Biographies & Memoirs

An Axe And Four Balloons The Biography Of Brian Franks Dso Mc The Man Who Saved The Sas Tim Spicer Barbreck Publishers

This story is not just another history of the SAS. It is the only biography of an extraordinary man, ‘whose courage made it easier for us to be brave’. Brian Franks, tough, capable and charismatic and...

This story is not just another history of the SAS. It is the only biography of an extraordinary man, ‘whose courage made it easier for us to be brave’. Brian Franks, tough, capable and charismatic and loved by officers and soldiers alike, is largely unknown outside the Special Operations world but has been credited by David Stirling as being one of the five...

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Top specs

  • Release Date 03/09/2026
  • Number of pages Number of pages 400
  • Language English
  • Cover Cover Hardcover
  • Year of publication Year of publication 2026
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Description & Specifications

This story is not just another history of the SAS. It is the only biography of an extraordinary man, ‘whose courage made it easier for us to be brave’. Brian Franks, tough, capable and charismatic and loved by officers and soldiers alike, is largely unknown outside the Special Operations world but has been credited by David Stirling as being one of the five founding fathers of the SAS. A dashing bon viveur, he could move freely in all sections of society, from members of the royal family to junior soldiers. He was close friends with a wide range of characters. David Niven, Ian Fleming, Evelyn Waugh, and Winston Churchill as well as his military comrades – the Stirling Brothers, Paddy Mayne, Roy Farran and Bob Laycock. Set against the backdrop of World War II and the Cold War, Franks’ life was one of bravery, intrigue and glamour.

As for the title of this book, in 1918 Franks wrote a letter to his parents from his prep school. The letter, written on lined, dusty pink paper, began, ‘Dear Mummy and Daddy, I hope you are well. Please send me an axe and four balloons…’. The reason for this strange request was never explained, but if the rest of Franks’ life is anything to go by, the possibilities are endless.

Manufacturer

Language
English
Subtitle
-
Cover
Hardcover
Number of Pages
400
Release Date
03/09/2026
Type
Biography
Period
World War II
Attribute
Politicians, Military & Historical Figures
Publication Date
2026
Dimensions
-
ISBN-13
9781999589172

Important information

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31,47 €
14,00 €   shipping cost