First published in 1947, this novel from British author John Lodwick is an accolade to the British Special Boat Service (SBS), a commando force of some 300 men that inflicted great damage on the enemy in the Mediterranean and the Aegean seas during World War II. Founded in July 1940 by Commando officer Roger Courtney, and initially named the Folboat Troop-after the type of folding canoe employed in raiding operations-the Special Boat Service became the special forces unit of the Naval Service of the United Kingdom. Together with the Special Air Service, Special Reconnaissance Regiment and the Special Forces Support Group, they form the United Kingdom Special Forces and come under joint control of the same Director Special Forces. In The Filibusters: The Story of the Special Boat Service, Lodwick reflects his war experiences and exploits as an officer in the Special Boat Service.
