Bloody Heroes Read online

  CONTENTS

  About the Book

  About the Author

  Also by Damien Lewis

  Title Page

  Dedication

  Acknowledgements

  Picture Credits

  Author’s Note

  Epigraph

  A Note on Security

  1: Surprise, Surprise

  2: Ocean Strike

  3: First into Action

  4: In Harm’s Way

  5: Death Valley

  6: Village People

  7: Mountain Inferno

  8: No Surrender

  9: Ultimate Betrayal

  10: Mission Impossible

  11: Two White Doves

  12: Behind Enemy Lines

  13: Dawn Awakening

  14: Ten Men Down

  15: Night Stalkers

  16: Fire and Water

  17: Fort of War

  18: Endgame

  Epilogue

  Picture Section

  Glossary

  Copyright

  About the Book

  It is the winter of 2001. A terror ship is bound for Britain carrying a horrifying weapon. The British military sends a crack unit of SAS and SBS to assault the vessel before she reaches London. So begins a true story of explosive action as this band of elite warriors pursues the merchants of death from the high seas to the harsh wildlands of Afghanistan. The hunt culminates in the single greatest battle of the Afghan war, the brutal and bloody siege of an ancient mud-walled fortress crammed full of hundreds of Al Qaeda and Taliban enemy. The story follows our handful of crack fighters as they battle against impossible odds and bitter betrayal to rescue fellow soldiers trapped by a murderous enemy. Over eight days of vicious and medieval bloodshed some 500 enemy would be killed, but at the cost of dozens of British, American and allied casualties …

  About the Author

  Damien Lewis is a journalist and documentary film maker and has spent twenty years reporting from conflict zones. He has worked for the Telegraph, the Guardian and the BBC. Slave and Operation Certain Death have both been Sunday Times bestsellers. He lives in London.

  Also by Damien Lewis

  Operation Certain Death

  Desert Claw

  Cobra Gold

  For David, aka Chubbs, who as I write is one year old; and for Jess, aka Nana, who has just passed her ninetieth birthday.

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  Special thanks are due to the following without whom this book would not have been possible: my literary agent, Andrew Lownie, a consummate operator in the world of literary affairs and a fearless warrior on behalf of his authors; my editors, Mark Booth and Tim Andrews, for their enthusiasm and unstinting support for this story; Kate Watkins, Ron Beard, Robert Nichols, Neil Bradford et al., who make writing for Random House such an enjoyable and edifying experience; SAS Mike, for first bringing the story to my attention and alerting me to its potential as a book – cheers, mate, again; Doughnut, thanks a million, you are one of the Bloody Heroes; his wife and little one, for the hospitality and putting up with our beery antics; his father-in-law, not least for the jokes; Big J, Little T and the other lads – thanks a million for the obvious; my very special thanks to Johnny Spann (Sr), for sharing your son’s story with me; once again Hannah Lewis, for research and all-round support, and for bravely overcoming your injuries from the 7/7 terror attacks on London; once again my father, for his comments on early drafts and for the wonderful Quinsat discovery; Keir Lewis, my big bro, for timely translations from the French; Don McClen, your comments on the manuscript and your encouragement have again been invaluable; A. J. Hogan, for casting a sharp eye over early drafts and for the constant words of support; Michael Kargbo, for the background research materials; Colonel Richard and Barbara Price, of ASA Analysis, for the insight into chemical weapons issues; Julian Perry-Robinson, of SPRU, for his expert opinion on producing a poor man’s chemical weapon; Rachel Maletnlema, for being there when we needed you; my mother, for being here when you could be and your care for others allowed; Stephen O’Keeffe, for finding me a place to work in peace on the edge of the world; Tim and Ellen, for ‘the scoops’, the chilli and great company during the writing; Steve Clarke, for the beer, the mountain walks, the laughs and a reader’s comments from the ground up; his father, John Clarke, for the military history on Afghanistan; his son, Billy Clarke, for a wildly precocious critique of the early drafts; Geoff, ex-lighthouse keeper and literary wizard, for your comments on the early drafts; Kevin – yachtsman, philosopher and landlord extraordinaire, for comments on the early drafts; Sinead and Adrian, for such perceptive feedback on the early drafts and your wonderful company; Mohammed and KA, for sharing your experience of fighting in Afghanistan with me; my good friend Zeinal Abdeen, for your comments from an Arabic and Islamic perspective; and finally, Eva, my very special loving thanks to you.

  Picture Credits

  All photographs copyright John Smith, excepting the following:

  1. British, US, Aussie and New Zealand special forces deployed by Chinook on low level flights. One hit from an enemy stinger and this chopper would be blasted out of the sky – Courtesy Royal Marines Commando.

  2. Flying in line astern, MH47 Chinooks deployed special forces teams deep into hostile Afghan terrain – Courtesy Royal Marines Commando.

  The artist’s impressions used in this book showing scenes of British special forces in action at Qala-i-Janghi fort are by Niall Arden, himself an SAS officer (reserves, now retired). Niall served in 21 SAS for many years and, more recently, on clandestine operations in Iraq and elsewhere. Due to his artistic skill, Niall became one of the Regiment’s main informal artists painting scenes from various SAS missions – including those in Sierra Leone, the Balkans and East Timor. Due to his work producing paintings commemorating those who had died in action, Niall became known by the nickname ‘Death Pilgrim’ to his fellow SAS officers and men.

  To see more of Niall’s artwork of the events portrayed in this book go to: www.damienlewis.com

  Graphics by Fast.net Business Services, www.myfast.ie

  AUTHOR’S NOTE

  This book tells of British and US special forces in action in the war in Afghanistan. Its timescale covers the first eight weeks of that conflict, and the narrative follows the exploits of a dozen British and American soldiers. The war in Afghanistan was fought largely by British and American special forces (aided by their Aussie and Kiwi counterparts), working alongside the Afghan resistance. This band of brothers consisted of British SBS and SAS troops and their US counterparts in Delta Force, the SEALs, the Special Operations Forces and the CIA. They operated in close-knit units the likes of which have rarely been seen since the Second World War. This is a story of elite forces in action in a secret conflict, a war fought in the shadows.

  While fighting the al-Qaeda and Taliban (AQT) threat in the Afghan wildlands, the British and American special forces soldiers became involved in action and drama that go far beyond the ordinary. War is certainly hell, and there are hellish events portrayed in these pages. But war also has the ability to draw out extremes of human action – whether that manifests itself in bestiality and mass murder, or the heroism, selflessness and the epic will to survive as portrayed in these pages. As the author of this book, I have double- and triple-checked these stories from many different sources, and I know them to be truthful and accurate portrayals of the events as they took place.

  Very little has been written about the actions of the SBS and SAS in Afghanistan. Of the written accounts that do exist, much is pure fiction masquerading as fact – resulting in part from the culture of secrecy that surrounds the operations of our elite units. Consequently, books of this nature are written almost exclusively from the verbal account
s of those who have taken part in the events portrayed. In this book, where there are significant sections of dialogue, this is largely recreated from the memories of those present at the time. Certain incidents written about were recorded on tape, and I have had access to those tapes during the course of researching the stories recounted herein.

  Nothing that I have written should threaten the security of our special forces, or their ability to operate in all theatres of war. Had there been anything in the events portrayed that might have done so, I would have been asked to remove it and would have done so. However, I have been assisted in its writing by those whose identities must remain secret. Because of this I have changed some of the names, dates and locations of this story. But I have done so only where necessary and at the request of the personnel involved. For example, the names of the British and American special forces soldiers and intelligence agents have been altered.

  Excessive secrecy surrounding SAS and SBS operations acts as a licence for sensationalised stories to appear in the media. Is this detrimental to the ability of those units to function properly? Possibly. It certainly creates unrealistic expectations concerning what those units are capable of. I also believe that those unique individuals drawn to a career within Britain’s elite units deserve to be free, within limits, to tell their stories. These are important, instructional areas of our recent military history, and they need to be told. I have several special forces soldiers whom I count as close friends, and they are by their nature intelligent, thinking individuals. It is perhaps unrealistic to expect them to remain forever silent, and a little more openness might not be such a bad thing.

  I have also attempted in this book to tell the ‘other side of the story’ – that of the al-Qaeda and Taliban elements. I have spoken to several of the foreign (non-Afghan) Taliban fighters and the foreign mujahidin – including those who claim to have fought against allied forces in the battles portrayed in this book. The siege of Afghanistan’s Qala-i-Janghi fort – the central narrative – has attained a mythical status among AQT forces. It is seen as something of a Custer’s Last Stand for them. I have no way of absolutely verifying their stories, but they do fit with the accounts of these events as told to me by others, most importantly the special forces soldiers and intelligence agents present during the battle.

  A percentage of the royalties from this book will be donated to the UK’s Veterans Agency.

  The President of the United States Takes Pleasure in Presenting the Navy Cross to:

  Sam Brown, United States Navy

  For Services as Set Forth in the Following:

  For extraordinary heroism while serving with the British Special Boat Service (SBS) during combat operations in Afghanistan. Chief Petty Officer Sam Brown deployed to the area as a member of a Joint American and British Special Forces Team to locate and recover two American citizens, one presumed to be seriously injured or dead, after al-Qaeda and Taliban prisoners at the Qala-i-Janghi fortress in Mazar-e-Sharif overpowered them and gained access to large quantities of arms and ammunition stored at the fort. Once inside, Chief Petty Officer Sam Brown was engaged continuously by direct small-arms fire, indirect mortar fire and rocket-propelled grenade fire. He was forced to advance through an active anti-personnel minefield in order to gain entry to the fortress. After establishing the possible location of both American citizens, under heavy fire and without concern for his own personal safety, he made two attempts to rescue the uninjured citizen by crawling toward the fortress interior to reach him. Forced to withdraw due to large volumes of fire falling on his position he was undeterred … As darkness began to fall, no attempt was going to be made to locate the injured American citizen. Chief Petty Officer Sam Brown then took matters into his own hands. Without regard for his own personal safety, he moved forward another 300–400 meters into the heart of the fortress by himself under constant enemy fire in an attempt to locate the injured citizen. Running low on ammunition, he utilized weapons from the deceased Afghans to continue his rescue attempt. Upon verifying the condition and location of the American citizen, he withdrew from the fortress. By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, Chief Petty Officer Sam Brown reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Services.

  Statement from George J. Tenet, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

  It is my sad duty to announce that one of our officers at the Central Intelligence Agency has died in the line of duty in Afghanistan. Johnny Michael ‘Mike’ Spann, who worked in the Directorate of Operations, was where he wanted to be: on the front line serving his country. Mike was in the Qala-i-Janghi fortress in Mazar-e-Sharif, where Taliban prisoners were being held and questioned. Although these captives had given themselves up, their pledge of surrender – like so many other pledges from the vicious group they represent – proved worthless. Their prison uprising – which had murder as its goal – claimed many lives, among them that of a very brave American, whose body was recovered just hours ago. Mike joined the CIA in June 1999. A young man – only thirty-two years old – he was no stranger to challenge or daring. He came to us from the United States Marine Corps, whose traditions he loved and whose values of courage and commitment he carried with him to the end. Quiet, serious, and absolutely unflappable, Mike’s stoicism concealed a dry sense of humor and a heart of gold. His brand of leadership was founded not on words, but on deeds – deeds performed in conditions of hazard and hardship. His was a careeer of promise in a life of energy and achievement. A precious life given in a noble cause. Mike fell bringing freedom to a distant people while defending freedom for all of us at home. Mike Spann was an American hero, a man who showed passion for his country and his Agency through his selfless courage. Mike Spann will live forever in our memories. May God grant him eternal peace and give his wonderful family the strength to carry on. His CIA family, too, is in mourning. But just as we grieve together, we work together to continue the mission that Mike Spann held sacred. And so we will continue our battle against evil – with renewed strength and spirit. We owe that to Mike and to every man and woman who dreams of a future free from the menace of terrorism. Johnny Michael Spann was the husband of Sharon Spann, and is survived by his infant son, two young daughters, and two sisters. He was the son of Johnny and Gail Spann, of Winfield, Alabama.

  Go as a pilgrim and seek out danger

  Far from the comfort and the well lit avenues of life,

  Pit your very soul against the unknown

  And seek stimulation in the company of the brave.

  Experience cold and hunger, heat and thirst,

  And survive to see another challenge and another dawn.

  Only then will you be at peace with yourself,

  And be able to know and say

  I looked down on the farthest side of the mountain

  And fulfilled, and understanding all, and truly content

  I lived a life that was my own.

  We are the pilgrims, master: we shall go

  Always a little further: it may be

  Beyond the last blue mountain barred with snow,

  Across that angry or that glimmering sea.

  UK Special Forces poem (anon)

  The last four lines are extracted from James Elroy Flecker,

  ‘The Golden Journey to Samarkand’

  They fight in Allah’s cause, so they kill and are killed.

  – Koran, 9:111

  A note on security: a number of the military figures who have read this book during draft stages have commented on the fact that the local Afghans who assisted Allied special forces in this war and are described herein as doing such may be open to reprisals by al-Qaeda and Taliban elements. For the record, the identities of those local Afghans portrayed as doing so in this book have been changed, as have the names of the locations where such events took place. That caveat aside, the events themselves are described completely acc
urately and entirely as they took place on the ground.

  1

  SURPRISE, SURPRISE

  IT WAS 22 DECEMBER 2001, just over three months after the 9/11 terror attacks on America, and the ultimate nightmare scenario was unfolding before the eyes of Her Majesty’s security services. A cargo ship believed to be carrying a massive chemical weapon was steaming its way towards London. For days now, British intelligence agents had been tracking the vessel as she made her way up the coast of Europe. They suspected that she was crewed by terrorists and on a mission to hit London. If the attack went ahead, thousands could be poisoned and a huge swathe of the city left a devastated wasteland. As the ship steamed into the English Channel only Britain’s elite special forces were seen as being capable of stopping her. The men of the SBS (Special Boat Service) and SAS (Special Air Service) were about to be called into action yet again.

  At 6.45 a.m. on that cold December morning the men of the SBS were rousing themselves from their beds in preparation for heading into their Poole base, on the Dorset coast. Or at least those who were still on active duty were. Having just spent two hard months in the hostile wild lands of Afghanistan hunting down al-Qaeda and Taliban terrorists, many of the SBS lads had already left Poole for a well-earned Christmas break and were still wrapped up warmly with their wives or girlfriends at home in their beds. Nothing could have been further from their minds than a terrorist strike on London. And few could have imagined that they were about to be thrust into action yet again – on a life-or-death mission.

  Earlier that morning SBS Company Sergeant Major (CSM) Gav Tinker, had been woken by a surprise telephone call. It came from the Cabinet Office Briefing Room (COBR), Britain’s national crisis control centre in London, staffed by key ministers and top military officials.