Product Description

Sixty years ago, four men parachuted onto a Norwegian glacier, carrying only the most basic equipment. Their mission was to prevent the Nazi regime from building an atomic bomb. Now wilderness expert Ray Mears tells the true story of this gruelling campaign, showing how these men’s ability to survive in extreme conditions influenced the outcome of the Second World War.

The Telemark campaign was an example of the bravery and skill of the SOE trainees. The Norwegians transformed a military disaster into a triumph. This book tells the full story for the first time.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3181 in Books
• Published on: 2004-05-24
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

Geographical Magazine
'The foremost purveyor of bushcraft in the UK today.'

Review
'If Ray Mears isn't a Great Living Englishman, then goodness me, who is? The man is great, and he doesn't even begin to know how great he is. Ray is a persuader, pragmatist and populariser in the Durrell-Attenborough-Bellamy tradition.' (Robert Crampton, The Times Magazine )

'Ray Mears is a bushman first and foremost and really can survive in any extreme environment. I can't think of a better companion in a crisis.' (Tim Lewis, GQ )

'The foremost purveyor of bushcraft in the UK today.' (Geographical Magazine )

About the Author
Born in 1964, Ray Mears has travelled the world studying and teaching the art of survival. As well as his TV and writing work, he founded Woodlore, a company which runs training courses in bushcraft and associated skills.

Customer Reviews

Best raid ever!
I have always enjoyed Ray Mears TV programmes so I thought that this book would reflect Mr Mears easy going personal style and passion for survival in extreme physical conditions....I was not to be disappointed. This was a well written book from begining to end...exceedingly enjoyable.

This is an amazing true story about one of if not thee most important covert military operation in WW2. The destruction of a heavy water plant in Norway becomes critical in the 'Nazi v Allies' race to develop a nuclear weapon during the war. Having limited options available to them and after a failed glider commando attempt the allies decided to send in a team of saboteurs to carry out an extremely perilous sabotage operation.

The fact that the team of Norwegian SOE trained agents parachuted in and carried out this task under the Germans noses without even loosing a single man is only part of this amazing story. The epic escapes by the team, the pre & post operational hardships encountered by the team in an artic environment and the subsequent sinking of a ferry a few months after the operation containing another shipment of heavy water is the other half of this narrative. Each operational phase is embedded with quite incredulous mini-stories reflecting the courage, daring and fortitude of the men involved.

A common thread that weaves through the exciting web of this book is the courage and daring of not only the raiding group but that of the Norwegian populous. That these actions were carried out by humble, modest but highly motivated patriotic Norwegians makes this book a compelling read. If you are Norwegian and you read this book you should stand in awe of your countrymen's achievements and contribution to the eventual allied victory in Europe. This book is a great advert for Norway and its people!

Another Hollywood rip-off corrected . . .
A really interesting and inspiring read. It covers the real events that were the inspiration behind the film `The Heroes of Telemark'. This was the sabotage mission carried out on a power station in the Telemark region of Norway. It was carried out by patriotic and heroic Norwegians, who risked their lives and showed immense skill and outdoormanship. However, as with most things Hollywood gets their hands on, the story had to be `sexed up' for the big screen.

The only criticism I have from the book is that it seems to have an element missing that must have been in the BBC television series. From what I understand from the pictures in the book, Ray Mears must have attempted some of the feats carried out by Operations Grouse and Gunnerside. However, this is not commented upon in the book, which only focuses on the history and narrative story.

The Real Heroes of Telemark
I am nearly half way through the book having been bought it for Christmas. An excellant and very clear read so far.

Brilliant and well worth a read!!