- Hardcover: 352 pages
- Publisher: HarperCollins; 1st Edition 1st Printing edition (22 Sep 1994)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0002552450
- ISBN-13: 978-0002552455
- Product Dimensions: 23.4 x 16.4 x 5.4 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
69,881 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #2 in Books > Biography > War & Espionage > Gulf War
- #4 in Books > History > Britain & Ireland > Gulf War
- #69 in Books > History > Military History > Armed Forces > Land Forces
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
"Storm Command" was the account of the last command held by Britain's most decorated officer. Now, in Sir Peter de la Billiere's story leading up to the Gulf War, we have a portrait of life in the SAS and a soldier's view of almost every British Army action since World War II. From wild days in childhood, rebellion at school, the early death of his father and conflict with his stepfather, on to his exploits in the Army in Korea, Egypt, Malaysia, Oman, Borneo, the Sudan, the Falklands and, of course, the Gulf War, this book chronicles the life of a man for whom danger has been a way of life.
From the Back Cover
For anyone who wants to know about the SAS, about British military action since the war, or who simply wants to read the compelling life-story of the most charismatic of leaders, 'Looking for Trouble' is essential reading.
"A commander who made men do almost impossible things by doing them himself first… A soldier who from the most undisciplined and unpromising beginnings achieved complete mastery of himself and the men who fought under him"
"The SAS is where he found his calling. The wars he fought – in Malaysia, Oman, Borneo, Aden and the Falklands – form a roll-call of Britain's post-Second World War battle honours. De la Billiere tells the story of the action with modesty, in simple but gripping prose."
"Naughty boys should not be allowed to read this book, for it shows that persistence in the planning and execution of escapades that break all the rules can lead to the status of national hero."
"An amazingly modest general, a loner from a searing childhood. His autobiography is fascinating not only for his derring-do soldiering career, mostly with the SAS, but his sense of endless quest and ease in taking risky decisions."
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
General Sir Peter De La Billière ranks amongst the greatest of post-World War Two British military commanders. He served in every conflict from Korea to the first Gulf War and ended that career as a full General with two Knighthoods (Knight Commander of the Bath and Knight Commander of the British Empire - the latter of which superseded the CBE awarded previously) a DSO, two MCs and a Legion of Merit. He was in charge of the British special forces who so successfully stormed the Iranian Embassy in London in 1980 bringing swiftly to an end that very public siege. In 1990 he was the British Forces commander under General Norman Schwarzkopf in the first Gulf War. It is interesting to note that he failed Staff College (a pre-requisite qualification for higher military office.) at his first attempt.
In this book, which has caused something of another storm - if only because the SAS do not like people writing about their activities (especially former members of the Regiment), the General tells it exactly as it was. As another reviewer said "it should be essential reading for anyone seeking to lead people" - and not just military personnel.
Leadership and responsibility are, by their very nature stressful activities - especially for those who care. Whilst not wishing to belittle - in any way whatsoever!, the stress associated with civilian occupations, stress under fire is probably the greatest stress of all. As General Norman Schwarzkopf said when being interviewed on television; "It doesn't take a hero to order men to their deaths!" It was that single statement which revealed "his" own caring nature.
Of course, there was a time when British (and other) generals did order men to their deaths in their hundreds of thousands. Today, that particular carnage is remembered as the trench warfare of the First World War. From this book, we are able to learn and understand the intricacies, professionalism and technical detail of how the SAS approach specific problems, how they deal with matters - even those which do not require soldiers operating in covert situations, and, in so doing, we learn how being a general has evolved since those unforgivable times of 90 years ago.
Having once been attached to the SAS, I can certainly say that no state secrets are betrayed here. Instead we have an understanding of how and why certain people, with a certain background, adopt a very different approach to certain problems. It's all in the training, it's all a matter of understanding the principles involved and when those leaders of people from non-military occupations read this book, they too will begin to understand the very concept of leadership itself.
I thoroughly recommend this book. It is written by a great man who will always prefer the background to the spotlight for that is his nature.
NM
Retired British Army Major
In this book, which has caused something of another storm - if only because the SAS do not like people writing about their activities (especially former members of the Regiment), the General tells it exactly as it was. As another reviewer said "it should be essential reading for anyone seeking to lead people" - and not just military personnel.
Leadership and responsibility are, by their very nature stressful activities - especially for those who care. Whilst not wishing to belittle - in any way whatsoever!, the stress associated with civilian occupations, stress under fire is probably the greatest stress of all. As General Norman Schwarzkopf said when being interviewed on television; "It doesn't take a hero to order men to their deaths!" It was that single statement which revealed "his" own caring nature.
Of course, there was a time when British (and other) generals did order men to their deaths in their hundreds of thousands. Today, that particular carnage is remembered as the trench warfare of the First World War. From this book, we are able to learn and understand the intricacies, professionalism and technical detail of how the SAS approach specific problems, how they deal with matters - even those which do not require soldiers operating in covert situations, and, in so doing, we learn how being a general has evolved since those unforgivable times of 90 years ago.
Having once been attached to the SAS, I can certainly say that no state secrets are betrayed here. Instead we have an understanding of how and why certain people, with a certain background, adopt a very different approach to certain problems. It's all in the training, it's all a matter of understanding the principles involved and when those leaders of people from non-military occupations read this book, they too will begin to understand the very concept of leadership itself.
I thoroughly recommend this book. It is written by a great man who will always prefer the background to the spotlight for that is his nature.
NM
Retired British Army Major
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Couldn't put this book down. Have read a lot of autobiographical accounts of life in the SAS, met a few ex Hereford guys and this book helps understand SAS life and mentally in a more rounded way.Great read!
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book is superb - I don't know why it has taken me so long to get round to getting a copy!
It has some hilarious stories from his early life, right the way through Sir Peter's career.
But the main point is ably summarised on the back dust jacket:
"A commander who made men do almost impossible things by doing them himself first... A soldier who from the most undisciplined and unpromising beginnings acheived complete mastery of himself and the men who fought under him" (Daily Telegraph)
Now I need to read his other book 'Storm Command'!
It has some hilarious stories from his early life, right the way through Sir Peter's career.
But the main point is ably summarised on the back dust jacket:
"A commander who made men do almost impossible things by doing them himself first... A soldier who from the most undisciplined and unpromising beginnings acheived complete mastery of himself and the men who fought under him" (Daily Telegraph)
Now I need to read his other book 'Storm Command'!
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