Big Boys' Rules cover art

Big Boys' Rules

The SAS and the Secret Struggle Against the IRA

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About this listen

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 Armed Forces Freedom & Security Military Military & War Politics & Government Special & Elite Forces World War I
All stars
Most relevant
Knew a lot of the stories and events from other books and podcasts, but a very steady pace through the troubles up in Northern Ireland kept it interesting. Fascinating and horrible, good listen, good narrator.

Thorough, mostly unbiased, and without pointing fingers.

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The story is boring and mundane and lacks interest just seems like a list of facts

Nothing

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I was hoping to gain a better understanding of the Army and IRA in NI . I certainly feel educated but . the press , judiciary , RUC , intelligence , informers , politicians , police , SAS , shoot to kill, rules of engagement make it so complex . The fact that terrorists were treated as criminals when they were in fact enemy soldiers fighting a gorilla war and 1000 + members of the security services were killed is very revealing .

Worth listening to

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It left you wondering did it or didn’t it happen will we ever know?
Will we ever find out

Details of events

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Narration was excellent book was great well researched and very well written. Although not a lot of detail about early three years of troubles still very enjoyable

Clarity and content of book

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