Over the last century, Britain's Special Forces have performed a whole host of operations with unequalled skill, secrecy and bravery. From the Cockleshell Heroes daring 1942 raid deep into Nazi-occupied France to the dangerous sorties into enemy territory during the Gulf wars, their actions have epitomised heroism.
Fascinated by bravery since he was a boy, Michael Ashcroft has assembled what is believed to be the largest private collection of British Special Forces medals in the world.
In his new book Special Forces Heroes published by Headline Review (November 2008) - the sequel to the best-selling Victoria Cross Heroes - he tells the action-packed stories behind the medals awarded to more than 40 courageous men.
The foreword to the book is written by Andy McNab, an ex SAS operative and best selling author. McNab served in B Squadron 22 SAS for ten years and worked on both covert and overt special operations worldwide, including anti-terrorist and anti-drug operations in the Middle and Far East, South and Central America and Northern Ireland. Awarded both the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) and Military Medal (MM) during his military career, McNab was the British Army's most highly decorated serving soldier when he finally left the SAS in February 1993.
Special Forces Heroes is linked to a four-part television series of the same name, co-funded by Lord Ashcroft, which is to be shown on FIVE (November 2008). Both the book and the series recognise the astonishing valour and ingenuity of Britain's most elite servicemen.

Lord Ashcroft will be donating all the author royalties from the sale of Special Forces Heroes to the charity Help for Heroes which provides support for the servicemen and women wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq.

To watch Lord Ashcroft's speech at the launch of Special Forces Heroes on 11 November 2008 please click here

For more information please visit the website www.specialforcesheroes.com