, 2021
I'd previously read X platoon by the same authors, the narrative has the same taught quality which goes over detail without assuming prior military knoweldge and without feeling like it's dumbing anything down. Some parts of X platoon are duplicated in short detail (giving background as to Heaney's previous experience) but I picked this up because I felt almost short changed when his deployment in X platoon was glossed over as being covered in Operation Mayhem.
Greatly outnumbered the Pathfinders put together a defence of the village with what they could scronge from Para Quartermasters (sounds like whilst his back was turned) and what they could do on location in the village (DIY Claymores anyone) as well as punji pits. Developing a relationship with the locals through the Village Chief and (seemingly abandoned and left to their own devices) UN Peacekeeping force, they manage to erect defences quickly, are supplied by the locals to fight the rebels and seemingly win over the hearts and minds of the local populace.
The action is thick and fast showing the defences of a static location and extraordinary resource management and bravery from the soliders engaged as well as the absurdity of finding a journalist take a taxi up to have an interview or finding the aforementioned UN Peacekeeper leader with a pressed and starched uniform where no friendly forces were known to have been.
Heaney himself draws parallels to Mogadishu (Black Hawk Down) as well as a number of other reviews, which I don't think is quite the case as its set in a Jungle (not Urban) environment and there's only one team of elite operators engaging the rebels (as opposed to a mixture of Delta, Rangers and other units). They're embedded in a defensive location with the support of the locals as opposed to "fighting a whole city". The theme of Black Hawk Down seemed to be difficulties in communication between different units whereas Operation Mayhem had morre difficulties being under supplied. I feel the only similiarities are that Sierra Leone and Somalia are African Countries that were in the midst of a Civil War.
An intriguing glimpse into a secretive unit and all the issues that come with it (the dislike of the SA80 is palpable, I believe this was before the UK army asked Heckler and Koch to make it work properly into the A2 version).
Greatly outnumbered the Pathfinders put together a defence of the village with what they could scronge from Para Quartermasters (sounds like whilst his back was turned) and what they could do on location in the village (DIY Claymores anyone) as well as punji pits. Developing a relationship with the locals through the Village Chief and (seemingly abandoned and left to their own devices) UN Peacekeeping force, they manage to erect defences quickly, are supplied by the locals to fight the rebels and seemingly win over the hearts and minds of the local populace.
The action is thick and fast showing the defences of a static location and extraordinary resource management and bravery from the soliders engaged as well as the absurdity of finding a journalist take a taxi up to have an interview or finding the aforementioned UN Peacekeeper leader with a pressed and starched uniform where no friendly forces were known to have been.
Heaney himself draws parallels to Mogadishu (Black Hawk Down) as well as a number of other reviews, which I don't think is quite the case as its set in a Jungle (not Urban) environment and there's only one team of elite operators engaging the rebels (as opposed to a mixture of Delta, Rangers and other units). They're embedded in a defensive location with the support of the locals as opposed to "fighting a whole city". The theme of Black Hawk Down seemed to be difficulties in communication between different units whereas Operation Mayhem had morre difficulties being under supplied. I feel the only similiarities are that Sierra Leone and Somalia are African Countries that were in the midst of a Civil War.
An intriguing glimpse into a secretive unit and all the issues that come with it (the dislike of the SA80 is palpable, I believe this was before the UK army asked Heckler and Koch to make it work properly into the A2 version).
May 17, 2022
One word would actually suffice for this review: compelling. I just couldn't put it down. I'd read Steve Heaney's first book just before this and Operation Mayhem follows on seamlessly with a minimum of repetition.
I know I'm biased, having been brought up with the belief that we have the best armed forces in the world. That's obviously up for discussion but this book was a brilliant illustration of that element of humanity and involvement, plus downright professionalism, that the British Army brings to operations. I was right there with the guys' desolation and disbelief at the end of the action such was the passion of the author.
And the criticism of the poor equipment that these soldiers had to suffer was eye-opening and, in my experience, completely justified. For a country that clearly doesn't have money to throw at defence, the choice of the seriously flawed, and much more expensive, SA80 over the readily-available and much cheaper M16 is baffling.
I can't recommend this book enough. Thrills, compassion, military detail and opinion - for me it had it all.
I know I'm biased, having been brought up with the belief that we have the best armed forces in the world. That's obviously up for discussion but this book was a brilliant illustration of that element of humanity and involvement, plus downright professionalism, that the British Army brings to operations. I was right there with the guys' desolation and disbelief at the end of the action such was the passion of the author.
And the criticism of the poor equipment that these soldiers had to suffer was eye-opening and, in my experience, completely justified. For a country that clearly doesn't have money to throw at defence, the choice of the seriously flawed, and much more expensive, SA80 over the readily-available and much cheaper M16 is baffling.
I can't recommend this book enough. Thrills, compassion, military detail and opinion - for me it had it all.
December 30, 2018
This book excelled beyond all expectations, its reads very well and is captivating from start to finish. Gave a great insight into an elite British army unit I knew next to nothing about. The descriptions of combat are candid, Left me wanting a lot more, but it sticks true to actual events. Really enjoyed this and has inspired me to look for more books on the 'Pathfinders'.
August 10, 2022
Another brilliant first hand account brought to life by Damien Lewis about Steve heany and his fello pathfinders fight for there life’s, must read if you like first hand accounts about the British elite.
December 18, 2022
It reminds me of the seven Samurai defending a village but in this case its 26. The main action starts from pages 180 onwards, before that it's all about preparation, strategy etc not to forget the banter with Lieutenant Mojo, so comical.
January 11, 2026
rivetingggggg finished it in a day it’s so engaging — one thing i will say is the writing is so so fun but there are consistent grammar errors which had the nerd in me tweaking but tbh it adds to the ‘rough’ effect of the story. so enthralling. thank you to the pathfinders for their service
November 10, 2019
A worthwhile perspective of Sierra Leone in 2000.
August 23, 2020
This was detailed and interesting insight into a battle against all odds bya few elite soldiers.
April 16, 2021
Didn't complete this book. Couldn't get into it.
Read
December 11, 2023Very nice book. Makes British special ops forces world class🔥🔥
April 14, 2024
pretty good
Decent content
Lots of detailed action
My only question the QRF where and then suddenly not mentioned again
But top blokes. X Platoon as just the best blokes
Decent content
Lots of detailed action
My only question the QRF where and then suddenly not mentioned again
But top blokes. X Platoon as just the best blokes
October 14, 2025
fantastic read. i could picture myself being in Sierra Leone with them.
would make an incredible picture
would make an incredible picture
July 5, 2022
I have a read a pile of Damien Lewis' novels about the SAS in Iraq an Afghanistan, I think 6 of them, with another 6 about WWII to go. They were all gripping stories.
September 22, 2015
This book was great from start to finish. It took me only a week to finish on the train to and from work. the story line kept in glued and pulled you into to the story. some parts you felt like you were feeling what they were feeling.
great book I want to read it again.
great book I want to read it again.
December 30, 2015
An excellent read.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews