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Operation Certain Death
- The Inside Story of the SAS’s Greatest Battle
- Narrated by: Damian Lynch
- Length: 19 hrs and 37 mins
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Summary
Operation Certain Death chronicles the story of the single most daring Special Forces operation since World War Two - Operation Barras; the attempted rescue by the SAS of the British Forces who were being held captive by guerrilla gang the West Side Boys in the Sierra Leone jungle. The West Side Boys were a strange-looking bunch, wearing pink shades, shower caps, fluorescent wigs and voodoo charms they believed made them invulnerable to bullets - an impression re-enforced by ganja, heroine, crack cocaine and gallons of sweet palm wine. In 1999 a twelve man patrol of Royal Irish Rangers, who were training government troops in Sierra Leone, were captured and held hostage by the West Side Boys. They were held prisoner in a fortified jungle hideaway, with severed heads decorating the palisades, defended by some 400 heavily armed soldiers.
Operation Barras, the rescue mission, was a combined force of 100 Paras, twelve members of the Special Boat Squadron, helicopters from the Navy and RAF and, spearheading the operation, 40-strong D squadron of the SAS. Against amazing odds the hostages were rescued - over 150 of the enemy were killed. Operation Certain Death is a thrilling true story of all out war. No hostages taken. Blood-letting on a vast scale inflicted on a very blood-thirsty enemy.
A gripping piece of true military history, perfect for fans of action adventure stories and anyone interested in the top secret division of the British Army.
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What listeners say about Operation Certain Death
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- Mike Wilkins
- 06-04-24
Great listen
I am already a fan of Damien Lewis and this story didn't disappoint. The narration is clear and helps the listener to understand the intricacies of the incidents described.
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- Ian Murdoch
- 01-03-24
A rolicking good read.
I found this book to be a rare gem among "military accounts" of the UK's past operations. It was detailed and precise, though didn't lose any pace because of it. I was gripped...
I also liked the dissection of the political situation at the time, that I have never heard in other accounts.
Recommended for military history buffs, or just because you like a good story, about brave men, doing heroic things, in the face of huge odds.
Research, writing, and reading performance all first class.
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- David
- 16-02-24
Great listen
A long book but enjoyed every minute. Very insightful when being read from different perspectives. Highly recommend
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- erickhen
- 28-03-24
Clear narration
Started a little bit slowly, and I almost put it down. I’m glad I persevered. It turned into an absolutely fascinating and gripping story.
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- Kristan
- 26-01-24
Rescue and reasons
The book talks about not just the hostage rescue but the direct and indirect causes
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- GRAHAM GILBERT
- 08-02-24
An extremely detailed book
This book is extremely detailed. In fact if anything too detailed, the performance of the reader is excellent. The research must’ve been extensive. It’s an exciting story and there is a wealth of detail within the book so much so that it does take a determination to finish the story, but nonetheless Please stick with it as the author has worked so hard to tell the story of many heroes. I loved some of the characters within the book, particularly some of the SAS team
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- Amazon Customer
- 28-01-24
attention to detail
I soon found myself imagining myself being with the forces and suffering the liws that they must have felt
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- Dave
- 01-01-24
Excellent account
For anyone interested in recent milatry events and history, this book/audiobook is a must. Events are explained with great detail and humour. A very precise and interesting account is given of the SAS and British militiary involved in the operation, and the deplorable West Side Boys are explained in all their gory detail. A must read for any one intereted in SF ops and/or Sierra Leone. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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- WRJC
- 07-02-24
An amazing insight.
From the gut wrenching graphic account of the victims to the vivid reality of fighting in such lawless lands, Damien once again relays the story well and also offers a unique and intriguing insight to the use of PMC’s.
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- Andy north
- 17-02-24
Certain death
Well tbf in them days it just shows how the world has changed and Africa will never change plus if the is to be made the uk government will use shadow companies to get in there and make the money then run and leave all the dirty work to special forces and paras cos they better but it’s not any difference since has it
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