Michael Williams with his book Shooting From The Shadows. Photo / David Haxton
The latest book from a Waikanae book publishing company gives a fascinating glimpse into the world of a New Zealand Special Air Service (SAS) soldier.
The book, Shooting From The Shadows, is written by Michael "Wings" Williams, who had a 30-year military career in the New Zealand Army as wellas time in the New Zealand SAS.
Michael, who would later become an instructor in the SAS from 1982 to 1986, was a soldier (lance corporal) in the regiment from 1964 to 1969.
The book takes the reader through two key campaigns Williams was involved in, Borneo and South Vietnam.
"All of a sudden something came out in the government and I thought I better write about the operations, the way I saw it, but based on official operational records."
The book started to become a reality when Bob Anderson, from John Douglas Publishing, which specialises in New Zealand military history, became aware of the manuscript.
A few years ago Bob was in Christchurch, where he had lived and worked for many years before moving to Waikanae, when he talked to someone who told him about Michael.
The name didn't register, even though Bob had written a history of the New Zealand SAS, but it did when he was told Michael's nickname was Wings, who Bob had met when he was involved in the military in the 1980s.
The book, which features a number of photographs, has been crafted for everyday readers, instead of bogging people down with technical military terminology.
"Some stories are humorous, some are frightening and some ably illustrate the matter-of-fact candour that is the hallmark of this group of former elite soldiers," said Dr Rhys Ball, from Massey University Auckland's centre for defence and security studies.
"While many would cringe at being described in such a fashion, no member would disagree with their deep desire to achieve and maintain the highest professional standards that are expected from all SAS soldiers.
"While this book is much about Williams' SAS career, it is considerably more than that."