Dusty Warriors: Modern Soldiers at War

Description

Our foremost military historian offers us a compelling and at times terrifying account of what it means to be a contemporary soldier. In this remarkable book, Richard Holmes draws on the testimonies of the 700 soldiers of the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment to capture in vivid detail the average soldier's day-to-day experience of war. Embroiled in a conflict often too dangerous for reporters to cover, these soldiers - most of them young, many without any previous experience of warfare - have kept ongoing records of the drudgery, anxiety and horror involved in fighting a violent and increasingly unpopular war against a ruthless and resourceful enemy. All have risked their lives, and many have died. Others have been recognised and awarded for their courage, resourcefulness and gallantry - Private Johnson Beharry recently became the first man to be awarded the Victoria Cross in twenty-three years. With these intimate and revealing glimpses of life in the modern army, Richard Holmes paints a sweeping portrait of a new generation of soldiers - grunts, gallants and heroes - and the sacrifices their decision to fight for their country entails.

Celebrated military historian and television presenter Richard Holmes is famous for his BBC series 'Rebels and Redcoats' and 'Wellington'. He is the author of the best-selling and widely acclaimed 'Redcoat' and 'Tommy' and his dozen other books include 'Firing Line' and 'The Western Front'. He is general editor of 'The definitive Oxford Companion to Military History'. He taught military history at Sandhurst for many years and is now Professor at Cranfield University and the Royal Military College of Science. He lives near Winchester in Hampshire.

'Richard Holmes's "Dusty Warriors" is an important study!the book is an invaluable insight into the workings of a modern infantry regiment and a diary of the remarkable events that the men of the 1st PWRR battle group experienced on tour!it also provides a compelling and fast-moving narrative of the courage, restraint and fortitude shown by British soldiers in impossible circumstances!the action is superbly described!gripping!an important milestone for future generations wanting to understand the British Army and the post invasion turbulence of Iraq!essential reading.' Sunday Times 'Vivid, gripping and, at times, highly emotional reading!If you have any interest in what life is like for the modern British soldier, "Dusty Warriors" is essential reading. Richard Holmes is a first-rate writer and with this exciting, affectionate account of his regiment at war he has set a standard for other military authors to aspire to.' Daily Mail 'You will not be able to put it down!thought-provoking and profoundly perceptive!it is a piece of contemporary military history written with the author's trademark fluency, pace and wit!This book will open eyes to the stirring realities of life at the tip of the bayonet!Any prime minister in waiting would fail in his duty if he were not to read this book.' The Spectator Praise for REDCOAT: 'Redcoat is not just a work of history but of enthusiasm and unparalleled knowledge. This is a wonderful book, doing justice to men who have long deserved a chronicler of Richard Holmes's skill.' Bernard Cornwell 'It would be hard to exaggerate the excellence of this book. Vivid, comprehensive, well-written, pacy, colourful.' Simon Heffer 'A wonderful book, full of anecdote and good sense. Anyone who has enjoyed a Sharpe story will love it.' Bernard Cornwell, Daily Mail 'Beautifully written, Redcoat is a vivid account of squalor and suffering almost beyond belief, for the men, their wives and followers, and their horses. One of the best chapters is a description of barrack-room life that will turn a few stomachs in this more fastitidious age.' John Canon, TLS 'Redcoat is the story of the British soldier from the Seven Year War through to the Mutiny and Crimea. It is consistently entertaining, full of brilliantly chosen anecdotes and rattles along at a good light infantry pace.' David Crane, Spectator 'All the best-known soldier writers are discussed here, and their anecdotes are told with enthusiasm and aplomb! This is an army from another world, and Redcoat is a splendidly entertaining, moving and informative description of its strengths and foibles.' Hew Strachan, Daily Telegraph