Description
In this episode of Rosie the Reviewer, we’re joined by journalist and author Tony Rushmer, whose book SAS: Duty Before Glory tells the story of Reg Seekings, one of the original members of the Special Air Service. Tony talks to us about how a documentary during lock down led him from sports journalism to writing about this WWII history that started in the Fens.
Alongside our returning guest George, we take a closer look at Reg Seekings: his humour, his friendship with Johnny Cooper, and his stoic yet warm nature. Tony shares how he came to know the Seekings family, his conversations with the late Mike Sadler, and the rich archival work and Reg’s personal recollections that shaped his writing. We also touch on the portrayal of the SAS in Rogue Heroes and how storytelling, fictional or not, keeps history alive for new generations.
We’re also happy to report that Tony recommends five excellent books on WWII at the very end, so stick around to find out or check them out below.
You should also definitely buy Tony’s book*!
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Book Recs by Tony Rushmer
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“This is one that I’ve recently read on the SOE. It’s by Maurice Buckmaster… The True Story of SOE’s Agents in Wartime France. And the book is called They Fought Alone. Buckmaster was the leader of the SOE’s French section. These are his extraordinary memoirs, and they feature so many fascinating insights. I can’t recommend it highly enough.”
“Next one: everyone loves the LRDG, don’t they? This book gave me such a good idea about their early days. It’s called Long Range Desert Group: Reconnaissance and Raiding Behind Enemy Lines by W. B. Kennedy Shaw. He was there. […] It’s as fascinating today as when it was first published in 1945.”
“Then A Noble Crusade: The History of the Eighth Army by Richard Doherty. I’m deep in North Africa with this one at the moment — coming across characters like Auchinleck and Montgomery. It’s fantastic and currently the one by my bedside.”
“Another early one for me was To War with Whitaker by Hermione Ranfurly. She wasn’t meant to go to war but did, following her husband to North Africa. Her diary is sharp, colourful, and she even came across Seekings.”
George chimed in to say, “I’m especially happy that you mentioned To War with Whitaker, because Hermione Ranfurly is one of the most fascinating people I’ve ever read about. I’ve not read anything like it.”
“And finally, These Men Are Dangerous: The Early Years of the SAS by Derek Harrison. Harrison was an officer in the SAS – Bob Seekings served under him in Sicily – and he’s written a vivid account of those early years.”
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