Author Topic: Bravo Two Zero = Cheap War Fiction? (Read 311 times)

funkedup · « **on:** December 17, 2002, 05:15:29 PM »

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The most damning evidence of all, though, came from Peter Ratcliffe, former Regimental Sergeant Major of 22 SAS during the Gulf War who won the DCM for bravery and leadership while heading an SAS unit behind enemy lines. In his book Eye of the Storm, Ratcliffe wrote that neither McNab's nor Ryan's written accounts of the Bravo Two Zero mission tallied with the official debriefings they had given in the UK after the war. He likened both books to 'cheap war fiction' and stated for the record that in his opinion both Ryan and McNab had betrayed the proud traditions of the Regiment. He declared that though these authors hid behind pseudonyms, members of 22 SAS knew who they were and regarded them with 'contempt or ridicule or both'.

From The Real Bravo Two Zero by Michael Asher.

I'm still reading it, but it's definitely interesting so far. It's kind of like a Gulf War version of Rashomon.

Gman · « **Reply #1 on:** December 17, 2002, 05:25:03 PM »

"Andy McNabb", which isn't even his real name, is a "tosser" as my friend Phil Ham said. Phil was with the 22nd for many years, and played on the same Pro Paintball circuit as I did.

My best man for my wedding, as well as my best friend both went from 2 Para to the 22nd recently, and say that a lot of the SpecOp books you read nowadays are 99% b.s.

Wonder what Wps from 13th TAS has to say about this.

I denfinately going to read that book Funked, thanks for the tip.

gatso · « **Reply #2 on:** December 17, 2002, 05:38:44 PM »

Sounds like RSM Ratcliffe has it just about right about Mcnabb IMHO. Wouldn't call anything by him a historical account.

Some guys out there are writing accurate books but they don't sell as well as Messrs McNabb etc because they don't make things up and the books sometimes are less action packed as a result.

All the guys with 'interesting' jobs in the forces I have personally met... well.. lets just say I'm glad they are on our side

Gatso

senna · « **Reply #3 on:** December 17, 2002, 05:42:57 PM »

I rented the movie thinking it was gona suck (cas I never heard of this movie) but it was actually good.

Pongo · « **Reply #4 on:** December 17, 2002, 05:53:44 PM »

Bravo two zero and the one that got away neither really made sense once the choppers took off..

AKDejaVu · « **Reply #5 on:** December 17, 2002, 06:00:34 PM »

Most of the stories I've heard from special forces guys ended with "so we hid in some bushes until they left".

Then there's the guys that are simply out to impress you. You know who they are because when the start to talk, the other SF guys roll their eyes and make a hasty exit.

The training and skills are there, its just that the role of SF is highly glamorized by people that wish it was more than it actually was.

AKDejaVu