Acclaimed author Damien Lewis, known for his best-selling narratives on the SAS, has revealed the five books about the Second World War that have significantly influenced his writing, reports BritPanorama.
Lewis’s extensive career as a war reporter across various continents has cemented his position as a prominent figure in military literature. His works include SAS Nazi Hunters, detailing the SAS’s pursuit of justice against SS commanders, and his latest release, SAS The Great Train Raid, which chronicles the audacious mission to liberate a concentration camp by seizing a train behind enemy lines.
He has identified several books that not only informed his understanding of the Second World War but also shaped his narrative style. Here are the titles he credits as pivotal to his development as a writer.
Born Of The Desert by Malcolm James
This wartime classic, published in 1945, recounts the founding of the SAS through the eyes of its first medic, Malcolm Pleydell, known by his pen name Malcolm James. He joined the SAS, apprehensive about meeting the high standards of his peers while documenting the organization’s unique essence.
His insight into the brotherhood formed among these soldiers highlights their distinct camaraderie during the regiment’s formative years.
Ill Met By Moonlight by W Stanley Moss
Moss’s account captures a daring mission in Crete during the war, where he and his fellow Special Operations Executive (SOE) agents masqueraded as German troops. Their objective: to capture General Hans Kriepe and bring him into Allied custody.
The sheer audacity of their actions, along with the support from local resistance, adds to the gripping narrative of this true-life adventure.
The 21 Escapes of Lt Alastair Cram by David M Guss
This 2018 publication details the remarkable wartime experiences of Alastair Cram, who was captured in North Africa in 1941. During his imprisonment, he made a remarkable 21 attempts to escape, showcasing resilience and determination, which serve as an inspiration even to seasoned special forces veterans.
Cram’s eventual escape in April 1945 after enduring severe punishment for his previous attempts is a testament to his indomitable spirit.
Rogue Male by Roger Field
This narrative revolves around the legendary exploits of SOE agent Geoffrey Gordon-Creed. The story involves audacious sabotage against a critical railway viaduct, showcasing Creed’s inspired bravery and resourcefulness under pressure.
His actions illustrate the mindset of a hero thriving in combat and exemplify the tenacity shown by the SOE in waging unorthodox warfare.
All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Doerr’s acclaimed novel set in Nazi-occupied France interweaves the lives of a blind French girl, Marie-Laure, and a German orphan, Werner. The narrative explores their intersecting paths amid the complexities of war, culminating in a compelling climax that highlights the human side of conflict.
SAS The Great Train Raid by Damien Lewis (Quercus, £25) is available now. Lewis is on a UK book tour until 21 November.
