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  • The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

  • The Mavericks Who Plotted Hitler's Downfall, Giving Birth to Modern-Day Black Ops
  • By: Damien Lewis
  • Narrated by: Nigel Carrington
  • Length: 10 hrs and 36 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,281 ratings)
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The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare cover art

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

By: Damien Lewis
Narrated by: Nigel Carrington
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Summary

One of the most remarkable stories in the history of Special Forces' operations - Daily Express

In the bleak moments after defeat on mainland Europe in winter 1939, Winston Churchill knew that Britain had to strike back hard. So Britain's wartime leader called for the lightning development of a completely new kind of warfare, recruiting a band of eccentric free-thinking warriors to become the first 'deniable' secret operatives to strike behind enemy lines, offering these volunteers nothing but the potential for glory and all-but-certain death.

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare tells the story of the daring victories for this small force of 'freelance pirates', undertaking devastatingly effective missions against the Nazis, often dressed in enemy uniforms and with enemy kit, breaking all previously held rules of warfare. Master storyteller Damien Lewis brings the adventures of the secret unit to life, weaving together the stories of the soldiers' brotherhood in this compelling narrative, from the unit's earliest missions to the death of their leader just weeks before the end of the war.

©2014 Damien Lewis (P)2014 WF Howes Ltd
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

Critic reviews

"One of the most extraordinary stories of World War II is also one of the least commonly known ... compelling ... an eloquent and welcome tribute to their selfless, sometimes reckless courage - a howitzer of a tale that more people should know about" (Brian Viner, Daily Mail)

"An enjoyable, thought-provoking read" (Soldier Magazine)

"A truly astonishing story" (Weekend Sport)

What listeners say about The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

SAS, SBS forefathers in the early days. Amazing...

Enthralling throughout, ordinary blokes doing stuff that makes Hollywood's finest look like Girl Guides and Brownies on a picnic.
Funny in Places too.
Amazing people, the first SAS and SBS types and some of their earliest missions.
Ace blokes, ace book.
Highly Recommended.
Greg Archer.

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19 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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late for work

loved it found myself sitting listening to it instead of getting out of the car and going to work.

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17 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • J
  • 09-10-15

Simply Unbelievable…!

I wasn't sure what to expect from this audio and had only decided to give it a go as I rate Nigel Carrington so highly as a narrator. However my fears were allayed very quickly with the gripping and incredibly informative look at some truly remarkable characters! With stories that would be simply unbelievable if they were not true the warriors detailed within this book are worth of the highest praise and respect. Damien Lewis has done an extremely good job at making a subject come to life and bringing back to life individuals who lived and died decades ago. I would recommend this not just to an enthusiast of military and World War two literature but also those who find enjoyment in the pages of fictional work just as James Bond and other such thrillers!

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14 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Well, who'd have thunk it!

Wasn't sure really what I'd bought here and was a bit hesitant about listening. Very glad I did. An unsentimental narrative and narration of fascinating story! You couldn't make it up! Superb and comes well recommended.

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13 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A fascinating unknown story

Brilliant from start to finish, you can't help but love the cast, plus you can see the progression of attitudes from 1940's to modern day on special forces, what once once frowned upon as "ungentlemanly" and "not the way we wage war!" is now the goal of all armies, a fascinating piece of history, plus Andy Lasson is a monster of a man! (In the greatest sense)

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9 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Inspirational story of raw courage and heroism

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Such stunning bravery by SOE agents and later SAS & SBS soldiers, whose missions, all played out in secret are relayed with help of official and first hand accounts. The courage shown by one particular SOE agent, a mad Dane, whose actions almost singlehandedly prompted Hitler's famous command to exterminate all captured British commandos after one of their audacious raids and subsequently undermined the whole of the German Mediterranean Army's morale in and around the their occupied Greek Islands.
This are the first time I'd heard of any of these tales of derring-do and can't believe the raw courage of these special forces soldiers in the face of such overwhelming odds. The motto 'Who Dares Wins' certainly applies here.
Totally gripping, and with the attention to detail by the author, making these escapades even more enjoyable to listen to

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9 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent

As an ex marine I found this excellent, sad, humbling and nostalgic, ending in goosebumps.

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5 people found this helpful

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Heroes

This was a very moving book giving a deep insight into the atrocities faced by brave men on behalf of their fellow humans. I am glad that I was able to learn about such selfless people. Well worth listening to.

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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  • JB
  • 12-09-16

A Cracking Story

I thought this was going to be a book of serious history but it is actually told as a story. All the same, a good listen and certainly not dry.

Both the narrative and the narration resort to hyperbole at times but it's all very much in keeping with the fast paced style.

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

great book

loved this book, great characters. really good narration. a classic book that you cam listen to more than once..

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3 people found this helpful