TV ’survival king’ stayed in hotels – Times Online
“But an adviser to Born Survivor has disclosed that at one location where the adventurer claimed to be a “real life Robin-son Crusoe” trapped on “a desert island”, he was actually on an outlying part of the Hawaiian archipelago and spent nights at a motel.”
I was always a bit suspicious of Mr ‘Bear’ Grylls (just why did he call himself Bear?), and wondered whether he really was out there all alone at night, I mean in some cases it was pretty dangerous, especially in ‘Bear Country’. Nevertheless I enjoyed the programme.
Now it turns out that he may actually have stayed in hotels and:
‘…..he actually slept some nights with the crew in a lodge fitted with television and internet access. The Pines Resort at Bass Lake is advertised as “a cosy getaway for families” with blueberry pancakes for breakfast.’
Blueberry pancakes? Hardly the constant battle against hunger that was implied in the programme. To be fair though the filming probably takes place over several days, if not longer so it is inevitable that he will spend some of that eating normally and in some kind of comfort. He can’t spend all that time half starving in the wilderness, but he could at least make more of an effort to rough it, even Ray Mears’ film crew sleeps rougher than that.
Ray Mears must be rubbing his hands in glee now that the pretender to his throne of ‘Survival King’ seems to have been exposed as a bit of a nancy boy. It is mentioned several times that Bear Grylls served in the SAS, but let’s not forget that it was Ray Mears that taught the SAS everything that they know. Well perhaps not everything, but he certainly taught the SAS survival skills during the 1980s and 90s. Bear may well have been one of his students. Ray Mears is clearly the genuine article.
I watched the programme in the Sierra Nevada, where he killed a rabbit or a hare by throwing a large stick at it’s head and smashing the animals skull in. I thought that was excellent and a great shot, now I wondering whether the rabbit was in fact already dead and the event was just cleverly edited with a great sound effect.
As I said I enjoyed the programme but now that doubts have been placed in my mind I am probably going to spend the rest of the next series, assuming that there is one, wondering what is real and what is staged. A shame really.
37 responses so far ↓
Karen Pease // July 24, 2007 at 5:10 am |
Bear was in the “21 SAS”, which is really a reserve unit of the Territorial Army (TA), not normal SAS. It’s called “Artists’ Rifles”; google it.
As for the rabbit, at what appears to be at least two feet from head to tail with only brown on the back, it’s too large and too white to be a cottontail like he claims. It’s a close match for a number of domestic breeds, though, which tend to be larger and have worse camouflage than wild rabbits.
Peed Off // April 24, 2009 at 2:44 am |
21 SAS are a reserve unit, you are right. Did you know that 22 SAS were formed from members of 21 SAS. They have to pass the same rigorous selection process as 22 SAS, it just takes the reserves longer to complete (12 months). They are currently out in Afghanistan fighting the SAME WAR as 22 SAS. Members of 21 SAS have the oppurtunity to become members of 22 SAS, just as Chris Ryan did. They are definately not to be sniggered at! Maybe you should give it a go before commenting on the subject?
Charlie // July 24, 2007 at 11:37 pm |
Thanks for that, I did Google them and saw that fellow members have been David Davies MP and Noel Coward! Seems I may have been closer to the mark than I realised with the nancy boy comment.
That is even worse than I thought with the rabbit, to use a tame one with little or no idea of self preservation. Hardly sporting.
Joe // August 2, 2007 at 2:26 am |
Even though 21 SAS is a reserve unit, it is a special forces reserve unit, and not one of regular army. According to a 2003 article in the UK Telegraph, “Regular and territorial SAS units are trained in similar military techniques, such as close quarter battle, jungle warfare, demolitions and communications. The territorial’s wartime role is long-range reconnaissance and this has been their primary function in Afghanistan.”
Bear passed UK Special Forces Selection and served in 21 SAS for 3 years as a sabre soldier. The Sabre Squadrons are actual fighting units of the SAS.
Charlie // August 3, 2007 at 4:01 pm |
Thanks for the comment Joe. I guess I just saw names like Noel Coward and several conservative MPs and assumed it was a bit airy fairy.
I hope the second series is more upfront about what he is and isn’t really doing.
stevie // August 23, 2007 at 5:21 pm |
Let’s just clarify things regarding the SAS issue:
NO BRITISH TA SAS GUY WOULD EVER IMPLY THAT HE WAS PRESENT OR EX SAS. EXCEPT THAT IS FOR MR GRYLLS. ONLY GUYS FROM (22) SAS HAVE THE RIGHT TO SAY THAT! Mr Grylls thrives on ignorance and confusion especially regarding his time with the SAS. Let’s make it clear he was part of the Territorial Army – (21) SAS TA. He always says ex SAS or (21) SAS at a push but not the correct title of (21) SAS TA. Shame on you Mr Grylls, you so love to be vague with the truth. For readers out there who really believe Grylls hype that (21) SAS TA is equal to (22) SAS, I say this to you the TA SAS are a very important cog within the Part-Time Territorial Army, some good guys who work very hard alongside their regular civilian jobs but don’t compare them to being badged to (22) SAS. For instance, any guy wanting to join (22) from the TA (21) or (23) has to do full 6 mths intense (22) selection just like any other squaddie, no fast track allowance and very few ever make it, a notable exception was Chris Ryan. So does that say equal to you? Well… obviously Mr Grylls thinks so! Give him his due he’s brilliant at spin and PR, obviously learnt that from his late politician Dad “cash for questions anyone?”
Grylls is not ex SAS he is ex TA!!! Get a grip people he’s a fantasist! In believing his tripe you are not giving the real (22) SAS guys the genuine respect they deserve. Why on earth did Discovery use him? It’s sure coming back to haunt them now, no (22) SAS guy would be that stupid!
Derek // March 30, 2008 at 3:59 pm |
‘NO BRITISH TA SAS GUY WOULD EVER IMPLY THAT HE WAS PRESENT OR EX SAS. EXCEPT THAT IS FOR MR GRYLLS. ONLY GUYS FROM (22) SAS HAVE THE RIGHT TO SAY THAT! ‘
Rubbish. Do you actually know any SAS guys or have oyu been reading too many pulp paperbacks?
Sean // April 14, 2008 at 9:47 am |
have to agree with the majority that he is a fraud, it is pretty much staged all the way. I do a lot of outdoors activities, I am good at my thing, and confident enough to say I’m better than Grylls, but I would never claim to be an expert.
I think the end goal is missed here, the show is about entertainment (not that it is very entertaining – I find it boring and stupid, blown out of proportion).
22 SAS is the only operational unit I have ever heard of, didn’t even know there was a TA version. So I can’t comment on that. What I will say is that it’s very evident the man is fake from his showmanship, and the fact that he tried to use a bowdrill in the dessert to make a fire and failed, miserably – if he was trained that well he wouldn’t fail.
He seems to have been shown along the way in the show what to do and how to do it, in between shooting like. He’s an entertainer, and people like him. I don’t, but others do.
I do, however, have a reignited admiration for Mears. The man is quite simply the most genuine bushcraftsman I have ever seen in action.
Les Shroud ain’t far behind, but Ray is King of The Jungle so to speak.
But one thing is for sure, most 22 guys don’t go bragging or showboating like Grylls, and if Grylls was operational as a Sabre, why are there no records of it?
steven andrews // April 14, 2008 at 2:45 pm |
well judging by all the tripe posted on this site many of you think 21/23 sas are second rate sas wannabee’s?…so i gather its easy to get into the uk special forces is it, let me tell you from my own experiances with 23 sas, the selection is both gruelling and demanding….many of you lot have probably got no experiance with the army apart from watching ultimate force on the tv so when you have done the selection come back and tell me its not an achievement…dick heads.
Derek // April 17, 2008 at 12:22 am |
I have to agree with steven andrews rather forceful comment.
There is an awful lot of tripe posted here about this issue.
Regardless of the reality or otherwise of his shows, Grylls is former 21 SAS and that is an achievement indeed.
21 and 23 SAS are quality units and the people there are SAS through and through.
As for him not being ‘real’ as ‘real’ ‘22 SAS’ guys don’t go showboating or bragging, are you blind?
Try looking at the shelf in any bookshop.
Charlie // April 18, 2008 at 6:52 pm |
Clearly this is a contentious issue, this is the top post on my blog, almost a year after posting it.
I suppose it doesn’t really matter whether Grylls was in the SAS proper or not, the point is whether the TV programme is any good.
Sadly, for me at least, the programme has lost its appeal. I have several episodes from the recent series on my PVR and I just can’t bring myself to watch them. The ones that I have watched I have found to be rather dull. The programme is no longer portrayed as dropping Grylls in some desolate spot and him having to survive, and frankly that was all that made it interesting.
He claimed that he wasn’t responsible for the editing or the way that the programme was later represented, but I don’t believe that.
As for it being for health and safety reasons, I don’t believe that either. Ray Mears camps out alone at night.
Regardless of whether he was in the proper SAS or deserves recognition for it, he isn’t the survival expert that he makes himself out to be. And that is what the programme is all about.
Wills K // June 19, 2008 at 2:12 pm |
I think we can forgive Bear for making as much money as he has. It’s just TV. Many people have profited from those three letters SAS and many more will continue to profit.
If people are going to comment on blogs, I suggest the check their facts. 21 SAS was formed before 22 SAS. 21 were the original SAS.
“21 SAS was active during the Malayan Emergency and in many subsequent conflicts. In 1952, members of the Artists’ Rifles who had been involved in special operations in Malaya formed 22 SAS, the modern special forces regiment – the only time a Territorial Army unit has been used to form a unit in the Regular Army and remain a parent of a regular unit.”
http://en.wikipedia.org
Also, John “Lofty” Wiseman was the original survival instructor for the SAS not Ray Mears. Ray did do time teaching on the selection but he wasn’t there that long.
I have served with both regular and TA soldiers and they both play a vital role in gaurding this countries interest both at home and abroad.
We have just lost 4 of our members (23SAS) in Afghanistan and I think we should give the TA thing a rest.
It’s “one army” and TA soldiers give their lives just as regular soldiers do.
Think about the loved ones who will never see them again. Ah, but they are just TA…
R // June 19, 2008 at 7:47 pm |
I think that you’ll find that they are called reserve, not TA. Having several friends in the ‘Regiment’ some of whom will be attending funerals next week, I know for a fact that 21 and 23 go through the exact same selection and training as 22. They have the same equipment and receive the same pay.
People seem to think that 22 SAS is some huge operation, when the reality is that they are a very small body of men. Consequently since 2001, at least 50% of 21 and 23 have been deployed in theatre as regular special forces.
Finally, I’d love any of these ar$eholes on here who say ‘only TA’ to come up to A squadron 23 in Hamilton and have a discussion with some of the ‘weekend warriors’.
J // June 20, 2008 at 12:50 pm |
Stevie – 21 & 23 SAS are not SAS TA they are known as SAS(V) for volunteers. So if you are going to come on to this site spouting get your facts right then your arguement may be considered worthy of consideration.
I can confirm from personal experence that selecton is to the same high standard as 22 SAS. The main difference is continuation training that follows the selection process differs to reflect the specific roles of the particular regiment (21, 22 or 23) and/or squadron.
21 and 23 SAS(V) play an important and integral role in the special forces deployment within the British Army. They are certain not second rate or sub standard special forces soldiers. Their professionalism and dedication is outstanding.
Unfortunately, from time to time, some loud mouth plays the “I’m ex SAS” card to boost their credibility. Remember Lewis Collins (TV – The Professionals actor)? He was another ex 21 SAS(V) blabber mouth.
These poor few should not be a measure of the majority of excellent soldiers the exist with 21 and 23 SA(V). They deserve far better than that.
To the family and friend of those brave guys that paid the ultimate price recently I offer my heartfelt and sincere condolences. May they be be remembered for the good work they have done and their bravery.
D // July 22, 2008 at 10:04 pm |
You fuckers know fuck all !! Not SAS(V) but SAS(R). R for Reserves. Not ‘A’ Sqn but ‘D’ Sqn. They’ve not been ‘A’ Sqn for years.
You’re all just a bunch of Walters !!
chris brown // July 26, 2008 at 1:45 am |
being ex sas myself i know grylls was braught in very frequently for his expertise and training.
He was never a member of regiment but a trainer.
the guy taught us how to survive in the extremes.
he was not officially sas we used him for training we got used to him and we trhaught of him as a very important member of the team.
give bear his due he is a damn good survivalist knows his stuff and is god damn reliable.
bear will never let you down he will keep going and going and going till he dies or drops.
thats what makes him an integral part of the reg.
see when the shit hits the fan you can appreciate the guy.
hes the unsung hero.
I was a member of 3 regiments starting with argyll and sutherland highlanders then parachute rgt and finally sas.
some people are natural at certain things people are associated to the sas because they are damn good the best in the country not necessarily millitary.
we recruit from various sources.
for example
i had a fitness instructor who never served a day in the millitary as a soldier.
people have joined sas without serving as a soldier for different reasons i cant go into.
bear is damn good survivalist his knowledge is second to none all you have to do is watch his progs and you dont need to ask why was bear associated with sas,
when it comes right down to it in all our millitary records it only says
attached to train.
we are all attached to train
no one is really through and through sas
wa are all only attached untill returned to unit.
chris brown // July 26, 2008 at 4:21 am |
wullie brown is my dad
ex para and associated to sas
was best pals with hatton
died in falklands taking a battleship
dad has told stories of clarks heroics since i was born.
when i think of sas i think of mr hatton
im just a punk a wannabe
someone who tried
clark hatton is the man
a decorated and true sas soldier
the image of sas is mr hatton and he will always have my respect he is the man.
i was a member but never gifted like that.
thats what it means to be sas.
thats the man
sas himself
he is sas.
he has that honour
william clark hatton
rambo in the flesh
mention the name
see the reaction
i grew up respecting the man last time i seen him must have been 3 years old
ma dads best pal
chris brown // July 26, 2008 at 4:29 am |
rest in peace mr hatton
your country appreciates you
as long as i live you will always be remembered
thank you mr hatton for your services to your country.
even in death you give inspiration.
and to his family, the mans name will live forever.
thank you.
we will always apprecite when he has done for his country.
chris brown // July 26, 2008 at 4:34 am |
and to look at one of the posts above
artists in london is officer training
Peter // November 21, 2008 at 11:31 am |
As a former member of 21 SAS, late 60s, I would just like to say that as a civilian doing the SAS selection course , and passing it, is no mean achievement. As confirmed by David Davies on Desert Island Discs this morning. In contrast to members of the regular army, who do nothing else but train to keep fit, the TA boys have to do a full-time job all week and then at the week-ends have to go on the arduous training exercises that eventually leads to the final selection course on the bleak hills of Wales.
dr glenn // December 8, 2008 at 7:10 pm |
Ex 21 SAS (1979-1981) ,never speak about it,never tell anyone…even my wife doesnt know….I dont feel the need to brag and I was trained to keep my mouth shut…old “Bear” should do the same…
jo // December 14, 2008 at 10:43 am |
I’m married to to an ex (22) SAS B Squad – 18 years who is now with L Det.
If selection for (21) and (23) is equal to (22) why are they not interchangeable? Only guys from (22) can interchange freely. Guys from (21) and (23) must do and pass full (22) SAS selection before entering.
My nephew made (23) SAS and failed selection for (22) SAS twice. What looks similar selection on paper in reality is very different.
That said I’m incredibly proud of both but I think people must accept there is a difference. ‘Horses for courses’ and all that. Also I do feel Bear Grylls has hyped his military career from 3 years part-time SAS TA to 3 years full-time SAS to aid his media career.
So what does Chris Ryan say about him…?
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/view/58803/Why-SAS-hero-Ryan-cannot-bear-Grylls/
“SAS hero Chris Ryan has slammed survival expert Bear Grylls, claiming he’s exaggerated stories about his military record.
The accusations are the second time Old Etonian Grylls has been criticised this year.
Rival survivalist Ray Mears labelled him a “boy scout” and a “showman”who uses TV trickery on his programme Born Survivor.
But the new claims will rock Grylls’ reputation even harder because over-stating service history is deemed taboo in military circles.
Gulf War veteran Ryan even says he doesn’t believe Grylls broke his back on an SAS operation in Africa.
And the ex-soldier – who served on the notorious Bravo Two Zero mission in the first Gulf war in Iraq – viciously laid into 34-year-old Grylls for taking the plaudits while real servicemen suffered.
Ryan explained: “I’ve got respect for Ray Mears because he’s very,very knowledgeable in his craft.
“Bear Grylls goes on and on about an operation in Africa.
“He tells people he broke his back on an operation but I don’t know where in Africa he would be doing an operation.
“Nobody has been able to tell me that. I’ve spoken to several guys who were regimental sergeant majors and instructors in the regimental SAS but none of them could remember this operation.
“And I just think, ‘F**k you, mate, there’s guys dying in Afghanistan and Iraq. You have to earn that beret’.” “
Peter // December 24, 2008 at 6:05 am |
I have the utmost respect for ALL branches of the SAS. Be that British 21, 22 and 23 but also Rhodesian (22C), Australian and New Zealand included. Without the extraordinary efforts of the SAS for the last half century the world would be a much less safe place. They are all heros. As for “Bear” he served in the SAS and whether TA or PF does not change that.
unspecified // February 14, 2009 at 3:55 am |
honesty is far more admirable trait from a man than any whispers of the sas ok…. show the world what you can do dont tell the world, you big hairy scary ex sas men! laugh, i nearly shit myself with all this bristling up to one another! man up lads. DCM MM
huggy // March 28, 2009 at 12:35 am |
i served three years in 21sas failed selection first time on the fan dance went straight on next course and passed, ex reg paras and marines also failed, believe me selection is tough, 150 recruits started 12 got badged, as for bear he was on the same para course as myself ok he is a twat but the twat is makeing money out of it all he aint saying anything you cant read in books or find on the net hes just being clever enough to use the name of the regt to help line his pockets, if you dont rate the guy do what i do switch the chanel over and fuck him off
SteveO // May 4, 2009 at 1:31 am |
Anyone know any sites to tell me more about 23rd Squadron Etc. Looked at some but they say you can’t have a criminal record?? So i’m fine for the T.A. but maybe not the 23rd? If i passed and could do the job that should’nt make a difference?
IMN // May 10, 2009 at 3:42 pm |
Bear Grylls is just doing what he loves for a living, and there is an audience out there who enjoy watching it; I don’t care if the show is planned or edited heavily, I just like watching it, seeing what you could do in those kind of situations. It’s all part of the show wen he says about himself being in the ’special forces’, and of course it’s to bolster his credibility! Just as he talks about his other achievements, I think it’s important for the programme to let the viewer know that he isn’t just some Eton dreamer who learnt what he knows from a book and has never had to actually put into practice what they’ve learned to survive in the wild, right? I agree it sometimes grates on me when he refers to his time in the SAS(R), but to be honest i’m not even sure he realises people will be annoyed at him for mentioning it. He wasn’t trained to be on TV shows remember. Far more interesting to me regarding judgements of his character, is that is it just me, or does he always appear to be stoned!? Hahaha, gotta love it, even if he is a bit of a twat at the end of the day, he’s just a pretty down to earth guy in reality. Also, someone mentioned the SAS is really only a small group of men… hmm, suddenly it seems everyone on here served with them! I smell bullshit..
bootneck // June 11, 2009 at 1:52 pm |
My late father served with 21 sas malayan scouts from 48` til 53` one of the originals , not bad for TA eh!!
Cow // June 12, 2009 at 7:41 pm |
I understand that his credibility is on the table for debate. That being his SAS background together with his camera crew and so called “in the wild accomodation”. However is it not a good show? Does he not deserve some credit?
Would anyone know if the network or Bear himself perhaps have made statements regarding this issue?
Would anyone know if the following or current season of the show is roughed up considering the birth of this issue?
Cow // June 12, 2009 at 7:44 pm |
Oh and can anyone give me some info on Ray Mears. Good show? Someone point me in the right direction please.
Simon // June 17, 2009 at 4:27 pm |
Jesus, lots of people who’ve served with the SAS here!
I have not served nowhere, still i feel like Bear Grylls is way tougher then both Ray Mears and Chris ryan due to following:
I’m 100% sure Ray Mears is not alone either
Bear Grylls are proven to have climbed Everest, something none of the other two gentlemen have not done.
I’m also pretty certain Chris Ryan exaggerated his stories aswell
Anonymous // June 20, 2009 at 1:38 pm |
who fucking cares good show
Efyou // July 6, 2009 at 6:55 pm |
You are all full of shit, here is something for you to think about:
What Bear Grylls has done in his life… go ahead and copy that, i am sure you will ALL fail.
And as for the various SAS Regiments, they are all hardcore, and none of you will ever be one of them. Talking shit about them, implying that being with anything but the 22 is an easy task, grow up you jealous pieces of shit.
Sweet dreams.
Hope Rests With The Master « Charlie’s Space // August 10, 2009 at 1:00 pm |
[...] As of today, the second most popular post on this blog is Fastest White Man. Yes second, it still has some way to go before it surpasses the top post, Bear Grylls A Fraud! [...]
Legoland // August 30, 2009 at 4:54 pm |
I doubt very much that any of the people on here have served with the sass. If you did you would feel comfortable telling me mr mcnabs real name? No? Didnt think so….
ricky // September 17, 2009 at 10:50 pm |
Bear Grylls is great be cause he ENCOURAGES people to go out into nature and enjoy the planet. He is a positive ROLL-MODEL for people to look up to and be inspired by. It is wild to me that people attack a person who is just trying spread happiness. Everyone, take deep breath and relax
.
outdoorsurvivalclothes.com
Fake Name // November 2, 2009 at 9:28 pm |
Well, I can honestly say I’m surprised at the number of ”keyboard warriors” on here…
Ok, so Bear Grylls is a bit of a show-boat. But he’s making an ‘interesting’ survival series. If he didn’t make it look more exciting, more dangerous than it really is, would make for a bit of boring T.V…
I am in the military, a full-time regular soldier, and with-held my name for obvious reasons. I am training for the 22 SAS selection process currently, so have a good idea what it’s about.
The 21 and 23 SAS regiments have to undergo the SAME selection process and training, but in smaller chunks. It’s so that they can work their civvy jobs concurrently. But this also means they can revise, recover and rest between phases. Something which the regular 22 selection recruits CANNOT do. Once they start, they have to muscle through the 6 months in one go.
What I’m trying to say is, whatever way you look at this, BOTH selection processes are INSANELY tough. Only the very, absolute best are allowed to pass. So for all you warriors out there, fat, pie-eating, beer drinking loosers – men like Bear Grylls MADE something of their lives. He served his country, and put his life on the line.
Something that you folks just don’t get. So lay off the man. Yeah, he exaggerates, and maybe he should keep it on the down-low, but HE DID IT. Most of you didn’t… Nor would, or could you. It takes real guts, determination, training, and such a tough attitude to pass…
So c’mon, give him a break. Either that, or YOU pass the 22 selection, then successfully complete more than 3 years service. THEN, and only then do you have the right to shoot-down REAL men like Bear.
Oh, and grow up.