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An Ordinary Soldier

Afghanistan: A ferocious enemy. A bloody conflict. One man's impossible mission

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An Ordinary Soldier

By: Doug Beattie, Philip Gomm
Narrated by: Drew Dillon
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AN ORDINARY SOLDIER offers an extraordinary insight into the mission in Afghanistan and, crucially, the relationship between British troops and the Afghans they serve alongside.

On 11th September 2006 - five years after the attacks on the Twin Towers - a modern day Rorke's Drift was played out in the town of Garmsir, known as the Taliban gateway to Helmand Province. 40-year-old Capt. Doug Beattie of the 1stBattalion Royal Irish Regiment was charged with the mission to help retake Garmsir from the Taliban. His commanders said it would take two days; it actually took two weeks of exhausting, bloody conflict. For his repeated bravery Doug Beattie was decorated with the Military Cross. This is Beattie's personal story of being what he modestly calls 'an ordinary soldier' - someone who balances being a loving father and husband with that of fighting in the world's most hostile place. It demands to be read. Afghan & Iraq Wars Military Military & War Solider
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This a great real life story from one of my countrymen! If anyone thought it was a walk in the park in Afghanistan this will dispel that idea! A blow by blow account of just one mission in the campaign from a first hand view! Thanks for your service Doug and a well earned MC!

Great listen

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Well documented conflict, lots off action and great detail, I would follow you anywhere Mr Beattie a true leader

Brilliant memoir

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Maybe I have read or listened to too many afghan accounts but this was average at points. It is worth a listen but I have heard much better, I found the pre afghan part far more interesting . The narrator was good but I do wish he had understood military jargon. Listening to "W.M.I.K" and indeed "W.M.1.K" constantly and J.T.A.C spelt out would have been better as "Wimik" and "J-Tac". but that is nit picking.

An interesting account

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Doug Beatie MC may have written this book to decompress, what he has created though is a modern military classic about the life of an extraordinary soldier.

A fine book

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Head and shoulders above the other more recent military memoirs I’ve ’read’. So well written and eloquent. The narrator could have learnt some of the military acronyms rather than spelling out abbreviations but that’s hardly a big deal. Thank you for a great book Doig..

Outstanding

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