Lewis brings World War II’s irregular warfare to life in this fascinating history book. Focusing on the British Secret Service, Lewis describes the exploits of a particular SAS unit who saw action throughout World War II, notably involved in the Italy landings and combat across Northern Africa. Lewis draws on some fascinating primary documents which have only been recently revealed and uses these documents to create an incredibly detailed narrative of SAS missions during World War II. Lewis’s prose is straightforward and compelling, and the chronological organization of the book makes the events (situated in the larger context of World War II) easy to follow. Lewis brings the SAS agents to life, noting their final fates and their relationships with their comrades throughout their military careers. Lewis has constructed an interesting narrative around elite forces soldiering and framed it within the context of World War II and the opening of the North African and Italian fronts, and the discussion of the larger context is well done and clearly structured. World War II aficionados and historians are sure to enjoy Lewis’s latest book, his contributions to military history and World War II history, and Brothers in Arms is an amazing addition to the existing literature on the topic.

Princess Fuzzypants here: If you are looking for a grand tale of a band of misfits who, using unorthodox and largely frowned upon tactics, helped win North Africa for the Allies. As Churchill said, they helped bring about the end of the beginning so that the fight could be brought back to the European continent. Churchill was a great supporter of the SAS and their saviour, He understood that the stodgy and moribund ways of waging war was not going to bring victory. Lightening fast- butcher and bolt- these warriors answered to no one but each other and they accomplished the incredible while battling with those to whom their unconventional style was an anathema.

It tells the story of the rebellious men who turned warfare on its ear and confounded Rommel. Never given their due by the brass, they were much loved by those who later heard their stories. In fact, just recently I watched a series called Rogue Heroes. As I was reading the book I kept thinking back to what had been portrayed on the screen. I suspect their real life antics were beyond anything that film could capture.

I was riveted from beginning to end and I do look forward to the next chapter of their story. The likes of Mayne and Stirling and their comrades will not be seen again. Five purrs and two paws up.

I owe my new found interest into WW2 to my mom, who grew up during the War in Germany, whose gone onto heaven, miss her stories and every WW2 book I read is a tribute to her.

While I do owe several of Damien Lewis WW2 books, 'Brothers In Arms', was my first read from the author, it won't be my last, really like his writing a lot and this one is one of my favorite reads of the 2023 books I've read.

With nonfiction as a reader, you have to like the subject you're reading, but it's even better when you're reading actual history about the SAS, then find the main characters that the author picks out to focus on and you like them. Major Robert Blair Mayne just reaches out of the pages, grabs your attention, he's a likable hero, then both Commander David Stirling, and Lt. Eion McGonigal are two other hero's I liked and just made the reading more riveting.

Brothers In Arms is so well researched, it's a mix first hand accounts, diaries masterfully mixed, descriptive details that's action packed, your in the Sahara desert with Paddy and Co., puts tears in your eyes, made me cry when I realized that Eion was killed verse a POW, due to several of the SAS soldiers escaping, kept waiting for him to reappear back at the desert base they use and can't wait for the sequel.

Definitely give the author Damien Lewis a try, he's WW2 historian writer, a great starting point to read about WW2, and be your new favorite author.

Very in-depth and well-reasearched look at a fascinating company that I don't think many people are all that familiar with. It gives Band of Brothers vibes, which is definitely a good thing in my opinion. I liked the very personal stories.

4.5 Stars
A detailed and fascinating history of the men who helped establish and shape the SAS (especially "Paddy" Mayne), this work focuses on the early African deployments during WWII. It's well-researched and offers more in-depth descriptions than many books on the subject. There's to be a sequel which will describe the subsequent period, the European segment of the SAS during WWII. For military history fans.

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Another great history of the SAS in the Second World War. Lewis does a great job detailing their exploits as the new unit glided through Hitlers’ Germany. Would recommend this for those interested in SOF history.

A superbly written account of the early days of the SAS during the North African desert campaign in WW2.
Many books have been written about the legendary SAS, but this rates as one of the best that I have read.
I especially liked the depiction of Paddy Mayne, one of the founders of the regiment. Some sources portray him to be a psychopathic thug. However, the author destroys this argument showing Mayne to be an erudite, self-effacing officer, who cared passionately about his men. That said, there were a few violent combat incidents where he possibly overstepped the acceptable rules of war!
The merging of the Long Range Desert Group (LDRG) and the SAS was inspirational and was proven to be extremely effective. Both sets of men worked spectacularly well together, forming bonds that could only be made in wartime. The soldiers all endured incredible hardships and suffered at times extreme violence.

A truly gripping and interesting story regarding the formation and operation of the SAS. This is the first in a series and concentrated on the campaign in the desert. The book is full of action, firsthand accounts and makes for an enjoyable read. I cannot wait for the follow-on book!

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Another thrilling WWII history by Damien Lewis. I will definitely be ordering this for our library and recommending it for our non-fiction book club!