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An Ordinary Soldier

Afghanistan: A Ferocious Enemy. A Bloody Conflict. One Man's Impossible Mission

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About this listen

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 1st Battalion 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 heard.

©2009 Doug Beattie (P)2020 W F Howes Afghan & Iraq Wars Military Military & War
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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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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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Samuel served in Afghanistan 2009. He came home a changed man. I have heard the " 1000 yard stare" thing from a Vietnam war movie and I have witnessed it first hand.
This excellent and well written account has really helped me to understand what he went through. Even if you have no connection to the military, this is an excellent story of an ordinary soldier leading others through hell.
I sincerely hope we do not fall into the same trap as greeted the Vietnam veterans. These people have all served their country that many of us may struggle to fully comprehend.

Helped my understand my son

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