
Helmand
Diaries of Front-line Soldiers
Simon Weston(Author)
Osprey Publishing
Published on 20. May 2013
Book
Paperback/Softback
248 pages
978-1-78096-906-0 (ISBN)
Description
During their tour of Afghanistan in 2008 a few Royal Marines from 40 Commando kept personal diaries of their experiences of Afghanistan, their tour in Helmand Province, their impressions of the war and their feelings towards the civilians they protected and the Taliban they fought against. For the first time these diaries have been collected together to form a gripping account of what life is really like on the front-line in modern warfare. With entries from a range of soldiers, including the recollections and diaries of Lieutenant John Thornton, who was tragically killed a few weeks before the end of his tour, as well as a Padre, Commanding Officer and a Royal Marine Commando, Helmand is a timely glimpse at life for our armed forces in Afghanistan. As the deadline approaches for the removal of British troops from active service in Afghanistan, John Thornton's brother Ian found himself also deployed to Helmand. His words reveal how Afghanistan has changed in the last few years - and how despite the best efforts and sacrifices made by so many young men and women, some things remain exactly the same.
Reviews / Votes
"An honest, poignant and often harrowing account of life on the Afghan front line". - Sunday Mirror 'A vivid portrait of life on the frontline through the diaries and recollections of soldiers who contend with moustache competitions one minute and life threatening action the next. Funny, heart breaking, absorbing and above all, honest. A must read book.' - Paddy Ashdown, Lord Ashdown of Norton-sub-Hamdon, GCMG KBE PCMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Illustrations
20 b/w; 60 col
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 129 mm
Weight
258 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-78096-906-0 (9781780969060)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Simon Weston served with the Welsh Guards and was badly injured during the Falklands Conflict. His recuperation and story is an inspiration to millions. Simon is the patron for the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation.
Content
Foreword by Simon Weston
Introduction: `The Road to Helmand'
Lieutenant John Thornton's Deployment Diary
Op Herrick 7 - OC C Company
Iain Sutherland's Recollections
Chris Fletcher's Diary
Reverend Stuart Hallam's Memories of John
Lieutenant Ian Thornton - Diary of Operation Herrick 15
Glossary
Index
Introduction: `The Road to Helmand'
Lieutenant John Thornton's Deployment Diary
Op Herrick 7 - OC C Company
Iain Sutherland's Recollections
Chris Fletcher's Diary
Reverend Stuart Hallam's Memories of John
Lieutenant Ian Thornton - Diary of Operation Herrick 15
Glossary
Index