Product Description

Robin Horsfall shot and killed one of the leading terrorists inside the Iranian Embassy when the SAS stormed the building. He served with the SAS during the Falklands War and on subsequent counter-terrorist operations. He tells his personal odyssey from boy-soldier to paratrooper with insight and wisdom. His enemies were not just terrorists: he fought the institutionalized brutality of the Parachute Regiment -- and his own inner demons. He learned the difference between physical and moral courage; between officers who expect you to be ready to die for them, and those who actually want you to get killed so they can win a medal. It's an action-packed narrative, but much more than another RAMBO-style romp. Robin reveals some painful truths, not least the ordinary SAS men's view of General de la Billiere and his orders for a kamikaze mission to Argentina. This is the best, no-holds barred, personal account of an SAS trooper ever published.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #34562 in Books
• Published on: 2003-07-10
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

About the Author
Robin Horsfall joined the Army as a boy soldier then served in 2 Para in Northern Ireland during the mid-1970s. He joined the SAS in time to storm the Iranian Embassy and serve during the Falklands. After leaving the army he worked as Dodi Fayed's bodyguard and fought as a mercenary in Sri Lanka and Mozambique. He is now a very successful karate teacher in London and is married with four children.

Customer Reviews

A brilliantly written work ...
Robin Horsfall really has produced a truly wonderful book, that makes for absolutely compelling reading - to the point that when I finished it, I turned straight back to the start and read it again.

From his early days as a boy soldier, to his trials and tribulations as a para, and eventually to the tough selection process to become a member of our elite SAS, this work will have you gripped from start to finish, with a good number of amusing anecdotes, such as the jungle's infamous "b***ard tree", which had me laughing out loud.

I'd remembered Robin's name from a wonderful BBC documentary charting the 6 days of the Iranian Embassy Siege in 1980, where he was a member of the SAS team which stormed and brought to a conclusion that compelling episode in recent British history.

I'm so glad I did remember his name, as this book makes for one hell of a read.

A military classic in every sense
I had the pleasure of meeting Robin when we were both featured as guests on a political discussion show. To say it was an honour would be an understatement - he has a military record and personal history that marks him out as a truly remarkable man. Having firstly met him, and secondly read his book, I can well understand how he's gained such a legendary reputation amongst the military community.

Robin became a boy soldier at the tender age of 15 on the famously robust `Junior Leaders course'. If you've ever wondered why the British Infantry has consistently produced the finest NCOs in the world then one need look no further than this course: in the 1970/80s most of our RSMs were graduates of this scheme. Following on from that Robin became an elite Para at just 17 (another outstanding feat), and even more impressively, a fully blown SAS trooper at just 21.

But Fighting Scared is much more than just another Special Forces memoir, and the author's moving personal story of a grim childhood, and consequent fears and self-doubt, resonates throughout the expertly written text. Robin's story has a profound humanity and self-awareness behind it, and he explains clearly, and demonstrates with graphic candour, why walking away from violence is often the hardest thing to do.

Most readers will undoubtedly relish the adrenaline packed descriptions of daily life within the SAS and the remorseless cycle of military op's; but for me the story of his struggle for acceptance and fight for respect and dignity, within the Para's and basic training, was equally valid. Robin teaches us that the greatest victory of all is to merely stand up and be counted, and that if a man ever desires to be exceptional, then he has to be prepared to sacrifice everything he has.

An outstanding story and a true military classic.

Steven McLaughlin
Author of Squaddie - a soldier's story

Robin Horsfall Fghting Scared
If you like SAS books that ring true, then buy this one. Robin's fight is not just with the Paras or the SAS, but within himself, and never mind -Who Dares Wins-. This man dared and won some fights within his own life. If this book could be given 100 stars I would give it. Well done Robin..