Book Review: SAS - Duty Before Glory: The True WWII Story of SAS Original Reg Seekings

There are an estimated 300 to 500 books that delve into every aspect of Britain's elite Special Air Service (SAS). With the origins of the SAS having been so extensively explored in books, documentaries, and TV dramas, one might think there is little new to say. Nevertheless, Tony Rushmer’s ‘SAS - Duty Before Glory’ brings to light the remarkable tale of Reg Seekings, one of the SAS's original members and most decorated non-commissioned officers of World War II. Set for release on 26 September 2024 by Michael O'Mara Books, this biography is a gripping account of bravery, camaraderie, and the extraordinary feats of an ordinary man.

Summary

Rushmer's narrative traces Seekings' journey from his humble beginnings in the Cambridgeshire Fens to his pivotal role in the SAS during World War II. The author draws upon archive recordings and previously unseen family documents to paint a vivid picture of Seekings' life, from farm labourer's son and amateur boxer to highly decorated squadron sergeant major.

The book delves into Seekings' involvement in daring behind-the-lines operations across North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. It recounts hair-raising, and sometimes quite shocking experiences, including surviving a bullet to the base of his skull in France and being one of the first Allied soldiers to enter Belsen concentration camp.

Reg Seekings, Eric Musk, and Bob Seekings (left to right), Layforce, Commandos, 1941.

SAS: Seekings and Seekings

Rushmer's meticulous research shines through in the level of detail provided. The use of Seekings' own handwritten accounts of operations adds a layer of authenticity and immediacy to the narrative. The author's journalistic background is evident in his ability to weave together personal anecdotes with a broader historical context, creating a compelling read.

The book doesn't shy away from presenting Seekings as a complex, frequently violent character. Seekings appeared to be one of those rare people who was able to remain calm and clearheaded, no matter how urgent or stressful the situation was. He was also gifted with incredible luck, repeatedly emerging from combat without a scratch while many of his comrades were killed and wounded.

One of the book's compelling aspects is its exploration of the relationship between Reg and his brother Bob, who followed him into the SAS. While the brothers shared a sporty and competitive nature, it’s evident that Reg possessed an extraordinary inner strength. This mental resilience allowed him to perform his duties consistently, no matter how unpleasant.

In contrast, the narrative paints a poignant picture of Bob's struggle with the intense mental and physical demands of SAS operations. This juxtaposition of the brothers' experiences adds a layer of human interest to the story, highlighting the exceptional nature of Reg's capabilities while also underscoring the immense pressures faced by the original members of the SAS.

Target Reader

‘SAS - Duty Before Glory’ will appeal to military history enthusiasts, particularly those interested in Special Forces operations during World War II. The book's focus on personal experiences and character development also makes it accessible to anyone who enjoys reading about the lives of remarkable characters.

In summary

Tony Rushmer's ‘SAS - Duty Before Glory’ is a welcome addition to the canon of World War II literature. By focusing on the extraordinary life of Reg Seekings, Rushmer provides a fresh perspective on the early days of the SAS and the individuals who shaped its legacy. The book serves not only as a tribute to Seekings but also as a testament to the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.

This meticulously researched and engagingly written biography is sure to be a must-read for anyone interested in the early history of the SAS and its original members.

SAS Battle Ready by Dominic Utton – a compendium of forty Special Air Service operations

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SAS Battle Ready is the latest book from journalist and author Dominic Utton. The book is an anthology of forty Special Air Service (SAS) operations since the unit’s formation in 1941.

The book is divided into three sections. The first section, Forged in War, briefly explains the early history of the SAS from inception during the North Africa campaign to Operation Archway three and a half years later. The next section of the book examines the period between 1952 and 2000. During this period the SAS evolved with the changing nature of global threats from the decline of the British Empire to the rise of international terrorism and hostage-taking. During this time, SAS operations spanned Malaya, Oman, Somalia, the Iranian Embassy siege, London, and the Falklands War. Finally, the book concludes with the Regiment’s most recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the post-9/11 so-called War on Terror.

Perhaps due to his background in journalism, Dominic Utton has a talent for being able to summarise some of the world’s most complex conflicts in just a few brief sentences. In fact, he succeeds in telling the dramatic story of forty SAS operations from the early ‘shoot-and-scoot’ missions across the Libyan Desert to hunting for Scud missile launchers in Iraq with remarkable economy. The book also contains some fascinating facts, such as the SAS suffered 330 casualties during the Second World War while they manage to inflict around 31,000 losses on Axis forces. Clearly, David Stirling’s belief ‘that a few men could inflict more damage – with less risk - than in a traditional attack’ was fully proven.

Although SAS Battle Ready is a perfectly readable and informative book, I do have reservations about it. Firstly, a quick glance at the book’s bibliography reveals that no primary research was done whatsoever. If Mr. Utton did conduct his own research but simply neglected to cite his sources, then I stand corrected. Nonetheless, the book appears to be largely a compendium of other writers’ works. Because of Dominic Utton’s economy of research, SAS Battle Ready has nothing new to tell us about the SAS that hasn’t been said before. I, personally, have never attempted to conduct any research on British special forces. However, ex-SAS veterans like Rusty Firmin and Robin Horsfall are no longer hard men to find. In fact, both men have their own websites and are easily contactable via LinkedIn.

The lack of any evidence of primary research brings me to my second question, criticism, or concern about the writing of SAS Battle Ready, and that is why bother? Surely, given the right inputs an AI (artificial intelligence) application like ChatGPT or Google’s Bard could have produced something similar. Of course, the obvious, rather cynical answer to my own question as to why write yet another book about the SAS is that they’re popular and likely to sell. The ex-SAS soldier turned prolific author Steven Mitchel (pen-name Andy McNab) is a veritable one-man publishing house, turning out over 30 fiction and non-fiction titles based on his time with the Regiment.

It is difficult to give an exact number as new books about the Special Air Service are constantly being published. However, it is safe to say that hundreds of books have been written about the SAS since the end of the Second World War. Andy McNab’s Bravo Two Zero (1993) and Immediate Action (1995) have both become international bestsellers. More recent books like SAS: Rogue Heroes - The Authorised Wartime History by Ben Macintyre (2016) have been adapted for television and spawned a plethora of films, TV documentaries, reality TV shows, podcasts, and computer games. Audiences seem to have an insatiable appetite for all things SAS related. Luckily for the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the Regiment’s Winged Dagger unit insignia and famous ‘Who Dares Wins’ motto is Crown copyright protected, which hopefully contributes to our dwindling defence budget, but I digress. Military history and the media and entertainment industries have always had a symbiotic relationship, and long may it continue. However, writing books about the SAS that have nothing new to say and simply rehash other authors’ works seem a little cynical and opportunistic.

I’m sure Dominic Utton’s SAS Battle Ready will sell, and the publisher will no doubt see a return on their investment. Overall, I cannot help feeling a bit cheated by the book’s lack of effort. Perhaps, whoever plays it safe also wins.   

SAS Battle Ready by Dominic Utton is published by Michael O’Mara Books Ltd., 2023.