SAS : Phantoms of War: A history of the Australian Special Air Service

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Originally published as "SAS Phantoms of the Jungle" in 1989, "SAS: Phantoms of War" is the history of the Australian Special Air Service. This edition has been updated to include details of the SAS's activities in the 1990s and into the 21st century. Based on patrol reports and interviews with participants, this Australian military classic tells the story of the formation of the SAS, its secret role in Borneo during confrontation with Indonesia and its operations in Vietnam. The SAS operated deep behind enemy lines, conducting surveillance at close range, poised to spring into violent action at need. It was with good reason the Viet Cong came to call them Ma Rung - "phantoms of the jungle". After Vietnam, the SAS formed a crack counter-terrorist force, ready to defend Australia. It became involved in action in Somalia, Kuwait and East Timor in the 1990s and, in 2000, the security of the Sydney Olympic Games. This book tells the story of a highly disciplined force operating secretly at the cutting edge of Australia's defence in war and peace.

Author Bio

David Horner is Professor of Australian Defence History in the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University. A graduate of the Royal Military College, Duntroon, he served as an infantry platoon commander in South Vietnam and has had many years of regimental and staff experience. In 1998, as an Army Reserve colonel, he became the first head of the Army's Land Warfare Studies Centre. He has written numerous books on military command, operations, defence policy and strategy, including Defence Supremo, Blamey: The Commander in Chief and Breaking the Codes (co-authored with Desmond Ball).