Description

Book Synopsis

The SAS describes its attitude to the use of lethal force as ''Big boys'' games, big boys'' rules''. Anyone caught with a gun or bomb can expect to be shot. In Big Boys'' Rules: The SAS and the Secret Struggle Against the IRA Mark Urban meticulously explores the security forces'' covert operations in Northern Ireland: from the mid-1970s, when they were stepped up, to the Loughall ambush in 1987, in which eight IRA Provisionals were killed. While charting the successes and failures of special operations during the troubles, Urban reveals 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.'' John Stalker, Sunday Times

Big Boys Rules The SAS and the Secret Struggle

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    A Paperback / softback by Mark Urban

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      Book details

      Publisher Faber & Faber
      Published 23 September 1996
      ISBN-13 9780571168095
      978-0571168095
      ISBN-10 0571168094
      Also in:
      History Revolutions, uprisings, rebellions Military History Military history: post-WW2 conflicts

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      The SAS describes its attitude to the use of lethal force as ''Big boys'' games, big boys'' rules''. Anyone caught with a gun or bomb can expect to be shot. In Big Boys'' Rules: The SAS and the Secret Struggle Against the IRA Mark Urban meticulously explores the security forces'' covert operations in Northern Ireland: from the mid-1970s, when they were stepped up, to the Loughall ambush in 1987, in which eight IRA Provisionals were killed. While charting the successes and failures of special operations during the troubles, Urban reveals 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.'' John Stalker, Sunday Times

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