Tom Meredith

My spiritual home, the majestic Brecon Beacons, to give it its Welsh name Bannau Brycheiniog, is a stunning range of mountains and hills in South Wales. However, not only is it a natural wonder but also a key piece of military history. With its rolling landscapes, rugged terrain, and often changeable weather, this area has played a crucial role in training some of the most elite soldiers in the world: the Special Air Service (SAS). This is why it was the perfect backdrop to the opening chapters in my first novel, but the military's relationship with the Beacons goes back much further than my own. 

So to understand the significance of the Brecon Beacons, we must first take a step back and explore the British Army's storied past. This is designed as an overview to encourage you to read more and by no means an exhaustive history. I do hope in the future, however, to have contributions to this blog from those who have undergone military training in the Beacons.

The British Army: A Brief Overview

The British Army traces its roots back to the late medieval period, although some dispute the exact century. It evolved from various local militias and regiments into a professional body committed to defending the nation’s interests. Over the centuries, it has played a pivotal role in numerous conflicts and wars across the globe, adapting to the ever-changing nature of warfare. Given my keen interest in military history, I will delve into some of those conflicts in future posts. To put it succinctly, however, by the 20th century, the British Army was a formidable force known for its discipline, training, and strategic prowess.

The Birth of the SAS

Established during World War II in 1941, the Special Air Service was created to conduct covert operations and guerrilla warfare behind enemy lines. Acknowledged for their courage and ingenuity, the SAS quickly gained a reputation for excellence in challenging situations, taking on missions that others deemed impossible. This elite unit was instrumental in campaigns across North Africa and Europe, developing tactics that are still in use today.

The corps currently consists of the 22 Special Air Service Regiment, which is the regular component, as well as the 21 Special Air Service Regiment and the 23 Special Air Service Regiment, which are reserve units. The SAS's secretive nature and rigorous selection process have made it one of the most respected special forces units in the world. From reconnaissance to counter-terrorism, the SAS has become synonymous with bravery, skill, and unmatched military training. They are even the envy of the US Navy SEALs, although don't tell a character in my second book that!

Senta Barracks: The Heart of SAS Training

When readers open the first page of Blood in the Water, they will find themselves in Senta Barracks. Located near the village of Sennybridge, the barracks has long been a pivotal site for SAS training. Here, potential SAS recruits undergo some of the most demanding physical and psychological tests, pushing their limits and preparing them for the realities of special forces operations.

The training is renowned for its intensity, where candidates navigate treacherous terrains, endure rugged weather, and test their survival skills in the wilderness of the Brecon Beacons. The location is as much a character in the training journey as the soldiers themselves, with its steep valleys and breathtaking landscapes serving both as a challenge and a backdrop for personal transformation.

During the first week of training, potential recruits are required to complete the Fan Dance, a gruelling 24km march staged across the highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons. Having completed the route myself last year I can attest that is extremely challenging and I was carrying none of the weight on my back that the SAS recruits are required to do. Indeed when I first completed Pen y Fan in my late teens, two soldiers sprinted up the climb past me ladened with backpacks and were half back down the mountain before I was within sight of the peak!

If that isn't enough, then in the final week of training, after countless other intense exercises, recruits are subjected to the Long Drag which is 40 mile route march across the Beacons carrying in excess of 55lb (excluding food, water & rifle). Recruits have to navigate from checkpoint to checkpoint individually and against the clock. I have not yet completed this route myself, although I have done some research into the feasibility of doing so (don't hold your breath though! And I certainly won't be doing it with just maps and a compass)

Senta Barracks has also been the staging ground for various military exercises, fostering camaraderie and discipline among soldiers. This will have included the first women to pass the pre-selection course in August 2021. The legacy of these trainings has contributed to the lore of the SAS, reinforcing the fact that not just anyone can wear that coveted beret. It's a badge of honour, earned through sheer determination and resilience. There have been several fantatsic books focussing on the regiment and I would highly recommend Mike Morgan's "The SAS Story", or Nigel McCrery's "Complete History of the SAS", as well as Andy McNab's "Brave Two Zero" for a high stakes true story of SAS heroism. 

The Brecon Beacons: A Symbol of Strength

The Brecon Beacons is not only a training ground for the SAS but also a part of the British Army's wider narrative. Its rugged beauty is matched only by its ability to test the resolve of those who venture into its depths. Over the years, countless soldiers have trained in its expansive landscapes, drawing strength from the mountains while preparing for their duties across the globe.

The significance of the Brecon Beacons extends beyond just military training; it has become a symbol of British tenacity and excellence. Whether it’s a new recruit at Senta Barracks or seasoned operatives gearing up for a mission, the Brecon Beacons stands as a reminder of the past and a beacon of hope for the future.

From the historical ranks of the British Army to the elite operations of the SAS, the Brecon Beacons has played an instrumental role in shaping the capabilities and spirit of the UK's military forces. This blend of natural beauty and historical significance makes it a key location for both training and remembrance.

For those interested in military history, or simply in awe of the great outdoors, the story of the British Army, the SAS, and the Brecon Beacons is a compelling one - an intertwining of human courage and the raw power of nature. A key part of this blog, and my writing in general, is to inflame people's imaginations and entice thme to do their own research. That is one of the most exhilarating aspects of being a writer for me. The desire for knowledge is something innate in us all, but sometimes it takes another person or a place to light that fire.

As we reflect on the history of the SAS, we understand that behind every soldier's valor is a story of rigorous training, enduring spirit, and the inspiring landscapes that have forged them. The Brecon Beacons will continue to be a training ground for generations. Whether braving its peaks or remembering those who trained there, the spirit of the SAS will undoubtedly live on.

If you're seeking to explore this history further or delve into the breathtaking beauty of the Brecon Beacons, then I encourag anyone to visit! The stories etched in these hills await your discovery!