The Phantom Major: The Story of David Stirling and the SAS Regiment

This is the 2nd time I've read this book, and it was as exciting as the first. Perhaps more so because the first time was in 2004. I chose to read this book for research on my second book, a World War II story about behind-the-lines activity in North Africa. This book is not only insightful about the War, but entertaining on how a small detachment grew in what today is the S.A.S. (Special Air Service). It's very interesting how despite the success of this small military unit during the early days of the War in the Desert, military leaders were slow to recognize its importance. David Stirling seemed the unlikely man to create such a force. He was not the dashing handsome hero, but rather an ordinary, even quiet-looking person whom one would hardly take notice. However, Stirling proved looks can be deceiving, for he was an extremely confident, competitive, determined and capable leader. Stirling recognized the Afrika Korps' weaknesses and penetrated enemy lines with American jeeps outfitted with Vickers and Lewis machine guns. They raided enemy aerodromes, destroyed over 250 enemy planes (more than any single squadron of the R.A.F.), fuel depots, machine shops, trucks, you name it, they hit it. At one point Stirling was considered to be awarded the highest award for valor by the Royal Air Force (R.A.F.), but jealous officers nixed the idea. This book takes you through how Stirling came up with the idea for L Detachment, the obstacles he faced within the British Army, his recruitment of officers and men, acquiring supplies and training, and actual engagements with the enemy. Their exploits are described in detail, and it is truly amazing how close they came to capture in the middle of the desert. The author writes in clarity the depravations they faced with low rations, water, fuel and ammunition. The Special Air Service was such a threat to Rommel's Afrika Korps that a specially-trained unit was formed in Germany and flown to North Africa to deal with them. If you love military fiction, or history, you will love this book because it combines them both. I found it highly entertaining and am glad to have this in my personal collection. David Lucero, author

Amazing how much damage a small group of badassess can do.

This book was written at a level easily understood by anyone with a military background. Very cleverly put together. I would have liked more maps.

Great reading Gives you the appetite for reading more on the African campaign especially from Rommels point of view I will certainly be reading

It's a fascinating and classic WW II book. The daring-do of the SAS has always appealed to the arm-chair adventurous types. I have an original 1958 paperback edition and have read it a few times over the years. TV viewers from the 1960s will recognize the story as the basis of the series "The Rat Patrol." The reason I only gave the book a 4-Star rating (compared to 5-Stars from just about everybody else) is that it grossly exaggerates the real effect the desert raiders had on the overall outcome of the desert war in north Africa. For example, it is now known that the number of German aircraft destroyed by the raiders was greatly exaggerated. Keep in mind that the book was first published in 1958. At that time, researching the real effects of any Allied activity on the German war effort just wasn't done.

Many harrowing TRUE stories that were riveting to read. It was truly phenomenal that those men had such success and luck in helping to win the war for the allies.

The book gives the reader the true understanding of what it takes to be a fhantom fighter in covert operatins in unbelievable circumstances. Courage, resourcefullness , navigation skills and more. Many future commandos took example from David Stirling.

Well, written, albeit one-sided view of the SAS adventures in the African campaign. Well worth a read, or a listen to, but there are more modern and balanced works available.

It was amazing what a small band of determined soldiers could achieve when free of the shackled of conventional thinking military strategists. I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this book but it captivated me quickly and it was a thoroughly enjoyable read. What an adventure!

This is an excellent book for anyone who wishes to know how and by whom the SAS was started in North Africa in WW2. Virginia Cowles tell a gripping story of the initially small unit's daring actions behind the German-Italian lines, both succesful and otherwise, and gives a penetrating insight into the character of David Stirling, The Phantom Major, as the Germans came to call him. The book is simply hard to put down.

A fascinating story about how one man saw a way to change the "rules" of war and the course of history. I'm not going to talk about the story, otherwise I will spoil it, but if you are interested in the history of the SAS, the conflicts in North Africa, during World War II or have enjoyed watching the BBC Series, "SAS: Rouge Heros", then this book is for you.

The wort's and all highs & lows of how the elite SAS was formed and how Sterling turned them into a crack unit in the western desert

I had read this book 55 years ago and still enjoyed it today