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First into Action
- A Dramatic Personal Account of Life Inside the SBS
- Narrated by: Duncan Falconer
- Length: 13 hrs and 59 mins
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First into Action
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Summary
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.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- peter
- 02-12-22
Much needed Account of the SBS
Although the author mentions that this is not an autobiography, His has certainly been an interesting story, I recall joining in the 70’s & when I was 19 i was clueless.
Well done Royal -!-
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11 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- paul anderson
- 24-12-22
Superb account of real heroes
As an ex army infantry vet and having served in the troubles, I encountered these bearded mystery men coming in and out of private areas of camps getting into our vehicles in the middle of knowhere but never really knew the story. Like most I assumed SAS or 14 INT, little did we know. Thank you
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5 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ringwood Tony
- 08-12-22
A Military Must Read
This book is captivating and read in an excellent manner by the modest, honest author.
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5 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Kyle
- 04-01-23
Enjoyed from start to finish
Really enjoyed, great stories from the troubles in NI. Was hoping for slightly more recent conflict stories but still fantastic!
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- R. J. Cooper
- 02-01-23
Good book but not the most dynamic reader
Really enjoyed the book and can remember reading this when I first passed out of CTC training many years ago, still remains as good today as it was back then but young Mr Falconer is a little flat as a reader at times.
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- Maria Duffield
- 25-01-23
BORING
I DONT NO HOW HE MANAGES TO MAKE THIS BOOK SOOOOOOO BORING WITH SUCH AN EXCITING SUBJECT !!!!
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- FAB
- 03-01-23
An interesting story
I have always had a great respect for the SBS throughout their history. It is difficult in getting a book on the Squadron as the writer states there have been many written about the SAS but few telling the skills and bravery of these operators. I felt it was a pity to include so much about the SF works in Northern Ireland, i can see the interest in those not from the province but anyone growing up there through “the troubles” will be aware of what was going on.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- GMc
- 22-12-22
A very enjoyable listen
Per Mare Per Terram. By strength and guile. The royal marine family is full of amazing characters who uphold the values and commando spirit.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- paul tilford
- 04-09-23
Fantastic listen
Wasn’t initially sure about the authors ability to deliver a credible narration, as on trialing the audio he sounded detached and somewhat uninterested. This initial uncertainty was soon forgot about when his passion for the subject he was talking about started to shine through. Excellent insight into one of the world’s top SF units with some jaw dropping accounts of what the SBS are trained to do. Coupled with numerous amusing anecdotes and thought provoking accounts of what it was like on operation with an elite unit. Especially enjoyed the ribbing he gave the SAS. Who at times seem up their own asses.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Nobster
- 30-01-23
interesting story, badly narrated
Interesting listen but really poorly read, stilted and halting. Didn't detract from the story particularly but it was frustrating until I got used to it. A decent narrator would have resulted in a better review
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- AMZN Customer
- 02-07-23
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.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ann Schoeneweis
- 01-07-23
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.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Perkolator
- 09-06-23
Insight into a secretive maritime special forces unit more elite than the SAS
I couldn’t stop listening to this book. As a Marine and recreational diver, I found myself wide eyed and blown away at some points and laughing out loud at several others. Awesome book that finally gives credit where it’s due.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- SL
- 19-02-23
Very good look from the inside of the SBS.
Mr. Falconer gives an interesting account of his and others' lives in the SBS during the 1980s. It was also well read by the author.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Don Currie
- 29-12-22
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.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Mark L.
- 23-12-22
Great listen
An excellent insight into relative lessor known special forces group. Good stories both happy and tragic events.
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