Customer Reviews

The One That Got Away.

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

This is a great tale of evasion and escape in a hostile environment when the real God of War(Murphy, not Mars or Sun Tzu!)catches up to this SAS team. It tells the rest of the "Bravo Two Zero" story and fills in the details after the unit inadvertently split-up.

Ryan's trek out of Iraq to Syria in the worst weather, over difficult terrain and with enemies all around, is a true epic and a testament to the courage and fortitude of the SAS, and to Chris Ryan in particular.

That being said, this book is a textbook of how NOT to plan and execute a strategic reconnaisance/sabotage mission! The mission was thrown together with poor intell, poorly planned and thought out, and even more poorly supported(no pistols, inadequate maps/photos, not enough ammo!) Prior to insertion, Ryan notes that they left their tentage and warm clothing behind because, well, Iraq is a desert, and of course, deserts are hot! Don't these guys know what the temperature does at night, in the winter, in the desert? Even Ryan acknowledges that leaving their vehicles was a mistake(they were the only team to elect to walk in from their insertion point, carrying 265 lbs of gear each!) Of all the British SAS and American Special Forces teams inserted into Iraq, the ones on foot were in the greatest peril once they were discovered. And these guys had planned to sabotage a fiber optic link with explosives--so not only would they be on foot, deep in enemy territory, they were going to announce their presence to the Iraqis! Nowadays, with the world population continuing to explode, the ability of a group of commandos to sneak around without discovery becomes more and more difficult. There are just too many people and dogs! Stealth is fine but you need good communications and a SPEEDY(ground vehicle or air) exfiltration plan(that your headquarters knows about--the rescue teams were looking in the wrong direction for this team!). To top it off, Bravo-2-0 was not a true "team." Though then men knew each other, they had not trained together as a small unit prior to being assembled for this mission.

With regard to communications, the radio failure of this team is inexcusable. They were given the wrong frequencies by their HQ! What an ammateurish mistake! Over half a century ago, the British 1st Airborne jumped into Holland for Operation Market-Garden, with the wrong radio crystals--guess what--no commo! Don't these SAS guys read any history?

And speaking of history, I also have to take exception to Ryan's statement that Schwarzkopf didn't like elite units because the US Army Special Forces made "a hash of things in Vietnam..." The Green Berets were actually one of the few positives during the Vietnam war--their individual and collective successes at fighting a guerilla war are the stuff of legend. Schwarzkopf and other conventional soldiers have always resented elite organizations, for a variety of reasons, some practical, but mostly political, personal, and emmotional.

Corporal Chris Ryan's endurance, bravery, physical strength, and military skill were demonstrated by his being the only member of the team to avoid capture or death. I just hope that both British and U.S. Special Operations personnel can use the entire experience to prevent similar circumstances occuring in the future.

And, if you couldn't guess, I am retired US Army Special Forces.

I first heard about Andy McNab's "Bravo Two Zero" in 1994 from a soldier in the British Army. He told me it was an excellent true story about the S.A.S. in the Gulf War. I read it and was amazed by Andy McNab's tale of fighting behind enemy lines during the Gulf War. Quite awhile later, I discovered CHRIS RYANS's book "The One That Got Away". I rushed to buy Chris Ryan's book, since I was now hooked on true tales of the S.A.S., about the Gulf War, and of the British Army in general. I was impressed by Chris Ryan's side the story - it was fascinating, honest, and matter-of-fact. HOWEVER, Chris Ryan does not have the story-telling talent and the quick wit of Andy McNab. I found Andy McNab to be a talented writer with an amazing ability to recall the past with astounding clarity and detail. Chris Ryan's story is no less valid than that of Andy Mcnab's, but his style of writing is not as gripping or compelling

I have read two books by Andy McNabb, the patrol leader in this book, one of which, Bravo Two Zero, was about the same action. I also served 10 years in the US Army Special Forces as a communications specialist. I enjoyed both books. I saw no serious conflict of information between the two accounts what happened during this patrol.

One person said Ryan was blaming everyone but himself. Baloney! He did blame himself for not tying Vince to him so he couldn't fall behind and get lost! That's just one thing that disturbed him. Secondly, how could he assume responsiblity for poor or complete lack of intelligence on the enemy, the weather and the terrain? How could he be responsible for being given the wrong radio frequencies and the wrong effective range of the emergency radios? These things are what caused the patrol to suffer such problems. Poor planning was the problem and all Ryan is guilty of is pointing it out so hopefully it won't happen to his buddies. I did not read one word against McNabb in this book. The worst Ryan said about McNabb was tht he seemed to have a problem socializing with the members of the regiment afterwards and especially with Ryan. This is an incredible story about survival and evasion behind enemy lines by three, then two, and finally just one very lonely brave soldier.

Those who are interested in military operations and war history should not miss The One That Got Away. Chris Ryan's escape from Iraq is without a doubt one of the most notable events of the Gulf War. Even people who are not particularly interested in military matters will be touched and inspired by Ryan's account of his harrowing trek through the desert. The ultimate theme that TOTGA leaves with readers is that with strength of spirit, steadfast endurance, and sheer determination a person can overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. It is a lesson that people from all walks of life can benefit from. Chris Ryan survived a hopeless battle against enemy forces. He walked through the desert for over a week, covering 180 miles in a region full of people who would kill him. And he did it in freezing cold weather, going without food or water for many days. After he made it out, he still had to contend with the trauma of his ordeal and the deep feelings of guilt over certain decisions he had to make. Although he never explicitly states it, one might get the impression that Ryan feels a great deal of personal responsibility for the death of Vince Phillips, a fellow member of the Bravo Two Zero patrol who Ryan was forced to leave behind.

Certain issues have been raised regarding the authenticity of the accounts of the Bravo Two Zero mission that have been presented by Chris Ryan and patrol leader Andy McNab (who presented his account in his book, Bravo Two Zero). A comparison of the two accounts reveal a number of inconsistencies. There have been accusations of exaggeration and distortion of the facts made against McNab and Ryan. Those interested in an outside opinion of what truly happened might want to pick up a book entitled "The Real Bravo Two Zero", written by Michael Asher (an ex-SAS member/expert in Arab culture) who went to Iraq years after the war to research the Bravo Two Zero mission on location. Although his research is very thorough, he seems much too willing to accept the accounts of Iraqi witnesses as completely honest while holding McNab and Ryan's accounts in constant suspicion. It is interesting to note that the evidence he uncovered does debunk some aspects of Andy McNab's account. One example is McNab's farfetched claim that Bravo Two Zero managed to kill between 200 and 250 enemy soldiers throughout the ordeal. Chris Ryan never makes such an outrageous assumption in his book, and even Michael Asher has to lend more credibility to Ryan's account at the end of the day. In all fairness, those who were not there can only speculate to a certain extent. There's really no use further arguing about it unless someone out there is capable of reading the minds of the surviving members of Bravo Two Zero. My curiosity was caught by all the sensationalism surrounding the BTZ mission, and in my personal opinion, the truth probably lies somewhere between Chris Ryan's account and Michael Asher's conclusions (leaning closer to Chris Ryan). Whatever the truth of Bravo Two Zero is, Chris Ryan's amazing feat of survival and escape cannot be disputed. The fact remains that he walked through hostile territory in horrible conditions (that caused two other members of his team to die from exposure) for 7 days and 8 nights, and he managed to survive enemy attack, hypothermia, exhaustion, and starvation. These cold hard facts alone make an amazing story even without any of the small details that are in dispute. Chris Ryan is a man of amazing will, and his accomplishment should be forever remembered in the history of military special operations.

Chris Ryan was a member of the legendary SAS Bravo Two Zero patrol that got trapped behind enemy lines during the Gulf War. This is the story of his trek back to Syria. It is an amazing first hand account of courage and endurance against extreme odds. It is also a very human story as he recounts his fears and doubts and the mental impact of being on the run for 7 days with almost no food or water. I was so engrossed by his story that I read the book straight through. I also really enjoyed the brief flashbacks to other times in his life. Perhaps the biggest shocker for me was that the whole Bravo 2 Zero compromise was really the result of poor planning at the highest levels - improper understanding of the extreme weather conditions, out dated maps, inaccurate emergency radio frequencies and no real cover at the insertion point. You also get the impression that Chris Ryan is not a big fan of Andy McNab (squad leader and author of "Bravo Two Zero"). It is what he doesn't say that is most telling. A must read book.

If you are a fan of Bravo Two Zero by Andy McNab then I highly recommend that you pick this one. This is the story that Bravo Two Zero didn't go into. This is the story of raw courage and great determination as told by the one man who went through misery and hell to finish his mission. Chris Ryan's story is something that you have never read before. Use your imagination here. This man walks from Iraq to Syria after his mission falls apart during the Gulf War. Mr. Ryan covered details that I was hoping he would. His feelings during his hellish trek. His thoughts when he was hiding and came within inches of capture. The feelings of the rest of the team that also made it home and how the special operations world benefited from his experience. He also touched base on how it affected life at home. That is something that every service man faces. Thanks Chris for sharing that portion of your life. This is a book that you want to read, especially if you served in the Gulf. I put it on the shelf next to my copy of Bravo Two Zero. This is no Rambo story, so if you are looking for blood and guts look for another book. This is a story of courage and determination.

I read this book right after reading Bravo Two Zero by Andy Mcnab. Both books are a tale of survival, all be it in different ways.

Chris Ryan sure has a good story to tell, he was the only member of the Bravo Two Zero patrol to escape Iraq. He evaded capture for many days on very little food or water. He battled fatigue, extreme weather and many many Iraqis. He also battled himself, he didn't let his body give in while his mind was still working, he fought for every step and his story is truly one of courage and self determination.

The book does focus alot on Ryan's own 'heroism', he obviously feels he should have been the commander of the patrol and expresses this many times through the book, in the end this gets a bit tired and old. He seems to think that the problems the patrol encountered would have been just fine if he was in command, it seems a bit pretentious as it continues.

There are alot of inconsistencies between the books and it is upto the reader who he should choose to believe. I personally think this book was written to ride on the success of the first book by raising questions that will never be answered.

However it is a must read for any one with an interest in the SAS, 2 Stars

Chris Ryan's book is an inspirational piece about survival. The detractors can say what they wish, the bottom line is that this man evaded Iraqi patrols and walked across the desert into Syria with no food, little water but with the skill, courage and determination that has made the UK into a great nation.

While his writing may not be the caliber of Hemmingway, Shakespeare, etc; it rings with the truth that only a memoir can have. The only book that tries to debunk it is written by an Islamic British exile who takes the word of Baathists and shepherds over decorated SAS Soldiers.

Ignore the detractors, although they are few in number. Some folks can only make themselves feel big by tearing down others.
I gather the majority of those writing negative reviews lack the ability to do what Chris did, let alone the equiptment! Read this book, it's an inspiration. There were many times when I was a Marine and found myself going through a rough spot and I'd draw on the knowledge that someone else had gone through what I was going through, and worse...and they made it, so could I! This book will provide that for future generations. I'd call it required reading for anyone considering a career in Spec ops!

Semper Fi!

"The One That Got Away" once again tells the amazing story of the SAS patrol Bravo Two Zero, and it is a chilling read. However it suffers slightly from the fact that Ryan makes McNab out to be the main one at fault for the failed mission, and emphasises his own heroics. This maybe true, but it may be some time before the real truth comes out about the mission without someone trying to sensationalise their role. Despite this Ryan keeps you on the edge of your seat, and his personal journey across the desert escaping from the Iraqi forces is something that few could dream of experiencing. This book shows the high level of training that the SAS undertake, and the high risk operations that they go on. This is war in its reality, not the war where soldiers sleep in their 11x11 tents and have cooked meals every night as well as running water. These men are true soldiers, and Ryan has portrayed this very well.

This is a great book that goes hand-in-hand with Andy McNab's "Bravo Two Zero", where SAS soldiers were captured and tortured by Iraqi's during the Gulf War. Chris Ryan was the only one in the group that did not get captured or killed and he describes in detail the arduous journey he had to make against incredible odds. The odds were definitely stacked against him (the weather, the enemy on his tail, lack of food and water for a week) and all he relied on was his will power to push forward when giving up could have been a lot easier. The book is short read but it definitely packs a lot of power interms of the depths of human determination to live.