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The Phantom Major

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The Phantom Major

By: Virginia Cowles
Narrated by: Robert Whitfield
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About this listen

 In the dark and uncertain days of 1941 and 1942, when Rommel's tanks were sweeping towards Suez, a handful of daring raiders were making history for the Allies. They operated deep behind the German lines, often driving hundreds of miles through the deserts of North Africa. They hid by day and struck by night, destroying aircraft, blowing up ammunition dumps, derailing trains, and killing many times their own number.

These were the SAS, Stirling's desert raiders, the brainchild of a deceptively mild-mannered man with a brilliant idea. Small teams of resourceful, highly trained men would penetrate beyond the front lines of the opposing armies and wreak havoc where the Germans least expected it.

The Phantom Major is the classic account of these desert raids, an amazing tale of courage, impudence, and daring, packed with action and high adventure. An intimate record based on eyewitness accounts, this book still stands as the definitive history of the early years of the SAS.

(P)2001 Blackstone Audiobooks Military War

Critic Reviews

"This military story is ideally suited to audio: maps aren't necessary to follow its excitement, and the reader adds a pleasing dimension with his skill at accents, reminding us of whom the story is about." (AudioFile)
All stars
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a really good listen. a well told and read account of a spectacular period and career

excellent

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very well written and brilliant narration. an engaging piece . thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish.

excellent

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I used to love reading these books, it's the first audiobook I've listened to about David Stirling.

Loved this book

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I had read the book as a child and was thrilled to find it available on audible for free! It was every bit as good as I remembered. The British accent of the narrator added even more to the experience. I highly recommend

Fantastically entertaining!

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I hadn’t read this since I was young so was happy to stumble across it.
Well written and nicely narrated

Great read

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An excellent story and performance. A great historical look at an iconic military unit.

Great book.

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Excellent and to the point on the subject and background of the SAS and David Stirling.

Factual story of the origins of the SAS

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Anti-climactic, with little tension or drama. Pity, because the setting and story deserved much more.

Bogged in the sand.

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