BRAVERY & BETRAYAL – The True Story of the SAS in Afghanistan

Developed by ex-SAS veterans a new documentary film is stripping back the myths and telling the true story of the SAS experience in Afghanistan.

BRAVERY & BETRAYAL – The True Story of the SAS in Afghanistan will tour Australian cinemas, beginning after ANZAC Day.

After 9/11, Australia sent the SAS into Afghanistan – and into harm’s way.

Some 25 years later, the hardship and suffering of what they experienced lives on with those who returned.

Movie trailer

For the first time ever, the SAS are telling their story of what really happened in Afghanistan and Iraq through this unique documentary.

The film features, exclusive interviews with officers and soldiers of the SAS, interviews with three Afghanistan-conflict Prime Ministers, interviews with brave pilots of the American Army who fought alongside our SAS and heartbreaking stories from wives, mothers, widows and children left behind.

Many of the 400 SAS soldiers who fought in Afghanistan feel their service and sacrifice has been forgotten amongst the turbulence of politics and negative headlines.

Produced by Australian film-maker Simon Heath over five years, and supported by veterans’ charity Wandering Warriors, Bravery & Betrayal was initiated by ex-SAS servicemen to set the record straight, and tell their own story.

More than 30 veterans, political leaders, and family members were interviewed in Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, New York and Washington.

Quotes from an former SAS serviceman involved in the film:
“SAS soldiers were the first to deploy to Afghanistan, bore the brunt of the intense fighting, while also deploying to Iraq during the same period. We shouldered the heaviest combat to alleviate pressure on our fellow diggers and to support the broader mission objectives.

“By dismantling networks, gathering actionable intelligence, and nuetralising threats before they reached Australian soil, the SAS created a buffer that ensured Australians sleep safe at night – most without ever knowing how close the threats had come.

“What Australians are also not aware of are the sacrifices SAS soldiers and their families made due to the commitment required.

“The SAS conducted 95%+ of the combat missions in Afghan – in excess of 3000 missions.

“It was either freezing cold or extreme 40+ heat. That’s just the physical side. Mentally you left your life, family and friends to risk your time and life for your country and fellow Australian military.

“From time immemorial, soldiers have been returning home from conflict, changed. They see and do things not generally expected of the wider community. As a society we can sympathise, but rarely can we empathise. How do you explain your experiences? Most times you fall short, and this can be incredibly frustrating.

“At their core, SAS soldiers are grounded in the same values as everyday Australians. They are fathers, brothers, sons and friends. Men who sacrifice time with loved ones to serve their country with unwavering dedication.

“This documentary aims to set the record straight – to honour the service and sacrifices of SAS soldiers, expose systemic failures, and advocate for meaningful reforms in the treatment of veterans, both during and after their service.”

How to see the film
The film premieres in Perth – home of the SAS – on 26 April and will then tour the
country, showing in all the capital cities as well as regional centres, RSLs and country towns.

To find a screening near you, please visit Wandering Warriors.

Ticket sales will be used to fund the tour of the film, and donations to support the work of the Wandering Warriors would also be much appreciated.

 

 

.

.


.


.