Desperate Glory: At War in Helmand with Britain's 16 Air Assault Brigade

THIS NON FICTION ACCOUNT OF THE BRAVE OCCUPANTS IN THE AFGHANISTAN WAR IS NOT ONLY WELL WRITTEN BUT ALLOWS THE READER TO SEE, FEEL AND BREATH WHAT THESE SOLDIERS FACE IN ALL AND ANY CONFLICT THEY ENDURE TO STOP THE ENEMY AND HOPEFULLY SURVIVE TO TELL OF IT. THE WRITER SAM KILEY WENT THE FULL MILE TO SHOW THE READER GREAT DETAIL OF THE ENEMY THAT WAS MET ON THE FIELD OF BATTLE AS HE DESCRIBED THE MISSIONS AND JOBS OF EACH MAN INVOLVED. HALF WAY INTO THE BOOK I FELT I KNEW THESE SOLDIERS AND AT TIMES I FELT THEIR FEARS OR PAINS AS THEY WORKED AS A TEAM OF WELL TRAINED YOUNG MEN. THOSE THAT WERE NOT LUCKY ENOUGH TO SURVIVE THE BATTLES WERE NOT ONLY BRAVE BUT CAUSED THIS READER TO SHED A TEAR FORE THEY WERE DEFINITELY HEROES WORTH WRITING ABOUT AND TELLING THEIR STORIES. THIS IS A MUST READ BOOK IF YOU WANT TOUCHING FACTUAL WAR HISTORY AND NOT A LOT OF ADDED MADE UP JUNK.

This book for me,was a candid insight to the war in Afghanistan. Troops hands practically tied behind their backs while being expected to fight a war!! truly shocking to think our wee Heroes are in such a stupid position regarding these "rules of engagement" although collateral damage should be kept a minimum, our troops should come first at all times. Sam Kiley did maybe too good a job for my liking, but then I have two Sons, serving soldiers, one who is mentioned in his book. A must read for all interested in this conflict, but not if your Son or Husband is there now.

Desperate Glory is a fitting testament to the bravery and skill of British troops in Afghanistan. Kiley has managed to capture the story from both the heart of Helmand and the hearts and minds of those involved. It's a gripping topic, with the human element of warfare brilliantly-captured, making it a real page-turner.

This is a very good insight from a journalist at the frontlines of soldiers in the conflict. A sympathetic and sensible apraisal of day to day encounters and actions, not written from the safety of some large base, but from front line FOBs and by accompanying troops in the field. A competent outsider view of what they face in action. A rewarding read!

The author (Sam Kiley) is a well respected journalist who has reported from many war zones - this book tells it how it is in Afghanistan. If the subject is your scene,then get the book, you will not be disappointed.