First into Action

A Dramatic Personal Account of Life Inside the SBS

By: Duncan Falconer

Narrated by: Duncan Falconer

This unique, gripping memoir is essential listening for anyone interested in the Special Forces and how they operate.

The Special Boat Service (SBS) has long been the forgotten sibling of British Special Forces, but no longer. Duncan Falconer's grippingly personal memoir finally lifts the lid on life, loss, training and operations in the toughest unit of them all—the SBS.

From joining up as a teenager, through SBS recruitment, training, and operational detachments, First into Action takes us on a journey through the SBS's history, operations and tactics seen through the lens of Duncan Falconer's remarkable story.

The SBS draws its manpower from the Royal Navy and Royal Marine Commando Units, and the Royal Marines are the oldest and most battle-honoured regiment in the world. First into Action is the first Special Boat Services memoir written from the inside.

©2022 Duncan Falconer (P)2022 Bonnier Books UK

Great read

Once I got into his storytelling, I really enjoyed his dry wit and his willingness to provide some of the day to day life stories.

Exceptional Storytelling

A really interesting book with great storytelling. Duncan Falconer makes the experience feel real and intense. Highly recommended if you enjoy authentic military stories.

Great listen

An excellent insight into relative lessor known special forces group. Good stories both happy and tragic events.

Just outstanding

Authentic and well written and told. Great humor throughout; the author doesn’t take himself too seriously even though as a SBS Marine he could be excused if he did. Highly recommend.

Best I’ve ever read

This book is the best account of an operative’s life in an elite unit that I’ve ever read. It also gives deep insight into an organization that is perhaps least known in the world of special forces.