Ghost Force : Secret History of the Sas

by Ken Connor

Containing explosive details of operations unknown even to 99% of serving SAS men, this is the definitive history of the regiment written by an ex-SAS soldier of 23 years experience. From it's eye witness accounts of the 1st post war operations in Malaya in the 1950's to it's controversial blueprint for the future this is the SAS book that makes all other histories of Britain's elite special forces redundant. A serving soldier in the SAS for 23 years and the key figure in the creation of the anti-terrorist unit of the SAS, responsible for storming the Libyan embassy, Ken Connor is in a unique position to wweave together personal experience and the eyewitness accounts of close friends and colleagues to build a unique picture of the post war history of the SAS. From Afhanistan to East Germany, from Texas to the Gulf, this is the complete picture of the SAS, containing details of operations that even most SAS men are unaware of.

Genres: History, Military Fiction, Nonfiction, Military History, War

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Ken joined the Parachute Regiment of the British Army, before transferring to the Special Air Service where he served for over 23 years. During his time in the regiment he was involved in the creation and development of many of the departments and techniques for which the SAS are now world famous, including the Bodyguard Training Cell, the Counter-Terrorist Team and the founding of 14 Intelligence Company.

He served and trained with other Special Forces Groups around the world and saw active service in four different theatres of war. A graduate of the US Ranger and airborne programmes; he trained US personnel at the FBI Academy in Quantico, USA, in counter-terrorist and VIP protection techniques. Ken served with Brixmis - the British Commander-in-Chief's Mission to the Soviet Forces in (East) Germany, for which he was awarded the British Empire Medal.

In 1986 he joined Control Risks Group as a security consultant for 5 years, after which he started his own company, offering services to clients in the specialist security field. He is the author and co-author of several books, including 'Ghost Force: The Secret History of the SAS'.

Reviews

[Martin Koenigsberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Ghost Force, you get a history of the SAS after WWII from one of their premier NCOs. As a "Secret History", for almost every triumph, Ken Connor find the cracks in the myth- and lets you know about them. Not only did he serve with the 22 Regiment, but also was a Cold Warrior with BrixMis in East Germany, and one of the Blades that was sent to train body guards and other special forces around the globe. So it becomes clear that he knows whereof he speaks. The result is a really fun and interesting book, but with a twist.

The twist is that Mr. Connor is really eulogising the SAS that we all know and respect, as he feels that various changes made since the Falklands have changed the Regiment too much and have gradually reduced its effectiveness. Written before the Third Gulf War(The Bush/Blair Adventure that went so wrong), his charges carry weight, as I have discovered in subsequent reading (read Task Force Black). His narrative begins to have more and more value judgements and disagreements with both commanders and policies, as we get closer to the present day.

The book ends with a plea for a renewal of British Special Forces. Connor wants a new group, that he calls "Ghost Force" that will return to the Original SAS concepts, with some new HiTech Capabilities, and tighter Command and control. Connor feels that after the Falklands, with its massive casualties for the regiment(A Sea King helicopter crashed killing 22 troops — 18 of them SAS ) forever changed the regiments Bottom Up(NCOS/Blades had often lead patrols with Officers reporting to them)approach. So many leaders were lost that the regiment became too much like the"Green Army". I don't know if he's right- but his arguments are compelling.

I think this would be a strong challenge for the junior reader. With a simple straightforward style, very adult concepts are easily understood, although the political side may be a bit daunting. For the Military Enthusiast/Gamer/modeller - Purest Gold. From Malaya to the Gulf war, the book is chock full of anecdotes and new facts to shed light on dioramas and scenarios. There are even some totally new stories of Cold War Era confrontations to spawn "What If" games. A strong recommendation.

[Takipsilim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important memoir of a former SAS trooper on his numerous experiences fighting for the elite force in various countries. Starting with a history of the SAS from it's origins in World War II, he then recounts missions which he or other men of the service were involved in. Southeast Asia, the Middle East, the Falklands, and the Gulf, are some of the places where the author fought or offers his knowledge and views on. His anti-American bias is pathetic and annoying, but Connor's well-thought and controversial opinions on the current state and future of the pioneering and foremost Special Forces institution is intriguing and thought-inducing.

[Jonathan Lundkvist · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book delves deep into the history and the evolution of the 22nd Regiment Special Air Service; it is also a surprising summary of post-war British Foreign Policy. The anecdotes spread into the

It was written before the War on Terror and it shows. That said, both the look at the past and Ken Connors opinions on the future are both excellent and if you have any interest at all in Special Operations; this book is for you.

[Ietrio · Rating 3 out of 5]

The glorious white washed lies of a ruthless contract killer. Some day I would want to read this one. But not today.

[Jukka Häkkinen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Connorin kirja kertoo Ison-Britannian erikoisjoukkojen historian. Osa kerronnasta on kirjoittajan omia kokemuksia. Kerronnan sävy on sotilaallisen suoraviivainen ja monasti partiopoikamaisen reipas, erikoisjoukot hoitavat britannian salaiset operaatiot ja hallitusten kaatamiset tehokkaasti ja nokkelasti. Vaikka tämä sävy on aika ärsyttävä, tarjoaa kirja mielenkiintoista tietoa brittiläisen imperiumin hajoamisesta ja kutistuvan imperiumin salaisista operaatioista, joilla se yrittää säilyttää vaikutusvaltansa rippeet. Kirjoittaja myös suree modernissa yhteiskunnassa vallitsevaa kontrollimentaliteettia, vielä 60-luvulla sotilaat saivat hoitaa hommansa vailla yhteiskunnan ja erityisesti median jatkuvaa huomiota. Lukijalle tulee kyllä mieleen, että onneksi kontrolli on lisääntynyt.

Monet kirjassa kuvaillut operaatiot ovat kuin James Bond-elokuvasta, vaikkakin operaatoiden taustat ja muut yksityiskohdat kuvaillaan välillä uuvuttavan pedanttisesti. Kokonaisuutena ihan kiinnostava, mutta hiukan raskas kirja.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great potted history of the SAS. Most of the campaigns are well known publicly now, but this book offers some more personal inside stories and opinion.
Only downside is that the author is very opinionated on the why and wherefores of history, and sometimes oversteps the line when stating them. As the book progresses he ends up being negative towards everyone from the Dutch to the Americans to the Royal Marines, the Guards and even the SAS's own officers.
Despite claims that he is not proposing that "things were better when I was in the SAS", that's exactly how it comes across.
Still a good read for military historians, and despite the rhetoric, I think his views on the future of the regiment are probably correct.

[Mick Gliddon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoying this read about the Sas and how we conduct our foreign policy. for example we were at war in the early 60's with Indonesia; total black ops.
This books narrative starts at the fall of the empire to year 2000.

[Ernest · Rating 4 out of 5]

The secret history of the SAS? It's not so secret now is it!! :-) A good book well worth spending your pension money on.