Thirty years after the Gulf War, a gripping account of an ill-fated SAS mission has been published, detailing the harrowing escape of Bravo Two Zero patrol deep inside Iraq. The patrol, commanded by Andy McNab, was tasked with destroying communication lines but was discovered shortly after being dropped by helicopter, forcing them to flee on foot towards the Syrian border, 130 kilometres away.
After a fierce firefight in which they killed numerous enemy soldiers, the eight-man team faced injuries and dehydration. Two soldiers, Vince and Stan, were struggling with a leg injury and severe dehydration respectively, slowing the group’s progress. The weather turned treacherous, with freezing winds and driving snow, leaving the men suffering from hypothermia and frostbite.
Attempts to signal for help failed when their distress beacon briefly contacted a US aircraft but lost the signal. The patrol also became separated, with three members missing after a stop. Despite these setbacks, the remaining five covered 85 kilometres in 12 hours of darkness and brutal conditions.
As snow fell in the desert, the men huddled together for warmth, but hypothermia set in. McNab described slurred speech and light-headedness, early signs of the condition. One soldier, Mark, was particularly vulnerable with only a wet smock and jumper. Faced with the choice of moving in daylight or dying from exposure, McNab ordered the group to continue, despite their frozen clothing.
The extract highlights the extreme physical and mental challenges faced by the SAS soldiers, who ultimately prioritised survival over stealth in a desperate race against the elements.
