SAS South Georgia Boating Club: An SAS Trooper's Memoir and Falklands War Diary

by Tony Shaw

Many aspire to serve with the Special Air Service, arguably the world’s most prestigious regiment, but few achieve their aim. In this inspiring memoir the author describes how he left school without any qualifications and embarked on a 30 year career much of it spent in Hereford, including four years in ‘The Regiment’. Against the odds he rose through the ranks before being commissioned and eventually retiring as a Major.

Initially attached to 22 SAS as a signaler, he volunteered for and passed ‘Selection’, the most grueling and demanding of tests. He was posted to D Squadron Boat Troop with whom he saw active service in the Falklands War, Northern Ireland and the UK counter-terrorist team. Thanks to the diary he kept during the Falklands War, the reader is treated to a gripping first-hand account of the intense action that he and his colleagues experienced, including recces, diversionary attacks, raids and ambushes both on South Georgia and the Falklands Islands.

Later he commanded the Royal Signals troop supporting D Squadron, 22 SAS before commissioning and later on pursuing a second career as a security consultant in various Middle Eastern hotspots.

It is a privilege to read this commendably modest account of one man’s unique career which provides a fascinating insight into elite special forces soldiering.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published June 30, 2022

Reviews

[Leslie Graham Leek · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Excellent Read.

The author did not clamourise this book but told it like it was.

I was impressed by his descriptions of the actions by his many friends and colleagues throughout his career which says a lot about the author.
Well worth reading. A man I would like to have a pint with.

[Mr Michael R Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

A great read, a career to be proud of.
Once I started reading I found myself reading at every opportunity so as to get through.
Never a hard or boring read it tells one man’s remarkable thirty six year military career before entering civilian life.

[Bill McFadyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A interesting story about an interesting man and his career through some difficult and challenging times. The experiences during the Falklands War are at times harrowing and help us remember the professional personnel who fought through it to victory. I tip my hat to you sir.

[David Graham Hitchins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read

Amazing story and insight to an SAS troopers life story from before joining the. Regiment to after leaving. Well recommended

[Matthew Okuhara · Rating 5 out of 5]

He walks the walk and talks the talk. Tony Shaw is a natural born soldier and his story is incredible.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read, unsentimental, concise and factual story of a SAS trooper´s life and career