Forged in Hell

The Gripping True Story of the Special Forces Heroes Who Broke the Nazi Stranglehold

By: Damien Lewis

Narrated by: Steven Crossley

July 1943: The largest invasion fleet ever assembled sailed for fortress Europe, aiming to bulldoze its way onto Nazi shores. At its vanguard went a few hundred elite forces soldiers. The Royal Navy warship carrying them—a former passenger ferry transformed for battle—bore the iconic winged dagger emblem carved on its prow, plus the motto 'Who Dares Wins,' painstakingly fashioned with the most rudimentary tools by Sergeant William 'Bill' Deakins, the foremost explosives expert on board and a Royal Engineer by trade.

Led by the SAS commander Blair 'Paddy' Mayne, these war-bitten, piratical raiders were tasked with the impossible—to be the first among the fleet—the very tip of the spear—to bludgeon their way through the most heavily defended enemy shoreline, enabling the ensuing forces to follow on. If they succeeded, it would mark the turning point in the war. If they failed, the consequences were unthinkable. Against all odds, outnumbered some fifty-to-one, and facing a ferocious series of cliffside defenses, they would have to dare all as never before. So begins the true story of the SAS's incredible mission, an endeavor replete with surprise, shock, action, heroism, and glory, not to mention treachery, dismay—and the longstanding personal aftershocks of brutal and bloody years spent at war.

©2023 Damien Lewis (P)2024 Tantor

Subject matter

Nothing, story, pace, perfect, regrets that in real time more details weren’t documented, classic underrating of the actual missions bravery and personal metal.

Inspiring story of very brave men

Intriguing story of an elite group of soldiers and the difficult battles they fought. Narration is solid and the book is filled with inspiring stories that will make you laugh and cry. Damien Lewis is an excellent author, able to capture the time and place in context. Enjoy!