Gentleman Jim The Wartime Story of a Founder of the SAS and Special Forces by John Parker is a historical non-fiction book that tells the story of James "Jim" Grieve, a British Army officer who founded the Special Air Service (SAS) during World War II. The book explores Grieve's life before, during, and after the war, highlighting his experiences as a soldier, a spy, and a leader. It also delves into the development of the SAS and its role in the war effort, as well as the impact of the organization on modern special forces. The plot of the book can be broken down into several key parts: Part 1: Pre-War Life and Training The book begins by introducing Grieve's early life, including his childhood, education, and pre-war military training. It describes how he became interested in the idea of a special forces unit and began to develop the concept of the SAS. This section also covers his experiences in the Territorial Army and his time at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. Part 2: World War II This section details Grieve's experiences during World War II, including his service in North Africa, Italy, and France. It highlights his leadership and bravery during these campaigns, as well as his involvement in the formation of the SAS. This part also discusses the challenges faced by the SAS, such as lack of resources, poor living conditions, and the skepticism of other military leaders. Part 3: The SAS In this section, the author explores the evolution of the SAS, from its early days as a small group of volunteers to its growth into a formidable force.

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