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Operation Certain Death

The Inside Story of the SAS’s Greatest Battle

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Operation Certain Death

By: Damien Lewis
Narrated by: Damian Lynch
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About this listen

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.

©2018 Damien Lewis (P)2023 Quercus Editions Limited
Africa Military Special & Elite Forces Scary Thought-Provoking Disappearance British Army War
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What listeners say about Operation Certain Death

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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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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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More than the story

A insight to the country before, during and after the operation. How it fits into the surrounding countries. How the UN operated and the cost to achieve? How other mean have been sorted and worked but then the international community see this way as to risky then to watch after all the work to stabilise a region it to fall apart when the UN and other send unprepared people to do a role at a higher cost to the people and the that country in the end.

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Great story

True, intense and amazing story, opens up the mind and bring you back to reality

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Rivetting story + excellent narration

I found this book to be hard to put down, as much because of the excellent narration as the captivating description of a truly remarkable drama.

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Good story and exceptional reading

Very interesting story of an incident I didn’t know anything about, but the best is the reading and the performance to give life to all the aspects and individuals with a gripping and absolutely great delivery!
Recommend strongly

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Rescue and reasons

The book talks about not just the hostage rescue but the direct and indirect causes

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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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Great listen

A long book but enjoyed every minute. Very insightful when being read from different perspectives. Highly recommend

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A blow by blow account of Sirra Leounes troubles

The book gives an in depth account and reasons why troubles are allowed to build up in countries by incompetent policies.
Resulting in the deployment of UK special forces to overcome the waring factions and bring a long awaited peace.

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