Customer Reviews
An exciting story of true courage - By: Formaccino, 28 Jul 2008 
Having always regarded Ray Mears as an overgrown boy scout I started to read the book with some apprehension (why did his chubby face have to feature on the cover?) However after the first few lines I was hooked on the story of these true heroes. Mears gives a superb, detailed account of the build-up & action in destroying the heavy water stocks held by the Nazis at Rjukan. The account of the second, possibly more important operation, to destroy the ship that would transport the replenished Heavy Water stock to Germany seemed a little rushed & not so detailed, but I guess he was limited to the size of the paperback. In my opinion a book not to miss!
Another Hollywood rip-off corrected . . . - By: Nathan M. Bilton, 10 Apr 2007 A reallly interesting & inspiring read. It covers the real events that were the inspiration behind the film `The Heroes of Telemark'. This was the sabotage mission carried out on a power station in the Telemark region of Norway. It was carried out by patriotic & heroic Norwegians, who risked their lives & showed immense skill & outdoormanship. However, as with most things Hollywood gets their hands on, the story had to be `sexed up' for the big screen.
The only criticism I have from the book is that it seems to have an element missing that must have been in the BBC television series. From what I understand from the pictures in the book, Ray Mears must have attempted some of the feats carried out by Operations Grouse & Gunnerside. However, this is not commented upon in the book, which only focuses on the history & narrative story.
Best raid ever! - By: David I. Howells, 17 Feb 2007 
I have always enjoyed Ray Mears TV programmes so I thought that this book would reflect Mr Mears easy going personal style & passion for survival in extreme physical conditions....I was not to be disappointed. This was a well written book from begining to end...exceedingly enjoyable.
This is an amazing true story about one of if not thee most important covert military operation in WW2. The destruction of a heavy water plant in Norway becomes critical in the 'Nazi v Allies' race to develop a nuclear weapon during the war. Having limited options available to them & after a failed glider commando attempt the alllies decided to send in a team of saboteurs to carry out an extremely perilous sabotage operation.
The fact that the team of Norwegian SOE trained agents parachuted in & carried out this task under the Germans noses without even loosing a single man is only part of this amazing story. The epic escapes by the team, the pre & post operational hardships encountered by the team in an artic environment & the subsequent sinking of a ferry a few months after the operation containing another shipment of heavy water is the other half of this narrative. Each operational phase is embedded with quite incredulous mini-stories reflecting the courage, daring & fortitude of the men involved.
A common thread that weaves through the exciting web of this book is the courage & daring of not only the raiding group but that of the Norwegian populous. That these actions were carried out by humble, modest but highly motivated patriotic Norwegians makes this book a compelling read. If you are Norwegian & you read this book you should stand in awe of your countrymen's achievements & contribution to the eventual alllied victory in Europe. This book is a great advert for Norway & its people!
The Real Heroes of Telemark - By: Chris Harrison, 03 Jan 2004 I am nearly half way through the book having been bought it for Christmas. An excellant & very clear read so far.
Brilliant & well worth a read!!
