• First into Action

  • A Dramatic Personal Account of Life Inside the SBS
  • By: Duncan Falconer
  • Narrated by: Duncan Falconer
  • Length: 13 hrs and 59 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (26 ratings)

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First into Action  By  cover art

First into Action

By: Duncan Falconer
Narrated by: Duncan Falconer
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Publisher's summary

This unique, gripping memoir is essential listening for anyone interested in the Special Forces and how they operate.

The Special Boat Service (SBS) has long been the forgotten sibling of British Special Forces, but no longer. Duncan Falconer's grippingly personal memoir finally lifts the lid on life, loss, training and operations in the toughest unit of them all—the SBS.

From joining up as a teenager, through SBS recruitment, training, and operational detachments, First into Action takes us on a journey through the SBS's history, operations and tactics seen through the lens of Duncan Falconer's remarkable story.

The SBS draws its manpower from the Royal Navy and Royal Marine Commando Units, and the Royal Marines are the oldest and most battle-honoured regiment in the world. First into Action is the first Special Boat Services memoir written from the inside.

©2022 Duncan Falconer (P)2022 Bonnier Books UK

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Great listen

An excellent insight into relative lessor known special forces group. Good stories both happy and tragic events.

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Great read

Once I got into his storytelling, I really enjoyed his dry wit and his willingness to provide some of the day to day life stories.

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Best I’ve ever read

This book is the best account of an operative’s life in an elite unit that I’ve ever read. It also gives deep insight into an organization that is perhaps least known in the world of special forces.

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Just outstanding

Authentic and well written and told. Great humor throughout; the author doesn’t take himself too seriously even though as a SBS Marine he could be excused if he did. Highly recommend.

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  • 02-19-23

Very good look from the inside of the SBS.

Mr. Falconer gives an interesting account of his and others' lives in the SBS during the 1980s. It was also well read by the author.

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Insight into a secretive maritime special forces unit more elite than the SAS

I couldn’t stop listening to this book. As a Marine and recreational diver, I found myself wide eyed and blown away at some points and laughing out loud at several others. Awesome book that finally gives credit where it’s due.

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