Churchill's Killing House

The untold true story of Inverailort, Churchill's pioneering elite WW2 military academy that provided the model for Special Forces training used by the SAS. "A thrilling story of bravery and resilience, superbly told" - DAN SNOW "The epic story of how ordinary men were trained and transformed to set Europe ablaze..." - BEAR GRYLLS "Essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the true foundations of elite military operations." - ALDO KANE In the summer of 1940, Britain was under siege. Poland, Belgium, Holland, Norway and France had already fallen, and the British army had been routed on the continent, leading to the chaotic evacuation at Dunkirk. In the rubble of the Allies' crumbled defence, Inverailort House was established as a new symbol of defiance. Signed off by Churchill himself, this austere building became an academy for the brightest and best of all Allied volunteers, where they were transformed from ordinary foot soldiers into a new breed of warrior - the commando. The list of instructors, advisors, and trainees that passed through Inverailort included some of the greatest fighting men of World War II: Lord Lovat, "Mad Mike" Calvert, Freddy Spencer Chapman, Tommy Macpherson, Fairbairn and Sykes, and both David and Bill Stirling, who would go on to form the SAS. Churchill's Killing House tells, for the first time, the remarkable human story of those who created a new type of soldier, forged new techniques in battle, and ultimately led the way to Allied victory over fascism.

Monty Halls is a former Royal Marines Officer who served for over a decade. His subsequent career as an expedition leader, writer, and broadcaster saw his travels continue around the world. He is based in South Devon, where he runs Seadog, an adventure and wildlife production company. His ties to the Royal Marines remain as strong as ever. He is an ambassador to the RM Charity, supporting their efforts to raise funds for the veteran community. He is married to Tam and has two daughters, Isla and Molly. Through them he maintains his amphibious heritage, exploring the south coast of Britain in an old ketch on many a family expedition.