The Phantom Major

By: Virginia Cowles

Narrated by: Robert Whitfield

Length: 8 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

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

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)

I couldn't stop listening...

The recording isn't perfect because and a couple of times it sounds as though they've re-recorded a couple of words then dubbed them over.
However despite this its still a really good book and I highly recommend it. I recently read "Patton, Montgomery, Rommel" and this book helped flesh out the African aspects of that book.
It seems a very candid account, and not cut down like many SAS books.

Real history

Loved it. Never taught in history class. Real people real heros. Need more men like this.

Great historical account of ww2 in Africa

First read this book as a teenager, then several more times over the years. Great history and first hand accounts about one of the most significant campaigns by the allies. The courage, creativity and audacity displayed repeatedly by this small group of men was remarkable.

Great story

An outline Of the changing face of war and the impact of a special operation force, before Spec Ops was a thing

David Sterling what a hero

An amazing account of how one man changed the way modern warfare is waged. Absolutely harrowing stories of courage and daring.

Not just for military wonks

This is a very listenable book about a subject which should be of interest to history buffs and students of human nature alike. The reading is superbly done and the content is pacy and enjoyable. I suspect that this will get many listens in the future.

best book ive downloaded so far

the phantom major is to date ther best audible book ive downloaded in the last 3 years. not just for SAS fans but thoroughly entertaining for all. the narrator is excellent give convincing accents to most charactors. a facinating true story with a real british stiff upper lip feel. worth downloading even if only a passing interest in WW2 for sheer entertainment

A excellent all around tale

Great book, well written and organized. Voice actor kept me engrossed and engaged throughout. Plan to listen again, it was just that good

The amazing tales of David Sterling, founder of SAS

Only when completing the hearing of the book did I realise it was written in 1958. It provides a detailed account of the fantastic operations led by the bold lieutenant David Sterling, who established a whole new offensive doctrine - small raiding units who would wreak havoc on the German African Corps and haunt General Rommel’s forces. The story tells us how the SAS, the first special force of its kind, was perceived; its first year and a half of highly successful operations; and the politics involved in its development. The narration is delightfully British, and as this is including in Audible Plus subscription it is a no brainer. Highly recommended, just like the brave Sterling.

Great listen. Very well narrated

If you’re interested in the origins of the SAS and their desert operations in North Africa then this is a “must listen” audiobook very well narrated!