First into Action cover art

First into Action

A Dramatic Personal Account of Life Inside the SBS

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First into Action

By: Duncan Falconer
Narrated by: Duncan Falconer
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About this listen

This unique, gripping memoir is essential listening for anyone interested in the Special Forces and how they operate.

The Special Boat Service (SBS) has long been the forgotten sibling of British Special Forces, but no longer. Duncan Falconer's grippingly personal memoir finally lifts the lid on life, loss, training and operations in the toughest unit of them all—the SBS.

From joining up as a teenager, through SBS recruitment, training, and operational detachments, First into Action takes us on a journey through the SBS's history, operations and tactics seen through the lens of Duncan Falconer's remarkable story.

The SBS draws its manpower from the Royal Navy and Royal Marine Commando Units, and the Royal Marines are the oldest and most battle-honoured regiment in the world. First into Action is the first Special Boat Services memoir written from the inside.

©2022 Duncan Falconer (P)2022 Bonnier Books UK Armed Forces Military Military & War Politicians Politics & Activism Special & Elite Forces Inspiring Thought-Provoking War

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All stars
Most relevant  
Very funny at times
Really well delivered
Fascinating story

It was an absolute pleasure to listen to this one.
I usually listen to audio books either on a run or before sleep. I was so gripped by this story I haven't slept in two days. It was very much worth it - many thanks!

I enjoyed the stories so much I have been telling them all to my partner. Will be listening again.

I would recommend this book to anyone.

Brilliant

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I didn’t know much about the SBS when I started listening to this book. I already knew about the SAS and remember them storming the Iranian Embassy when I was only 6 years old. This account by a member of SBS is very revealing and makes me wonder why I didn’t know more about them. What’s more the book is read by a former member of the SBS and immediately I was struck by how calm and humble a member of the SBS needs to be. Some people have written reviews critical of the narrator but I think this book demonstrates just one of the many qualities required - after all the last things required in a member of an organisation like this is flamboyance when making life and death decisions.
The book gives an overview of some of the many activities, incidents and adventures that the SBS has been involved in. It is an eye opener and made me realise how much I take for granted. The descriptions of the submarine excursions are astounding - I’ve been scuba diving and I realise that what I’ve done is so superficial. The risks and situations that members of the SBS are subjected to are unimaginable to most members of the public. I am humbled by these people and how they risk everything so that I can sleep soundly. At the same time they are unassuming and don’t get the recognition they deserve (but don’t appear to be to phased by that as they prefer to lurk in the shadows).
Thank you to the author and other members of the SBS for your service.

Revealing, poignant and unassuming

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One of the best SF books I have listened to .
No glitz , No glamour , No BS !

Fantastic read/listen !

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A excellent book , really refreshing to about the SBS story for a change well done indeed. I loved the humour and the quirky stories and all hats off to the operatives in the SBS and the amazingly difficult job they do. Great to see there side of the story come out at last.

First in to action

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Couldn’t have asked for a better read, brilliant narrating and truly inspiring to say the least

Amazing personal account of life in the SBS told by a truly inspiration man

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The authors done, a brilliant job, writing the story, but should’ve got someone else to read it from the audiobook

Excellent content read in the most boring way

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Really enjoyed his insights in some the characters in the SBS and the dynamics between the SBS and SAS.

Excellent

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I loved it! Really great account and great stories. Didn’t want it to end. Just great

Brilliant

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I liked everything about this book. it is insightful, balanced, well read and very interesting.

A very interesting book. Shame it had to end.

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Interesting, exciting,scary to put your body and mind to exceptional lengths in order to protect everything you believe in. Well done Royal.

His honesty.

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