Big Boys' Rules

The SAS and the Secret Struggle Against the IRA

By: Mark Urban

Narrated by: Mark Urban

In 2007, after almost 40 years of operations, the SAS ceased operations in Northern Ireland and ended the longest operational commitment in the unit's history. It had been a brutal and ruthless conflict on both sides with the SAS famously describing its attitude to the use of lethal force as 'Big Boys' Rules'. Anyone suspect caught with a gun or bomb could expect to be shot without question.

Starting in 1969, Mark Urban reveals the extraordinary history of the special forces' operations in Northern Ireland and the unenviable dilemmas faced by intelligence chiefs engaged in a daily struggle against one of the world's most sophisticated terrorist organisations.

'This is a book that needed to be written and which fulfils the essentials of any Ulster story; it expands understanding beyond fragmented jingoism and newspaper headlines.' Sunday Times

©2012 Mark Urban (P)2024 Bonnier Books UK

Irish war for Independence under many other labels!

Good description of role of British special forces in the Irish conflict. Clearly whether declared or not this was a war between British forces and Irish Republicans seeking to reunite the 6 counties with the 26 won in 2018-21. The troops on the ground and British leadership both saw that in spite of never actually declaring it so. So in that sense the elimination of the enemy was strategic. Hence the fact that loyalist violence was never treated the same way is understandable. With a united Ireland more likely than ever I wonder was the sacrifice of so many worth it in hindsight. Good read