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 Customer Reviews
cracking book, 27 Oct 2008
really enjoyed the book. Just makes you think how we take our armed forces personal for granted. Truly remarkable story.
Sniper One "Best of British"., 24 Oct 2008
This is the best book I have ever read full stop.
I find it amazing that they tried to ban this book when you read how decorated this company was for their bravery!
My God these guys should be on the news as hero's who in the face of being nearly overrun fought with tenacity and bravery, and they weren't even given the right tools for the job!
As the book says "The Seige of CIMIC House proved to be not only the longest continuous action fought by the British Army anywhere since the Korean War, but also the lengthiest defensive stand since World War Two".
I wonder if the lessons have been learnt by the top brass? I doubt it!
It's reading books like this that make you realise how much these guys risk fighting for Great Britain, not the Sky News snippets that only tell us part of the story.
This makes you proud of our armed forces and we need to show our thanks by asking what can we do for them as they risk so much for us.
I for one will be finding out how I can help in any way.
A gripping read..., 16 Oct 2008
An interesting soldier's story that also gives parts of the bigger picture in Iraq. Unlike some current military books it is well written, making for an absorbing read.
excellant book, 14 Oct 2008
one of the best books i have ever read, its frank and straight to the point and tells the true story of our hero's
Amazing real life account, 05 Oct 2008
A truly amazing book. Never have I read such a page turner and its fact not fiction. This book will blow your hair back, if you have even the vaguest interest in the Iraq war you should definitely read this.
The British Army hold a small compound in Al Amarah while the reconstruction teams being their work. Unfortunately they don't get very far before the local insurgency decide to declare all out war. The first major attack is repelled, but constant insurgency eventually force the army to hold up in their compound where over a 23-day period they took 595 mortar rounds from the insurgents, 57 RPG's, 5 107mm rockets and were attacked by many hundreds of OMS fighters. A single company, massively outnumbered managed (just) to hold out, and the story as told by Dan Mills, the lead sniper is breathtaking.
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Apache
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £9.31
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Customer Reviews
cracking book, 27 Oct 2008
really enjoyed the book. Just makes you think how we take our armed forces personal for granted. Truly remarkable story.
Sniper One "Best of British"., 24 Oct 2008
This is the best book I have ever read full stop.
I find it amazing that they tried to ban this book when you read how decorated this company was for their bravery!
My God these guys should be on the news as hero's who in the face of being nearly overrun fought with tenacity and bravery, and they weren't even given the right tools for the job!
As the book says "The Seige of CIMIC House proved to be not only the longest continuous action fought by the British Army anywhere since the Korean War, but also the lengthiest defensive stand since World War Two".
I wonder if the lessons have been learnt by the top brass? I doubt it!
It's reading books like this that make you realise how much these guys risk fighting for Great Britain, not the Sky News snippets that only tell us part of the story.
This makes you proud of our armed forces and we need to show our thanks by asking what can we do for them as they risk so much for us.
I for one will be finding out how I can help in any way.
A gripping read..., 16 Oct 2008
An interesting soldier's story that also gives parts of the bigger picture in Iraq. Unlike some current military books it is well written, making for an absorbing read.
excellant book, 14 Oct 2008
one of the best books i have ever read, its frank and straight to the point and tells the true story of our hero's
Amazing real life account, 05 Oct 2008
A truly amazing book. Never have I read such a page turner and its fact not fiction. This book will blow your hair back, if you have even the vaguest interest in the Iraq war you should definitely read this.
The British Army hold a small compound in Al Amarah while the reconstruction teams being their work. Unfortunately they don't get very far before the local insurgency decide to declare all out war. The first major attack is repelled, but constant insurgency eventually force the army to hold up in their compound where over a 23-day period they took 595 mortar rounds from the insurgents, 57 RPG's, 5 107mm rockets and were attacked by many hundreds of OMS fighters. A single company, massively outnumbered managed (just) to hold out, and the story as told by Dan Mills, the lead sniper is breathtaking.
Outstanding, 28 Nov 2008
Wow!
I finished reading this at 1 am last night. I was gripped from the start. It has a really simple style, but manages to get in a great deal of technical stuff, moving and funny human stories, and a bit of background on the British Army presencein Afghanistan. The flying and combat sequences are great, and the final showdown is terrific. By far the best book on modern combat I have read for years.
Fabulous Fiction, 14 Nov 2008
This is real boys own stuff. What a story, if only it were true, which sadly the majority is not. If you like the old commando comics then this and Andy Mcnab's stuff will be right up your ally. But if you prefer to read about real heroics then go for some of the other books recounting the stories of our troops on HERRICK 5.
How do I know it's not true, well being in the AAC gives you an inside track.
Great read, 27 Oct 2008
Ed Macy describes his (many) experiences in the British Army / mainly Army Air Corps in superb detail (with the help of Tom Newton Dunn - defence correspondent for The Sun newspaper). The role and dedication of an Apache attack helicopter pilot / gunner is brought to life in scintillating style. This really is a cracking read - I cannot recommend it highly enough. Action packed, emotionally descriptive and technologically fascinating.
One Word Awesome, 27 Oct 2008
All I can say is 'Awesome' an awesome tale of an awesome machine.
10 out of 10.
top book, 25 Oct 2008
An excellent well written book that I bought without reading a review. got lucky this time! Finished it in 3 nights and has passed my acid test I will read it again
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Customer Reviews
cracking book, 27 Oct 2008
really enjoyed the book. Just makes you think how we take our armed forces personal for granted. Truly remarkable story.
Sniper One "Best of British"., 24 Oct 2008
This is the best book I have ever read full stop.
I find it amazing that they tried to ban this book when you read how decorated this company was for their bravery!
My God these guys should be on the news as hero's who in the face of being nearly overrun fought with tenacity and bravery, and they weren't even given the right tools for the job!
As the book says "The Seige of CIMIC House proved to be not only the longest continuous action fought by the British Army anywhere since the Korean War, but also the lengthiest defensive stand since World War Two".
I wonder if the lessons have been learnt by the top brass? I doubt it!
It's reading books like this that make you realise how much these guys risk fighting for Great Britain, not the Sky News snippets that only tell us part of the story.
This makes you proud of our armed forces and we need to show our thanks by asking what can we do for them as they risk so much for us.
I for one will be finding out how I can help in any way.
A gripping read..., 16 Oct 2008
An interesting soldier's story that also gives parts of the bigger picture in Iraq. Unlike some current military books it is well written, making for an absorbing read.
excellant book, 14 Oct 2008
one of the best books i have ever read, its frank and straight to the point and tells the true story of our hero's
Amazing real life account, 05 Oct 2008
A truly amazing book. Never have I read such a page turner and its fact not fiction. This book will blow your hair back, if you have even the vaguest interest in the Iraq war you should definitely read this.
The British Army hold a small compound in Al Amarah while the reconstruction teams being their work. Unfortunately they don't get very far before the local insurgency decide to declare all out war. The first major attack is repelled, but constant insurgency eventually force the army to hold up in their compound where over a 23-day period they took 595 mortar rounds from the insurgents, 57 RPG's, 5 107mm rockets and were attacked by many hundreds of OMS fighters. A single company, massively outnumbered managed (just) to hold out, and the story as told by Dan Mills, the lead sniper is breathtaking.
Outstanding, 28 Nov 2008
Wow!
I finished reading this at 1 am last night. I was gripped from the start. It has a really simple style, but manages to get in a great deal of technical stuff, moving and funny human stories, and a bit of background on the British Army presencein Afghanistan. The flying and combat sequences are great, and the final showdown is terrific. By far the best book on modern combat I have read for years.
Fabulous Fiction, 14 Nov 2008
This is real boys own stuff. What a story, if only it were true, which sadly the majority is not. If you like the old commando comics then this and Andy Mcnab's stuff will be right up your ally. But if you prefer to read about real heroics then go for some of the other books recounting the stories of our troops on HERRICK 5.
How do I know it's not true, well being in the AAC gives you an inside track.
Great read, 27 Oct 2008
Ed Macy describes his (many) experiences in the British Army / mainly Army Air Corps in superb detail (with the help of Tom Newton Dunn - defence correspondent for The Sun newspaper). The role and dedication of an Apache attack helicopter pilot / gunner is brought to life in scintillating style. This really is a cracking read - I cannot recommend it highly enough. Action packed, emotionally descriptive and technologically fascinating.
One Word Awesome, 27 Oct 2008
All I can say is 'Awesome' an awesome tale of an awesome machine.
10 out of 10.
top book, 25 Oct 2008
An excellent well written book that I bought without reading a review. got lucky this time! Finished it in 3 nights and has passed my acid test I will read it again
Could be better, 26 Nov 2008
I was a little disappointed with this book. I bought it thinking it would be as good a read as 'Armageddon' by the same author. But here I was wrong. It seems that the author has tried to fill up a long book rather quickly without paying too much attention to the overall readability. He does cover the Japanese point of view too, which is interesting but I think he has included too many personal interviews with survivors. It must be fascinating for someone who lived through it all, who can piece it all together today - but I was left a little confused and just about managed to finish reading the book. Not easy reading.
Essential history that all should know., 26 Nov 2008
An extremely good read, the battle for Japan has not received the same level of historical coverage given to the European Western and Eastern fronts, but this book certainly rectifies that. A compelling, informative and justifiably horrific book, it pulls no punches and serves no political or historical masters. For truth and honesty about the events and the figures that drove them you'll have to go a long way to better this book. Cannot praise highly enough. You should bookend your WWII historical collection with this and it's older brother 'Armageddon-Max Hastings' about the battle for Europe.Armageddon: The Battle for Germany 1944-45
BRITISH PACIFIC FORCE?, 14 Aug 2008
At the Winchester Festival, reviewing his book, Hastings made a misguided and alarming remark, "that the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm, other than Taranto Raid, played no significant part in WW2". It is therefore no wonder that he has omitted to include in his book the British Pacific Forces's successful attack on the Japanese oil refineries at Palembang (Samatra) in January 1945. Four British fleet carriers with 244 aircraft embarked disabled the refineries that were supplying Japan precious aviation fuel. He has also failed to document one of two VC's won my Fleet Air Arm pilots during WWII - Lt Gray with his plane on fire, pressed home his attack and sank a Japanese destoyer. Glancing through the book Hastings does not do justice to the Royal Navy in the Far East during 1944-45 period, until he educates himselve on the Fleet Air Arm's war effort, I will stay clear of his books. Question for you Max, which allied torpedo bomber aircraft sank more enemy shipping (by tonnage) then any other aircraft acting in the same role during WW2? Clue it is the same aircraft that disabled the Bismarck's steering, enabling the Royal Navy to sink it.
When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today, 25 Mar 2008
"When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today," is inscribed on the War Memorial at Kohima. It commemorates a forgotten battle fought by forgotten soldiers of a forgotten army of a forgotten empire for a forgotten cause against a forgotten foe - I exaggerate only slightly, for what school child in any of the great democracies (assisted only at its dénouement by the dreadful Soviet dictatorship of 'Uncle' Joe Stalin) that eventually triumphed over a monstrous and militarist enemy can tell today of Kohima, of Imphal, of Leyte Gulf, of Iwo Jima, of Okinawa? Not many, I guess. I am deeply regretful that so few of our young know anything of the above. Max Hastings has performed a first-class service for those who know little or nothing of what happened then or of the need to destroy that 'monstrous and militarist enemy,' the Japan of Hirohito. Those of us who know of the need must never forget, nor permit others so to do. Read this book in order to know why!
Not history, but rather slapdash journalism, 26 Feb 2008
If you like your history personalised and trivialised, enjoy 'knocking copy' but are not much interested in facts nor concerned with accuracy, this is your book. Do not be bluffed by its bulk and the plethora of end-notes; it lacks a bibliography, making it impossible to decide which howlers stem from ignorance of sources and which from misusing them.
I bought 'Nemesis' because I learned that Hastings quotes from my uncle's book 'War Bush: 81 (West African) Division in Burma 1943-1945' by J.A.L.Hamilton (Norwich: Michael Russell, 2001) in his first chapter on the war in Burma. He quotes from it with acknowledgement four times, each time with one or more errors, and uses it in six more without acknowledgement. My uncle's book closes with the opinion of the Japanese Arakan army, that of the troops opposed to them for more than a year the Africans were 'undoubtedly (the Allies') best jungle fighters'. Hastings, who was not there, knows better: 'The War Office was seized by a belief that jungle warfare would suit Africans; this though most had never seen such terrain.' He backs this up by quoting a British general's views that 'The African has not a fighting history' and 'The African....cannot react quickly....due to an inherent....lack of intelligence', and considers it relevant to cite a Gurkha officer's report of his men gazing with awe, when snooping on Africans bathing, at the 'extravagant proportion of their black comrades' private parts', as if this titbit of schoolboy smut affected their performance as soldiers. It is typical that they are said to be West Africans, though in the Kabaw Valley, where 11 (East African) Division campaigned. He thinks there were only two African divisions, and only one from West Africa, which sent two, making three. He tries to belittle the share of British troops in the Burma fighting - 'only a fraction....two divisions....one in thirteen of the ground troops'. There were three, one broken up to form Chindit brigades, and in addition one-third of the infantry and half or more of the artillery in an 'Indian' division were British units. On numbers the British were 100,000 out of 605,000, almost one in six. He quotes figures without a source, and overestimates the Japanese killed in Burma after the invasion by subtracting the number killed then from the total of all Japanese casualties (KIA, wounded and missing).
The narrative is bulked out by personal reminiscences and anecdotes, many used as a basis for sweeping, often dubious, generalisations; there is an evident relish for horror stories. Hard facts are scanty, and many incorrect even though well-known - wrong dates for the start of Operation Thursday and the death of Wingate, the wrong division landing at Rangoon, on the wrong day. Sources are mis-quoted, not acknowledged, their evidence distorted. How can one trust the rest of the book? This is not history, but rather slapdash journalism; as Kipling wrote, 'Once a journalist, always and forever a journalist'.
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Customer Reviews
cracking book, 27 Oct 2008
really enjoyed the book. Just makes you think how we take our armed forces personal for granted. Truly remarkable story.
Sniper One "Best of British"., 24 Oct 2008
This is the best book I have ever read full stop.
I find it amazing that they tried to ban this book when you read how decorated this company was for their bravery!
My God these guys should be on the news as hero's who in the face of being nearly overrun fought with tenacity and bravery, and they weren't even given the right tools for the job!
As the book says "The Seige of CIMIC House proved to be not only the longest continuous action fought by the British Army anywhere since the Korean War, but also the lengthiest defensive stand since World War Two".
I wonder if the lessons have been learnt by the top brass? I doubt it!
It's reading books like this that make you realise how much these guys risk fighting for Great Britain, not the Sky News snippets that only tell us part of the story.
This makes you proud of our armed forces and we need to show our thanks by asking what can we do for them as they risk so much for us.
I for one will be finding out how I can help in any way.
A gripping read..., 16 Oct 2008
An interesting soldier's story that also gives parts of the bigger picture in Iraq. Unlike some current military books it is well written, making for an absorbing read.
excellant book, 14 Oct 2008
one of the best books i have ever read, its frank and straight to the point and tells the true story of our hero's
Amazing real life account, 05 Oct 2008
A truly amazing book. Never have I read such a page turner and its fact not fiction. This book will blow your hair back, if you have even the vaguest interest in the Iraq war you should definitely read this.
The British Army hold a small compound in Al Amarah while the reconstruction teams being their work. Unfortunately they don't get very far before the local insurgency decide to declare all out war. The first major attack is repelled, but constant insurgency eventually force the army to hold up in their compound where over a 23-day period they took 595 mortar rounds from the insurgents, 57 RPG's, 5 107mm rockets and were attacked by many hundreds of OMS fighters. A single company, massively outnumbered managed (just) to hold out, and the story as told by Dan Mills, the lead sniper is breathtaking.
Outstanding, 28 Nov 2008
Wow!
I finished reading this at 1 am last night. I was gripped from the start. It has a really simple style, but manages to get in a great deal of technical stuff, moving and funny human stories, and a bit of background on the British Army presencein Afghanistan. The flying and combat sequences are great, and the final showdown is terrific. By far the best book on modern combat I have read for years.
Fabulous Fiction, 14 Nov 2008
This is real boys own stuff. What a story, if only it were true, which sadly the majority is not. If you like the old commando comics then this and Andy Mcnab's stuff will be right up your ally. But if you prefer to read about real heroics then go for some of the other books recounting the stories of our troops on HERRICK 5.
How do I know it's not true, well being in the AAC gives you an inside track.
Great read, 27 Oct 2008
Ed Macy describes his (many) experiences in the British Army / mainly Army Air Corps in superb detail (with the help of Tom Newton Dunn - defence correspondent for The Sun newspaper). The role and dedication of an Apache attack helicopter pilot / gunner is brought to life in scintillating style. This really is a cracking read - I cannot recommend it highly enough. Action packed, emotionally descriptive and technologically fascinating.
One Word Awesome, 27 Oct 2008
All I can say is 'Awesome' an awesome tale of an awesome machine.
10 out of 10.
top book, 25 Oct 2008
An excellent well written book that I bought without reading a review. got lucky this time! Finished it in 3 nights and has passed my acid test I will read it again
Could be better, 26 Nov 2008
I was a little disappointed with this book. I bought it thinking it would be as good a read as 'Armageddon' by the same author. But here I was wrong. It seems that the author has tried to fill up a long book rather quickly without paying too much attention to the overall readability. He does cover the Japanese point of view too, which is interesting but I think he has included too many personal interviews with survivors. It must be fascinating for someone who lived through it all, who can piece it all together today - but I was left a little confused and just about managed to finish reading the book. Not easy reading.
Essential history that all should know., 26 Nov 2008
An extremely good read, the battle for Japan has not received the same level of historical coverage given to the European Western and Eastern fronts, but this book certainly rectifies that. A compelling, informative and justifiably horrific book, it pulls no punches and serves no political or historical masters. For truth and honesty about the events and the figures that drove them you'll have to go a long way to better this book. Cannot praise highly enough. You should bookend your WWII historical collection with this and it's older brother 'Armageddon-Max Hastings' about the battle for Europe.Armageddon: The Battle for Germany 1944-45
BRITISH PACIFIC FORCE?, 14 Aug 2008
At the Winchester Festival, reviewing his book, Hastings made a misguided and alarming remark, "that the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm, other than Taranto Raid, played no significant part in WW2". It is therefore no wonder that he has omitted to include in his book the British Pacific Forces's successful attack on the Japanese oil refineries at Palembang (Samatra) in January 1945. Four British fleet carriers with 244 aircraft embarked disabled the refineries that were supplying Japan precious aviation fuel. He has also failed to document one of two VC's won my Fleet Air Arm pilots during WWII - Lt Gray with his plane on fire, pressed home his attack and sank a Japanese destoyer. Glancing through the book Hastings does not do justice to the Royal Navy in the Far East during 1944-45 period, until he educates himselve on the Fleet Air Arm's war effort, I will stay clear of his books. Question for you Max, which allied torpedo bomber aircraft sank more enemy shipping (by tonnage) then any other aircraft acting in the same role during WW2? Clue it is the same aircraft that disabled the Bismarck's steering, enabling the Royal Navy to sink it.
When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today, 25 Mar 2008
"When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today," is inscribed on the War Memorial at Kohima. It commemorates a forgotten battle fought by forgotten soldiers of a forgotten army of a forgotten empire for a forgotten cause against a forgotten foe - I exaggerate only slightly, for what school child in any of the great democracies (assisted only at its dénouement by the dreadful Soviet dictatorship of 'Uncle' Joe Stalin) that eventually triumphed over a monstrous and militarist enemy can tell today of Kohima, of Imphal, of Leyte Gulf, of Iwo Jima, of Okinawa? Not many, I guess. I am deeply regretful that so few of our young know anything of the above. Max Hastings has performed a first-class service for those who know little or nothing of what happened then or of the need to destroy that 'monstrous and militarist enemy,' the Japan of Hirohito. Those of us who know of the need must never forget, nor permit others so to do. Read this book in order to know why!
Not history, but rather slapdash journalism, 26 Feb 2008
If you like your history personalised and trivialised, enjoy 'knocking copy' but are not much interested in facts nor concerned with accuracy, this is your book. Do not be bluffed by its bulk and the plethora of end-notes; it lacks a bibliography, making it impossible to decide which howlers stem from ignorance of sources and which from misusing them.
I bought 'Nemesis' because I learned that Hastings quotes from my uncle's book 'War Bush: 81 (West African) Division in Burma 1943-1945' by J.A.L.Hamilton (Norwich: Michael Russell, 2001) in his first chapter on the war in Burma. He quotes from it with acknowledgement four times, each time with one or more errors, and uses it in six more without acknowledgement. My uncle's book closes with the opinion of the Japanese Arakan army, that of the troops opposed to them for more than a year the Africans were 'undoubtedly (the Allies') best jungle fighters'. Hastings, who was not there, knows better: 'The War Office was seized by a belief that jungle warfare would suit Africans; this though most had never seen such terrain.' He backs this up by quoting a British general's views that 'The African has not a fighting history' and 'The African....cannot react quickly....due to an inherent....lack of intelligence', and considers it relevant to cite a Gurkha officer's report of his men gazing with awe, when snooping on Africans bathing, at the 'extravagant proportion of their black comrades' private parts', as if this titbit of schoolboy smut affected their performance as soldiers. It is typical that they are said to be West Africans, though in the Kabaw Valley, where 11 (East African) Division campaigned. He thinks there were only two African divisions, and only one from West Africa, which sent two, making three. He tries to belittle the share of British troops in the Burma fighting - 'only a fraction....two divisions....one in thirteen of the ground troops'. There were three, one broken up to form Chindit brigades, and in addition one-third of the infantry and half or more of the artillery in an 'Indian' division were British units. On numbers the British were 100,000 out of 605,000, almost one in six. He quotes figures without a source, and overestimates the Japanese killed in Burma after the invasion by subtracting the number killed then from the total of all Japanese casualties (KIA, wounded and missing).
The narrative is bulked out by personal reminiscences and anecdotes, many used as a basis for sweeping, often dubious, generalisations; there is an evident relish for horror stories. Hard facts are scanty, and many incorrect even though well-known - wrong dates for the start of Operation Thursday and the death of Wingate, the wrong division landing at Rangoon, on the wrong day. Sources are mis-quoted, not acknowledged, their evidence distorted. How can one trust the rest of the book? This is not history, but rather slapdash journalism; as Kipling wrote, 'Once a journalist, always and forever a journalist'.
How to act and lead in combat and elsewhere, 09 Nov 2008
Amazing that we still have men like this, given how badly the Government supports them.
If you want to know what it is like for an individual in a small team to be up close and personal fighting a fanatical enemy, here is the best I have ever read. I have read many many books on this subject matter.
His sense of guilt at survival is understandable given the random madness he went through. It should not be taken lightly.
All leaders everywhere should read this excellent book.
WOW!!, 06 Nov 2008
I have read many books on the modern soldier covering all the recent conflicts, but I have to say that "An Ordinary Soldier" by Doug Beattie MC, is by far the best I have read yet. You will struggle to put this book down. Beattie will take you on a journey that will excite and sadden you in the turn of a page. You can easily see that as an ex RSM and Late Entry Officer, his military experience gives him the maturity and knowledge to pen a book that tells it exactly like it is.
His self doubt at some of the decisions' he made. The responsibility he feels to his small team and particularly his Afghan colleagues. You will wonder how our armed forces can work and survive in these arduous conditions. Under contact nearly every day, outnumbered and probably out gunned. His story will also give you an insight into the lifestyle and operating methods of the ANA & ANP.
I also agree with Beattie that Bdr Sam New the JTAC should have been recognised for his efforts. The book is riddled with examples where the JTAC seems to save the day as Close Air Support is called in to get the team out of the tight situations.
This book would easily make any ones top ten. It is informative, passionate and caring any serving or ex military will recognise and understand what he is talking about. Civilians will find it a fascinating insight into military life on operations and a true reflection of how Beattie saw it. He thoroughly deserved his MC.
"Not bad for an old guy, who originally came to sit behind a desk"!!!!
A great accout of a remarkable career, 17 Oct 2008
Doug kindly sent me a copy and it lasted less than twelve hours. This is a great account of what happened as well as a fascinating story about an impressive career. It really does paint a vivid picture of what life was like out there and brought back a number of memories for me as well. I think Doug has done a fantastic job of documenting his memories and events and it will certainly remain a treasured part of my afghan memorabilia. A must read for those who want to sample the realities and complexities of UK operations in afghanistan. Thank you Doug.
Faugh a Ballagh Doudlas Ricardo!!, 14 Oct 2008
What can I say - the man inspired me to commission into the Royal Irish Regiment and has continued in his career to be the best soldier he can be, winning an MC along the way. Any man who can temper Tim Collins in the way he did, deserves my vote.
Now, it turns out, he can bloody well write as well. From Portyup to Helmand, it is a great read. Good luck in the future Douggie, I hope it brings you the best.
No Ordinary Battle, 10 Oct 2008
A record of an epic battle, only four words are needed -
1. Amazing.
2. Unputdownable.
3. Read it.
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3 Para
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £1.95
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Customer Reviews
cracking book, 27 Oct 2008
really enjoyed the book. Just makes you think how we take our armed forces personal for granted. Truly remarkable story.
Sniper One "Best of British"., 24 Oct 2008
This is the best book I have ever read full stop.
I find it amazing that they tried to ban this book when you read how decorated this company was for their bravery!
My God these guys should be on the news as hero's who in the face of being nearly overrun fought with tenacity and bravery, and they weren't even given the right tools for the job!
As the book says "The Seige of CIMIC House proved to be not only the longest continuous action fought by the British Army anywhere since the Korean War, but also the lengthiest defensive stand since World War Two".
I wonder if the lessons have been learnt by the top brass? I doubt it!
It's reading books like this that make you realise how much these guys risk fighting for Great Britain, not the Sky News snippets that only tell us part of the story.
This makes you proud of our armed forces and we need to show our thanks by asking what can we do for them as they risk so much for us.
I for one will be finding out how I can help in any way.
A gripping read..., 16 Oct 2008
An interesting soldier's story that also gives parts of the bigger picture in Iraq. Unlike some current military books it is well written, making for an absorbing read.
excellant book, 14 Oct 2008
one of the best books i have ever read, its frank and straight to the point and tells the true story of our hero's
Amazing real life account, 05 Oct 2008
A truly amazing book. Never have I read such a page turner and its fact not fiction. This book will blow your hair back, if you have even the vaguest interest in the Iraq war you should definitely read this.
The British Army hold a small compound in Al Amarah while the reconstruction teams being their work. Unfortunately they don't get very far before the local insurgency decide to declare all out war. The first major attack is repelled, but constant insurgency eventually force the army to hold up in their compound where over a 23-day period they took 595 mortar rounds from the insurgents, 57 RPG's, 5 107mm rockets and were attacked by many hundreds of OMS fighters. A single company, massively outnumbered managed (just) to hold out, and the story as told by Dan Mills, the lead sniper is breathtaking.
Outstanding, 28 Nov 2008
Wow!
I finished reading this at 1 am last night. I was gripped from the start. It has a really simple style, but manages to get in a great deal of technical stuff, moving and funny human stories, and a bit of background on the British Army presencein Afghanistan. The flying and combat sequences are great, and the final showdown is terrific. By far the best book on modern combat I have read for years.
Fabulous Fiction, 14 Nov 2008
This is real boys own stuff. What a story, if only it were true, which sadly the majority is not. If you like the old commando comics then this and Andy Mcnab's stuff will be right up your ally. But if you prefer to read about real heroics then go for some of the other books recounting the stories of our troops on HERRICK 5.
How do I know it's not true, well being in the AAC gives you an inside track.
Great read, 27 Oct 2008
Ed Macy describes his (many) experiences in the British Army / mainly Army Air Corps in superb detail (with the help of Tom Newton Dunn - defence correspondent for The Sun newspaper). The role and dedication of an Apache attack helicopter pilot / gunner is brought to life in scintillating style. This really is a cracking read - I cannot recommend it highly enough. Action packed, emotionally descriptive and technologically fascinating.
One Word Awesome, 27 Oct 2008
All I can say is 'Awesome' an awesome tale of an awesome machine.
10 out of 10.
top book, 25 Oct 2008
An excellent well written book that I bought without reading a review. got lucky this time! Finished it in 3 nights and has passed my acid test I will read it again
Could be better, 26 Nov 2008
I was a little disappointed with this book. I bought it thinking it would be as good a read as 'Armageddon' by the same author. But here I was wrong. It seems that the author has tried to fill up a long book rather quickly without paying too much attention to the overall readability. He does cover the Japanese point of view too, which is interesting but I think he has included too many personal interviews with survivors. It must be fascinating for someone who lived through it all, who can piece it all together today - but I was left a little confused and just about managed to finish reading the book. Not easy reading.
Essential history that all should know., 26 Nov 2008
An extremely good read, the battle for Japan has not received the same level of historical coverage given to the European Western and Eastern fronts, but this book certainly rectifies that. A compelling, informative and justifiably horrific book, it pulls no punches and serves no political or historical masters. For truth and honesty about the events and the figures that drove them you'll have to go a long way to better this book. Cannot praise highly enough. You should bookend your WWII historical collection with this and it's older brother 'Armageddon-Max Hastings' about the battle for Europe.Armageddon: The Battle for Germany 1944-45
BRITISH PACIFIC FORCE?, 14 Aug 2008
At the Winchester Festival, reviewing his book, Hastings made a misguided and alarming remark, "that the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm, other than Taranto Raid, played no significant part in WW2". It is therefore no wonder that he has omitted to include in his book the British Pacific Forces's successful attack on the Japanese oil refineries at Palembang (Samatra) in January 1945. Four British fleet carriers with 244 aircraft embarked disabled the refineries that were supplying Japan precious aviation fuel. He has also failed to document one of two VC's won my Fleet Air Arm pilots during WWII - Lt Gray with his plane on fire, pressed home his attack and sank a Japanese destoyer. Glancing through the book Hastings does not do justice to the Royal Navy in the Far East during 1944-45 period, until he educates himselve on the Fleet Air Arm's war effort, I will stay clear of his books. Question for you Max, which allied torpedo bomber aircraft sank more enemy shipping (by tonnage) then any other aircraft acting in the same role during WW2? Clue it is the same aircraft that disabled the Bismarck's steering, enabling the Royal Navy to sink it.
When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today, 25 Mar 2008
"When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today," is inscribed on the War Memorial at Kohima. It commemorates a forgotten battle fought by forgotten soldiers of a forgotten army of a forgotten empire for a forgotten cause against a forgotten foe - I exaggerate only slightly, for what school child in any of the great democracies (assisted only at its dénouement by the dreadful Soviet dictatorship of 'Uncle' Joe Stalin) that eventually triumphed over a monstrous and militarist enemy can tell today of Kohima, of Imphal, of Leyte Gulf, of Iwo Jima, of Okinawa? Not many, I guess. I am deeply regretful that so few of our young know anything of the above. Max Hastings has performed a first-class service for those who know little or nothing of what happened then or of the need to destroy that 'monstrous and militarist enemy,' the Japan of Hirohito. Those of us who know of the need must never forget, nor permit others so to do. Read this book in order to know why!
Not history, but rather slapdash journalism, 26 Feb 2008
If you like your history personalised and trivialised, enjoy 'knocking copy' but are not much interested in facts nor concerned with accuracy, this is your book. Do not be bluffed by its bulk and the plethora of end-notes; it lacks a bibliography, making it impossible to decide which howlers stem from ignorance of sources and which from misusing them.
I bought 'Nemesis' because I learned that Hastings quotes from my uncle's book 'War Bush: 81 (West African) Division in Burma 1943-1945' by J.A.L.Hamilton (Norwich: Michael Russell, 2001) in his first chapter on the war in Burma. He quotes from it with acknowledgement four times, each time with one or more errors, and uses it in six more without acknowledgement. My uncle's book closes with the opinion of the Japanese Arakan army, that of the troops opposed to them for more than a year the Africans were 'undoubtedly (the Allies') best jungle fighters'. Hastings, who was not there, knows better: 'The War Office was seized by a belief that jungle warfare would suit Africans; this though most had never seen such terrain.' He backs this up by quoting a British general's views that 'The African has not a fighting history' and 'The African....cannot react quickly....due to an inherent....lack of intelligence', and considers it relevant to cite a Gurkha officer's report of his men gazing with awe, when snooping on Africans bathing, at the 'extravagant proportion of their black comrades' private parts', as if this titbit of schoolboy smut affected their performance as soldiers. It is typical that they are said to be West Africans, though in the Kabaw Valley, where 11 (East African) Division campaigned. He thinks there were only two African divisions, and only one from West Africa, which sent two, making three. He tries to belittle the share of British troops in the Burma fighting - 'only a fraction....two divisions....one in thirteen of the ground troops'. There were three, one broken up to form Chindit brigades, and in addition one-third of the infantry and half or more of the artillery in an 'Indian' division were British units. On numbers the British were 100,000 out of 605,000, almost one in six. He quotes figures without a source, and overestimates the Japanese killed in Burma after the invasion by subtracting the number killed then from the total of all Japanese casualties (KIA, wounded and missing).
The narrative is bulked out by personal reminiscences and anecdotes, many used as a basis for sweeping, often dubious, generalisations; there is an evident relish for horror stories. Hard facts are scanty, and many incorrect even though well-known - wrong dates for the start of Operation Thursday and the death of Wingate, the wrong division landing at Rangoon, on the wrong day. Sources are mis-quoted, not acknowledged, their evidence distorted. How can one trust the rest of the book? This is not history, but rather slapdash journalism; as Kipling wrote, 'Once a journalist, always and forever a journalist'.
How to act and lead in combat and elsewhere, 09 Nov 2008
Amazing that we still have men like this, given how badly the Government supports them.
If you want to know what it is like for an individual in a small team to be up close and personal fighting a fanatical enemy, here is the best I have ever read. I have read many many books on this subject matter.
His sense of guilt at survival is understandable given the random madness he went through. It should not be taken lightly.
All leaders everywhere should read this excellent book.
WOW!!, 06 Nov 2008
I have read many books on the modern soldier covering all the recent conflicts, but I have to say that "An Ordinary Soldier" by Doug Beattie MC, is by far the best I have read yet. You will struggle to put this book down. Beattie will take you on a journey that will excite and sadden you in the turn of a page. You can easily see that as an ex RSM and Late Entry Officer, his military experience gives him the maturity and knowledge to pen a book that tells it exactly like it is.
His self doubt at some of the decisions' he made. The responsibility he feels to his small team and particularly his Afghan colleagues. You will wonder how our armed forces can work and survive in these arduous conditions. Under contact nearly every day, outnumbered and probably out gunned. His story will also give you an insight into the lifestyle and operating methods of the ANA & ANP.
I also agree with Beattie that Bdr Sam New the JTAC should have been recognised for his efforts. The book is riddled with examples where the JTAC seems to save the day as Close Air Support is called in to get the team out of the tight situations.
This book would easily make any ones top ten. It is informative, passionate and caring any serving or ex military will recognise and understand what he is talking about. Civilians will find it a fascinating insight into military life on operations and a true reflection of how Beattie saw it. He thoroughly deserved his MC.
"Not bad for an old guy, who originally came to sit behind a desk"!!!!
A great accout of a remarkable career, 17 Oct 2008
Doug kindly sent me a copy and it lasted less than twelve hours. This is a great account of what happened as well as a fascinating story about an impressive career. It really does paint a vivid picture of what life was like out there and brought back a number of memories for me as well. I think Doug has done a fantastic job of documenting his memories and events and it will certainly remain a treasured part of my afghan memorabilia. A must read for those who want to sample the realities and complexities of UK operations in afghanistan. Thank you Doug.
Faugh a Ballagh Doudlas Ricardo!!, 14 Oct 2008
What can I say - the man inspired me to commission into the Royal Irish Regiment and has continued in his career to be the best soldier he can be, winning an MC along the way. Any man who can temper Tim Collins in the way he did, deserves my vote.
Now, it turns out, he can bloody well write as well. From Portyup to Helmand, it is a great read. Good luck in the future Douggie, I hope it brings you the best.
No Ordinary Battle, 10 Oct 2008
A record of an epic battle, only four words are needed -
1. Amazing.
2. Unputdownable.
3. Read it.
A great insight, 08 Oct 2008
This book is indeed fantastic to read, it is well researched and gives a slightly more wholesome view of what our boys are up against. My only criticism, not meaning to take anything away from the author, is that the book is not written as if a soldier is talking, but rather from a third person perspective, which is good but not my personal choice (after reading sniper one). This by no means takes away from the value of the book and its a very good read, for anyone who wants a bit of a clue as to what's really going on in afghanistan.
Good solid read, 05 Oct 2008
A good solid read. Interesting and well written in my opinion. My only criticism is that it jumped around a bit and therefore I found it hard to follow on occassion. This perhaps reflects the chaos of the situation.
3 Para, 24 Sep 2008
This book is not written by a soldier but an author who wasn't there and who didn't experience it first hand. It therefore seems to lack the observations or humour of books like "Sniper One". However, it still contains a lot of useful insight and facts about the day to day life of the UK forces in Afghanistan.
The book identifies a variety of issues that our troops have had to contend with. Everything from running low on ammo to screwed up chains of command and all topped off with Afghan forces phoning up the Taliban and tipping them off. It is obvious that our boys have done an admirable job in very testing conditions.
The big problem I have with this book is the way it explains the loss of soldiers from the Parachute Regiment compared to other UK troop losses. One particular episode where two signallers were killed really concerned me. It was almost as if the author didn't think there deaths mattered and for that fact I think the Author failed dismally. The book may have been about 3 Para but to not pay credit to those who served right alongside them and lost their lives is shameful.
Sober and sensible, despite the cover, 17 Aug 2008
Patrick Bishop has now written several accounts of specific units or services in wartime, including the excellent "Fighter Boys" and "Bomber Boys", both about WW2 British fliers.
At first glance, this foray into contemporary conflict doesn't look promising; the paperback version is decorated with tawdry tabloid marketing blurb (and the statutory McNab/Ryan rave review) which makes it seem like another of the sensationalist glorifying accounts of recent conflicts that now seem to be cluttering the bookshelves of the nation.
Fortunately, Bishop is a better writer than that, so I persisted and was rewarded with a fascinating account of the British Army in Afghanistan, which focuses on the detail of day to day fire-fights without being the cheap tat that the cover suggests. Bishop remains sober and sensible throughout.
Don't expect balance from Bishop however - that's not what he does. As with this WW2 books, he starts from the assumption that the subjects of his research are the good guys, generally heroic, and that the enemy are pretty much invisible in human terms. Whilst he is clearly partial, it should be noted that he appears to be entirely objective in his reporting of the other side - he's not writing for The Sun and seems to ensure that accounts are factual and honest. As he makes no pretence of approaching the book in any other way, that's fine. As with previous books, he pulls together primarily first hand accounts and some other sources to draw a picture of the fighting from the sharp end, almost entirely from the viewpoint of the guys doing the shooting. The result is a down to earth narrative, that feels real and honest, and as accurate as first-hand accounts ever can be within the wider battle.
3 Para are painted as tough, straightforward and generally decent guys, if rough and ready below the familiarly standard British officer class (Sandhurst training must be pretty effective - they all look and sound/read the same!).
General conclusions on the war in Afghanistan: probably an understandable mission to begin with, but as usual, nobody learned the lessons of history, and are now therefore repeating the mistakes of same. Don't pick a fight with the Afghans - you'll never entirely win.
A view of the fighting from the other side would be fascinating, although due to the nature of that opposition it may be unlikely to ever surface.
Overall an excellent book, another well-written and clear-minded contribution from the author.
Not first hand.., 09 Aug 2008
I bought this book and like many others who had read 'Sniper One', 'Eight Lives Down' and other similar books, found this quite disapointing.
I expected it to be a first hand account where you feel like you are there with the actual soldiers, but this is nothing like that at all.
It is all a sort of mix up of whats going on in different places at different times, and is altogether quite confusing to be honest.
It seems as though the author has got loads of information of what happened from people who were there and decided to make a book out of it, but quite frankly it would have been one hundred times better if it was written by one of the soldiers themselves.
If you want a good military read then I advise buying the books mentioned above.
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Customer Reviews
cracking book, 27 Oct 2008
really enjoyed the book. Just makes you think how we take our armed forces personal for granted. Truly remarkable story.
Sniper One "Best of British"., 24 Oct 2008
This is the best book I have ever read full stop.
I find it amazing that they tried to ban this book when you read how decorated this company was for their bravery!
My God these guys should be on the news as hero's who in the face of being nearly overrun fought with tenacity and bravery, and they weren't even given the right tools for the job!
As the book says "The Seige of CIMIC House proved to be not only the longest continuous action fought by the British Army anywhere since the Korean War, but also the lengthiest defensive stand since World War Two".
I wonder if the lessons have been learnt by the top brass? I doubt it!
It's reading books like this that make you realise how much these guys risk fighting for Great Britain, not the Sky News snippets that only tell us part of the story.
This makes you proud of our armed forces and we need to show our thanks by asking what can we do for them as they risk so much for us.
I for one will be finding out how I can help in any way.
A gripping read..., 16 Oct 2008
An interesting soldier's story that also gives parts of the bigger picture in Iraq. Unlike some current military books it is well written, making for an absorbing read.
excellant book, 14 Oct 2008
one of the best books i have ever read, its frank and straight to the point and tells the true story of our hero's
Amazing real life account, 05 Oct 2008
A truly amazing book. Never have I read such a page turner and its fact not fiction. This book will blow your hair back, if you have even the vaguest interest in the Iraq war you should definitely read this.
The British Army hold a small compound in Al Amarah while the reconstruction teams being their work. Unfortunately they don't get very far before the local insurgency decide to declare all out war. The first major attack is repelled, but constant insurgency eventually force the army to hold up in their compound where over a 23-day period they took 595 mortar rounds from the insurgents, 57 RPG's, 5 107mm rockets and were attacked by many hundreds of OMS fighters. A single company, massively outnumbered managed (just) to hold out, and the story as told by Dan Mills, the lead sniper is breathtaking.
Outstanding, 28 Nov 2008
Wow!
I finished reading this at 1 am last night. I was gripped from the start. It has a really simple style, but manages to get in a great deal of technical stuff, moving and funny human stories, and a bit of background on the British Army presencein Afghanistan. The flying and combat sequences are great, and the final showdown is terrific. By far the best book on modern combat I have read for years.
Fabulous Fiction, 14 Nov 2008
This is real boys own stuff. What a story, if only it were true, which sadly the majority is not. If you like the old commando comics then this and Andy Mcnab's stuff will be right up your ally. But if you prefer to read about real heroics then go for some of the other books recounting the stories of our troops on HERRICK 5.
How do I know it's not true, well being in the AAC gives you an inside track.
Great read, 27 Oct 2008
Ed Macy describes his (many) experiences in the British Army / mainly Army Air Corps in superb detail (with the help of Tom Newton Dunn - defence correspondent for The Sun newspaper). The role and dedication of an Apache attack helicopter pilot / gunner is brought to life in scintillating style. This really is a cracking read - I cannot recommend it highly enough. Action packed, emotionally descriptive and technologically fascinating.
One Word Awesome, 27 Oct 2008
All I can say is 'Awesome' an awesome tale of an awesome machine.
10 out of 10.
top book, 25 Oct 2008
An excellent well written book that I bought without reading a review. got lucky this time! Finished it in 3 nights and has passed my acid test I will read it again
Could be better, 26 Nov 2008
I was a little disappointed with this book. I bought it thinking it would be as good a read as 'Armageddon' by the same author. But here I was wrong. It seems that the author has tried to fill up a long book rather quickly without paying too much attention to the overall readability. He does cover the Japanese point of view too, which is interesting but I think he has included too many personal interviews with survivors. It must be fascinating for someone who lived through it all, who can piece it all together today - but I was left a little confused and just about managed to finish reading the book. Not easy reading.
Essential history that all should know., 26 Nov 2008
An extremely good read, the battle for Japan has not received the same level of historical coverage given to the European Western and Eastern fronts, but this book certainly rectifies that. A compelling, informative and justifiably horrific book, it pulls no punches and serves no political or historical masters. For truth and honesty about the events and the figures that drove them you'll have to go a long way to better this book. Cannot praise highly enough. You should bookend your WWII historical collection with this and it's older brother 'Armageddon-Max Hastings' about the battle for Europe.Armageddon: The Battle for Germany 1944-45
BRITISH PACIFIC FORCE?, 14 Aug 2008
At the Winchester Festival, reviewing his book, Hastings made a misguided and alarming remark, "that the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm, other than Taranto Raid, played no significant part in WW2". It is therefore no wonder that he has omitted to include in his book the British Pacific Forces's successful attack on the Japanese oil refineries at Palembang (Samatra) in January 1945. Four British fleet carriers with 244 aircraft embarked disabled the refineries that were supplying Japan precious aviation fuel. He has also failed to document one of two VC's won my Fleet Air Arm pilots during WWII - Lt Gray with his plane on fire, pressed home his attack and sank a Japanese destoyer. Glancing through the book Hastings does not do justice to the Royal Navy in the Far East during 1944-45 period, until he educates himselve on the Fleet Air Arm's war effort, I will stay clear of his books. Question for you Max, which allied torpedo bomber aircraft sank more enemy shipping (by tonnage) then any other aircraft acting in the same role during WW2? Clue it is the same aircraft that disabled the Bismarck's steering, enabling the Royal Navy to sink it.
When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today, 25 Mar 2008
"When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today," is inscribed on the War Memorial at Kohima. It commemorates a forgotten battle fought by forgotten soldiers of a forgotten army of a forgotten empire for a forgotten cause against a forgotten foe - I exaggerate only slightly, for what school child in any of the great democracies (assisted only at its dénouement by the dreadful Soviet dictatorship of 'Uncle' Joe Stalin) that eventually triumphed over a monstrous and militarist enemy can tell today of Kohima, of Imphal, of Leyte Gulf, of Iwo Jima, of Okinawa? Not many, I guess. I am deeply regretful that so few of our young know anything of the above. Max Hastings has performed a first-class service for those who know little or nothing of what happened then or of the need to destroy that 'monstrous and militarist enemy,' the Japan of Hirohito. Those of us who know of the need must never forget, nor permit others so to do. Read this book in order to know why!
Not history, but rather slapdash journalism, 26 Feb 2008
If you like your history personalised and trivialised, enjoy 'knocking copy' but are not much interested in facts nor concerned with accuracy, this is your book. Do not be bluffed by its bulk and the plethora of end-notes; it lacks a bibliography, making it impossible to decide which howlers stem from ignorance of sources and which from misusing them.
I bought 'Nemesis' because I learned that Hastings quotes from my uncle's book 'War Bush: 81 (West African) Division in Burma 1943-1945' by J.A.L.Hamilton (Norwich: Michael Russell, 2001) in his first chapter on the war in Burma. He quotes from it with acknowledgement four times, each time with one or more errors, and uses it in six more without acknowledgement. My uncle's book closes with the opinion of the Japanese Arakan army, that of the troops opposed to them for more than a year the Africans were 'undoubtedly (the Allies') best jungle fighters'. Hastings, who was not there, knows better: 'The War Office was seized by a belief that jungle warfare would suit Africans; this though most had never seen such terrain.' He backs this up by quoting a British general's views that 'The African has not a fighting history' and 'The African....cannot react quickly....due to an inherent....lack of intelligence', and considers it relevant to cite a Gurkha officer's report of his men gazing with awe, when snooping on Africans bathing, at the 'extravagant proportion of their black comrades' private parts', as if this titbit of schoolboy smut affected their performance as soldiers. It is typical that they are said to be West Africans, though in the Kabaw Valley, where 11 (East African) Division campaigned. He thinks there were only two African divisions, and only one from West Africa, which sent two, making three. He tries to belittle the share of British troops in the Burma fighting - 'only a fraction....two divisions....one in thirteen of the ground troops'. There were three, one broken up to form Chindit brigades, and in addition one-third of the infantry and half or more of the artillery in an 'Indian' division were British units. On numbers the British were 100,000 out of 605,000, almost one in six. He quotes figures without a source, and overestimates the Japanese killed in Burma after the invasion by subtracting the number killed then from the total of all Japanese casualties (KIA, wounded and missing).
The narrative is bulked out by personal reminiscences and anecdotes, many used as a basis for sweeping, often dubious, generalisations; there is an evident relish for horror stories. Hard facts are scanty, and many incorrect even though well-known - wrong dates for the start of Operation Thursday and the death of Wingate, the wrong division landing at Rangoon, on the wrong day. Sources are mis-quoted, not acknowledged, their evidence distorted. How can one trust the rest of the book? This is not history, but rather slapdash journalism; as Kipling wrote, 'Once a journalist, always and forever a journalist'.
How to act and lead in combat and elsewhere, 09 Nov 2008
Amazing that we still have men like this, given how badly the Government supports them.
If you want to know what it is like for an individual in a small team to be up close and personal fighting a fanatical enemy, here is the best I have ever read. I have read many many books on this subject matter.
His sense of guilt at survival is understandable given the random madness he went through. It should not be taken lightly.
All leaders everywhere should read this excellent book.
WOW!!, 06 Nov 2008
I have read many books on the modern soldier covering all the recent conflicts, but I have to say that "An Ordinary Soldier" by Doug Beattie MC, is by far the best I have read yet. You will struggle to put this book down. Beattie will take you on a journey that will excite and sadden you in the turn of a page. You can easily see that as an ex RSM and Late Entry Officer, his military experience gives him the maturity and knowledge to pen a book that tells it exactly like it is.
His self doubt at some of the decisions' he made. The responsibility he feels to his small team and particularly his Afghan colleagues. You will wonder how our armed forces can work and survive in these arduous conditions. Under contact nearly every day, outnumbered and probably out gunned. His story will also give you an insight into the lifestyle and operating methods of the ANA & ANP.
I also agree with Beattie that Bdr Sam New the JTAC should have been recognised for his efforts. The book is riddled with examples where the JTAC seems to save the day as Close Air Support is called in to get the team out of the tight situations.
This book would easily make any ones top ten. It is informative, passionate and caring any serving or ex military will recognise and understand what he is talking about. Civilians will find it a fascinating insight into military life on operations and a true reflection of how Beattie saw it. He thoroughly deserved his MC.
"Not bad for an old guy, who originally came to sit behind a desk"!!!!
A great accout of a remarkable career, 17 Oct 2008
Doug kindly sent me a copy and it lasted less than twelve hours. This is a great account of what happened as well as a fascinating story about an impressive career. It really does paint a vivid picture of what life was like out there and brought back a number of memories for me as well. I think Doug has done a fantastic job of documenting his memories and events and it will certainly remain a treasured part of my afghan memorabilia. A must read for those who want to sample the realities and complexities of UK operations in afghanistan. Thank you Doug.
Faugh a Ballagh Doudlas Ricardo!!, 14 Oct 2008
What can I say - the man inspired me to commission into the Royal Irish Regiment and has continued in his career to be the best soldier he can be, winning an MC along the way. Any man who can temper Tim Collins in the way he did, deserves my vote.
Now, it turns out, he can bloody well write as well. From Portyup to Helmand, it is a great read. Good luck in the future Douggie, I hope it brings you the best.
No Ordinary Battle, 10 Oct 2008
A record of an epic battle, only four words are needed -
1. Amazing.
2. Unputdownable.
3. Read it.
A great insight, 08 Oct 2008
This book is indeed fantastic to read, it is well researched and gives a slightly more wholesome view of what our boys are up against. My only criticism, not meaning to take anything away from the author, is that the book is not written as if a soldier is talking, but rather from a third person perspective, which is good but not my personal choice (after reading sniper one). This by no means takes away from the value of the book and its a very good read, for anyone who wants a bit of a clue as to what's really going on in afghanistan.
Good solid read, 05 Oct 2008
A good solid read. Interesting and well written in my opinion. My only criticism is that it jumped around a bit and therefore I found it hard to follow on occassion. This perhaps reflects the chaos of the situation.
3 Para, 24 Sep 2008
This book is not written by a soldier but an author who wasn't there and who didn't experience it first hand. It therefore seems to lack the observations or humour of books like "Sniper One". However, it still contains a lot of useful insight and facts about the day to day life of the UK forces in Afghanistan.
The book identifies a variety of issues that our troops have had to contend with. Everything from running low on ammo to screwed up chains of command and all topped off with Afghan forces phoning up the Taliban and tipping them off. It is obvious that our boys have done an admirable job in very testing conditions.
The big problem I have with this book is the way it explains the loss of soldiers from the Parachute Regiment compared to other UK troop losses. One particular episode where two signallers were killed really concerned me. It was almost as if the author didn't think there deaths mattered and for that fact I think the Author failed dismally. The book may have been about 3 Para but to not pay credit to those who served right alongside them and lost their lives is shameful.
Sober and sensible, despite the cover, 17 Aug 2008
Patrick Bishop has now written several accounts of specific units or services in wartime, including the excellent "Fighter Boys" and "Bomber Boys", both about WW2 British fliers.
At first glance, this foray into contemporary conflict doesn't look promising; the paperback version is decorated with tawdry tabloid marketing blurb (and the statutory McNab/Ryan rave review) which makes it seem like another of the sensationalist glorifying accounts of recent conflicts that now seem to be cluttering the bookshelves of the nation.
Fortunately, Bishop is a better writer than that, so I persisted and was rewarded with a fascinating account of the British Army in Afghanistan, which focuses on the detail of day to day fire-fights without being the cheap tat that the cover suggests. Bishop remains sober and sensible throughout.
Don't expect balance from Bishop however - that's not what he does. As with this WW2 books, he starts from the assumption that the subjects of his research are the good guys, generally heroic, and that the enemy are pretty much invisible in human terms. Whilst he is clearly partial, it should be noted that he appears to be entirely objective in his reporting of the other side - he's not writing for The Sun and seems to ensure that accounts are factual and honest. As he makes no pretence of approaching the book in any other way, that's fine. As with previous books, he pulls together primarily first hand accounts and some other sources to draw a picture of the fighting from the sharp end, almost entirely from the viewpoint of the guys doing the shooting. The result is a down to earth narrative, that feels real and honest, and as accurate as first-hand accounts ever can be within the wider battle.
3 Para are painted as tough, straightforward and generally decent guys, if rough and ready below the familiarly standard British officer class (Sandhurst training must be pretty effective - they all look and sound/read the same!).
General conclusions on the war in Afghanistan: probably an understandable mission to begin with, but as usual, nobody learned the lessons of history, and are now therefore repeating the mistakes of same. Don't pick a fight with the Afghans - you'll never entirely win.
A view of the fighting from the other side would be fascinating, although due to the nature of that opposition it may be unlikely to ever surface.
Overall an excellent book, another well-written and clear-minded contribution from the author.
Not first hand.., 09 Aug 2008
I bought this book and like many others who had read 'Sniper One', 'Eight Lives Down' and other similar books, found this quite disapointing.
I expected it to be a first hand account where you feel like you are there with the actual soldiers, but this is nothing like that at all.
It is all a sort of mix up of whats going on in different places at different times, and is altogether quite confusing to be honest.
It seems as though the author has got loads of information of what happened from people who were there and decided to make a book out of it, but quite frankly it would have been one hundred times better if it was written by one of the soldiers themselves.
If you want a good military read then I advise buying the books mentioned above.
A good read but picky, 25 Nov 2008
I can only echo the good reviews of this book and demonstrates yet again the heroism and professionalism of our armed forces.I've read "apache","3 para" and "into the killing zone" recently and never fail to be awe struck by the people in our armed services.The book itself covers 3 Commando Brigades tour of Helmand in great detail and is well written capturing very well the heat and danger of battle, aswell as the difficult conditions our forces have to work in.
However, there are several comments in the book that seem to have a bit of "a pop" at the Paras. The inside cover accuses them of "a tactical retreat". The book does not really go on to say why this is the case. There is the odd inference but no real criticism from the actual Marines themselves often saying the Paras went in under resourced and it's Commanders had no freedom to move or plan. If you read "3 para" or Sean Rayments book the decision that the Paras were tied into guarding the District Centres in Helmand was a political, one made by the Governor of Helmand and huge pressure being placed on the British forces at the time to comply. Given the large number of honours won by 3 Para in their tour and the casualties they took I find some of the authors comments a bit ungracious to say the least. I know there is a big rivalry between both units, but as a nation we should be proud of them both.I am not denying the author his right to crticise another unit but surely he should make greater effort to qualify them. A shame, as it for me, it takes the edge of a very good book.
3 Commando Brigade , 14 Nov 2008
If you want the real story of some pretty formidable heroics then this is the book to read about the Marines' tour in Helmand. It gives the true strength of character required and what the troops are having to go through during their tour of duty.
A gripping read.
Herrick 5, 01 Nov 2008
This is a well written account of 3 Commando Brigade's tour of duty in Helmand; one that we've already seen on Chris Terril's COMMANDO. The author (an old Falklands hand) balances some ripping tales of valour with an account of what the Brigade was trying to do on a more operational and strategic level. You see how the individual actions fitted in to the overall picture. At a chapter a month you see the operation unfold with lots of planning and lots of action. Kit-heads will find lots to enjoy as will those who wonder how the blazes you fight an enemy like the Taliban; very professionally, seems to be the answer.
The Marines at their best...READ IT!!!!!!!, 18 Sep 2008
It is always annoying when reading' that a mistake appears, something a proof reading should have picked up and yet is missed.Page 57, "on 8 October 2008 3 commando Brigade's brigadier, Jerry Thomas, formally took over from 16 air assault Brigade's brigadier, Ed Butler." If this was so then it has not happened yet!!!!
Having said that it takes nothing from the account of the marines in Afghanistan. I also like the fact that the Royal Engineers are mentioned often for the work that they have carried out.These boys are usually the unsung heroes in any conflict and at last they have been given recognition in this book.
It is written factually and contains many verbal anecdotes from the troops themselves. Along with the all important detail of action by troops and enemy alike, with good annalysis of equipment used, it aligns all parameters with intricate ability to bring all the supporting groups into the equation whilst still giving a first hand account of individual heroism in the field of battle.
I like the style of Ewen Southby-Tailyour and indeed found the opening prologue, detailing the Jugroom fort mission to rescue the body of Mathew Ford,an awesome account that puts this book on everyones must read list.
A smashing read, 12 Sep 2008
An absolutely smashing read - a true history but written in an 'approachable' manner as much for the lay person as the keen military historian. The photographs enhance the text perfectly.
Clearly written by a professional, military historian with no personal agenda and huge combat experience.
Cannot recommend it highly enough.
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Customer Reviews
cracking book, 27 Oct 2008
really enjoyed the book. Just makes you think how we take our armed forces personal for granted. Truly remarkable story.
Sniper One "Best of British"., 24 Oct 2008
This is the best book I have ever read full stop.
I find it amazing that they tried to ban this book when you read how decorated this company was for their bravery!
My God these guys should be on the news as hero's who in the face of being nearly overrun fought with tenacity and bravery, and they weren't even given the right tools for the job!
As the book says "The Seige of CIMIC House proved to be not only the longest continuous action fought by the British Army anywhere since the Korean War, but also the lengthiest defensive stand since World War Two".
I wonder if the lessons have been learnt by the top brass? I doubt it!
It's reading books like this that make you realise how much these guys risk fighting for Great Britain, not the Sky News snippets that only tell us part of the story.
This makes you proud of our armed forces and we need to show our thanks by asking what can we do for them as they risk so much for us.
I for one will be finding out how I can help in any way.
A gripping read..., 16 Oct 2008
An interesting soldier's story that also gives parts of the bigger picture in Iraq. Unlike some current military books it is well written, making for an absorbing read.
excellant book, 14 Oct 2008
one of the best books i have ever read, its frank and straight to the point and tells the true story of our hero's
Amazing real life account, 05 Oct 2008
A truly amazing book. Never have I read such a page turner and its fact not fiction. This book will blow your hair back, if you have even the vaguest interest in the Iraq war you should definitely read this.
The British Army hold a small compound in Al Amarah while the reconstruction teams being their work. Unfortunately they don't get very far before the local insurgency decide to declare all out war. The first major attack is repelled, but constant insurgency eventually force the army to hold up in their compound where over a 23-day period they took 595 mortar rounds from the insurgents, 57 RPG's, 5 107mm rockets and were attacked by many hundreds of OMS fighters. A single company, massively outnumbered managed (just) to hold out, and the story as told by Dan Mills, the lead sniper is breathtaking.
Outstanding, 28 Nov 2008
Wow!
I finished reading this at 1 am last night. I was gripped from the start. It has a really simple style, but manages to get in a great deal of technical stuff, moving and funny human stories, and a bit of background on the British Army presencein Afghanistan. The flying and combat sequences are great, and the final showdown is terrific. By far the best book on modern combat I have read for years.
Fabulous Fiction, 14 Nov 2008
This is real boys own stuff. What a story, if only it were true, which sadly the majority is not. If you like the old commando comics then this and Andy Mcnab's stuff will be right up your ally. But if you prefer to read about real heroics then go for some of the other books recounting the stories of our troops on HERRICK 5.
How do I know it's not true, well being in the AAC gives you an inside track.
Great read, 27 Oct 2008
Ed Macy describes his (many) experiences in the British Army / mainly Army Air Corps in superb detail (with the help of Tom Newton Dunn - defence correspondent for The Sun newspaper). The role and dedication of an Apache attack helicopter pilot / gunner is brought to life in scintillating style. This really is a cracking read - I cannot recommend it highly enough. Action packed, emotionally descriptive and technologically fascinating.
One Word Awesome, 27 Oct 2008
All I can say is 'Awesome' an awesome tale of an awesome machine.
10 out of 10.
top book, 25 Oct 2008
An excellent well written book that I bought without reading a review. got lucky this time! Finished it in 3 nights and has passed my acid test I will read it again
Could be better, 26 Nov 2008
I was a little disappointed with this book. I bought it thinking it would be as good a read as 'Armageddon' by the same author. But here I was wrong. It seems that the author has tried to fill up a long book rather quickly without paying too much attention to the overall readability. He does cover the Japanese point of view too, which is interesting but I think he has included too many personal interviews with survivors. It must be fascinating for someone who lived through it all, who can piece it all together today - but I was left a little confused and just about managed to finish reading the book. Not easy reading.
Essential history that all should know., 26 Nov 2008
An extremely good read, the battle for Japan has not received the same level of historical coverage given to the European Western and Eastern fronts, but this book certainly rectifies that. A compelling, informative and justifiably horrific book, it pulls no punches and serves no political or historical masters. For truth and honesty about the events and the figures that drove them you'll have to go a long way to better this book. Cannot praise highly enough. You should bookend your WWII historical collection with this and it's older brother 'Armageddon-Max Hastings' about the battle for Europe.Armageddon: The Battle for Germany 1944-45
BRITISH PACIFIC FORCE?, 14 Aug 2008
At the Winchester Festival, reviewing his book, Hastings made a misguided and alarming remark, "that the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm, other than Taranto Raid, played no significant part in WW2". It is therefore no wonder that he has omitted to include in his book the British Pacific Forces's successful attack on the Japanese oil refineries at Palembang (Samatra) in January 1945. Four British fleet carriers with 244 aircraft embarked disabled the refineries that were supplying Japan precious aviation fuel. He has also failed to document one of two VC's won my Fleet Air Arm pilots during WWII - Lt Gray with his plane on fire, pressed home his attack and sank a Japanese destoyer. Glancing through the book Hastings does not do justice to the Royal Navy in the Far East during 1944-45 period, until he educates himselve on the Fleet Air Arm's war effort, I will stay clear of his books. Question for you Max, which allied torpedo bomber aircraft sank more enemy shipping (by tonnage) then any other aircraft acting in the same role during WW2? Clue it is the same aircraft that disabled the Bismarck's steering, enabling the Royal Navy to sink it.
When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today, 25 Mar 2008
"When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today," is inscribed on the War Memorial at Kohima. It commemorates a forgotten battle fought by forgotten soldiers of a forgotten army of a forgotten empire for a forgotten cause against a forgotten foe - I exaggerate only slightly, for what school child in any of the great democracies (assisted only at its dénouement by the dreadful Soviet dictatorship of 'Uncle' Joe Stalin) that eventually triumphed over a monstrous and militarist enemy can tell today of Kohima, of Imphal, of Leyte Gulf, of Iwo Jima, of Okinawa? Not many, I guess. I am deeply regretful that so few of our young know anything of the above. Max Hastings has performed a first-class service for those who know little or nothing of what happened then or of the need to destroy that 'monstrous and militarist enemy,' the Japan of Hirohito. Those of us who know of the need must never forget, nor permit others so to do. Read this book in order to know why!
Not history, but rather slapdash journalism, 26 Feb 2008
If you like your history personalised and trivialised, enjoy 'knocking copy' but are not much interested in facts nor concerned with accuracy, this is your book. Do not be bluffed by its bulk and the plethora of end-notes; it lacks a bibliography, making it impossible to decide which howlers stem from ignorance of sources and which from misusing them.
I bought 'Nemesis' because I learned that Hastings quotes from my uncle's book 'War Bush: 81 (West African) Division in Burma 1943-1945' by J.A.L.Hamilton (Norwich: Michael Russell, 2001) in his first chapter on the war in Burma. He quotes from it with acknowledgement four times, each time with one or more errors, and uses it in six more without acknowledgement. My uncle's book closes with the opinion of the Japanese Arakan army, that of the troops opposed to them for more than a year the Africans were 'undoubtedly (the Allies') best jungle fighters'. Hastings, who was not there, knows better: 'The War Office was seized by a belief that jungle warfare would suit Africans; this though most had never seen such terrain.' He backs this up by quoting a British general's views that 'The African has not a fighting history' and 'The African....cannot react quickly....due to an inherent....lack of intelligence', and considers it relevant to cite a Gurkha officer's report of his men gazing with awe, when snooping on Africans bathing, at the 'extravagant proportion of their black comrades' private parts', as if this titbit of schoolboy smut affected their performance as soldiers. It is typical that they are said to be West Africans, though in the Kabaw Valley, where 11 (East African) Division campaigned. He thinks there were only two African divisions, and only one from West Africa, which sent two, making three. He tries to belittle the share of British troops in the Burma fighting - 'only a fraction....two divisions....one in thirteen of the ground troops'. There were three, one broken up to form Chindit brigades, and in addition one-third of the infantry and half or more of the artillery in an 'Indian' division were British units. On numbers the British were 100,000 out of 605,000, almost one in six. He quotes figures without a source, and overestimates the Japanese killed in Burma after the invasion by subtracting the number killed then from the total of all Japanese casualties (KIA, wounded and missing).
The narrative is bulked out by personal reminiscences and anecdotes, many used as a basis for sweeping, often dubious, generalisations; there is an evident relish for horror stories. Hard facts are scanty, and many incorrect even though well-known - wrong dates for the start of Operation Thursday and the death of Wingate, the wrong division landing at Rangoon, on the wrong day. Sources are mis-quoted, not acknowledged, their evidence distorted. How can one trust the rest of the book? This is not history, but rather slapdash journalism; as Kipling wrote, 'Once a journalist, always and forever a journalist'.
How to act and lead in combat and elsewhere, 09 Nov 2008
Amazing that we still have men like this, given how badly the Government supports them.
If you want to know what it is like for an individual in a small team to be up close and personal fighting a fanatical enemy, here is the best I have ever read. I have read many many books on this subject matter.
His sense of guilt at survival is understandable given the random madness he went through. It should not be taken lightly.
All leaders everywhere should read this excellent book.
WOW!!, 06 Nov 2008
I have read many books on the modern soldier covering all the recent conflicts, but I have to say that "An Ordinary Soldier" by Doug Beattie MC, is by far the best I have read yet. You will struggle to put this book down. Beattie will take you on a journey that will excite and sadden you in the turn of a page. You can easily see that as an ex RSM and Late Entry Officer, his military experience gives him the maturity and knowledge to pen a book that tells it exactly like it is.
His self doubt at some of the decisions' he made. The responsibility he feels to his small team and particularly his Afghan colleagues. You will wonder how our armed forces can work and survive in these arduous conditions. Under contact nearly every day, outnumbered and probably out gunned. His story will also give you an insight into the lifestyle and operating methods of the ANA & ANP.
I also agree with Beattie that Bdr Sam New the JTAC should have been recognised for his efforts. The book is riddled with examples where the JTAC seems to save the day as Close Air Support is called in to get the team out of the tight situations.
This book would easily make any ones top ten. It is informative, passionate and caring any serving or ex military will recognise and understand what he is talking about. Civilians will find it a fascinating insight into military life on operations and a true reflection of how Beattie saw it. He thoroughly deserved his MC.
"Not bad for an old guy, who originally came to sit behind a desk"!!!!
A great accout of a remarkable career, 17 Oct 2008
Doug kindly sent me a copy and it lasted less than twelve hours. This is a great account of what happened as well as a fascinating story about an impressive career. It really does paint a vivid picture of what life was like out there and brought back a number of memories for me as well. I think Doug has done a fantastic job of documenting his memories and events and it will certainly remain a treasured part of my afghan memorabilia. A must read for those who want to sample the realities and complexities of UK operations in afghanistan. Thank you Doug.
Faugh a Ballagh Doudlas Ricardo!!, 14 Oct 2008
What can I say - the man inspired me to commission into the Royal Irish Regiment and has continued in his career to be the best soldier he can be, winning an MC along the way. Any man who can temper Tim Collins in the way he did, deserves my vote.
Now, it turns out, he can bloody well write as well. From Portyup to Helmand, it is a great read. Good luck in the future Douggie, I hope it brings you the best.
No Ordinary Battle, 10 Oct 2008
A record of an epic battle, only four words are needed -
1. Amazing.
2. Unputdownable.
3. Read it.
A great insight, 08 Oct 2008
This book is indeed fantastic to read, it is well researched and gives a slightly more wholesome view of what our boys are up against. My only criticism, not meaning to take anything away from the author, is that the book is not written as if a soldier is talking, but rather from a third person perspective, which is good but not my personal choice (after reading sniper one). This by no means takes away from the value of the book and its a very good read, for anyone who wants a bit of a clue as to what's really going on in afghanistan.
Good solid read, 05 Oct 2008
A good solid read. Interesting and well written in my opinion. My only criticism is that it jumped around a bit and therefore I found it hard to follow on occassion. This perhaps reflects the chaos of the situation.
3 Para, 24 Sep 2008
This book is not written by a soldier but an author who wasn't there and who didn't experience it first hand. It therefore seems to lack the observations or humour of books like "Sniper One". However, it still contains a lot of useful insight and facts about the day to day life of the UK forces in Afghanistan.
The book identifies a variety of issues that our troops have had to contend with. Everything from running low on ammo to screwed up chains of command and all topped off with Afghan forces phoning up the Taliban and tipping them off. It is obvious that our boys have done an admirable job in very testing conditions.
The big problem I have with this book is the way it explains the loss of soldiers from the Parachute Regiment compared to other UK troop losses. One particular episode where two signallers were killed really concerned me. It was almost as if the author didn't think there deaths mattered and for that fact I think the Author failed dismally. The book may have been about 3 Para but to not pay credit to those who served right alongside them and lost their lives is shameful.
Sober and sensible, despite the cover, 17 Aug 2008
Patrick Bishop has now written several accounts of specific units or services in wartime, including the excellent "Fighter Boys" and "Bomber Boys", both about WW2 British fliers.
At first glance, this foray into contemporary conflict doesn't look promising; the paperback version is decorated with tawdry tabloid marketing blurb (and the statutory McNab/Ryan rave review) which makes it seem like another of the sensationalist glorifying accounts of recent conflicts that now seem to be cluttering the bookshelves of the nation.
Fortunately, Bishop is a better writer than that, so I persisted and was rewarded with a fascinating account of the British Army in Afghanistan, which focuses on the detail of day to day fire-fights without being the cheap tat that the cover suggests. Bishop remains sober and sensible throughout.
Don't expect balance from Bishop however - that's not what he does. As with this WW2 books, he starts from the assumption that the subjects of his research are the good guys, generally heroic, and that the enemy are pretty much invisible in human terms. Whilst he is clearly partial, it should be noted that he appears to be entirely objective in his reporting of the other side - he's not writ | | |