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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 (1,312 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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Thrilling

This story really brought these brave young men to life. I hope there are young people that brave today. Though I truly hope we never need to find out

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What an eye opener!

This book had me enthralled from start to finish. The true story of these men should be shouted from the roof tops.

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Should be mandatory to listen to this

The actions of these guys are truly amazing and I'm not going to spoil it by writing anything about it in the review.

Their actions changed the outcome of WW II. They defied odds, (and bent the odd order), they risked their lives, they did insane and insanely dangerous things and they did it at such young ages.

If you want to hear what real bravery, grit and go getting attitudes are ... listen to this.

I urge anyone - especially younger people - to listen to this.

These men deserve much more credit than they got. They deserve honouring today, tomorrow and in a hundred years. They don't make them like that anymore and the world is a worse place for it.

Salute, gentlemen. Just wow.

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Better than I expected

I got this on a daily deal and expected the usual special forces pulp but it turned out to be about Anders Lassen one of my wartime heroes. A great listen and well worth the money.

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Fantastic

One of the best books I've ever listened to. Read it! Anders Lassen. Legend. RIP.

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Outstanding

outstanding account of a absolute legend . will definitely be listening to another Damien Lewis soon

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Thrilling

Wizzed out through this in no time at all. A real rollercoaster ride. A testament to the brave men and let’s face it boys that were the original SF pioneers.

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Eye opening story about the birth of special force

An eye opening story about the birth of special forces.
Especially Anders lassens story is well described in overview.
As a Dane , plan to read more about him .
In fact , I have already bought a book about him.
Highly recommended!

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A first class listen

If this was fictitious I would have said it was a little far fetched but this is a captivating true story of heroism that will probably get a second listen from me. The story of a group of brigands and cut-throats that inflicted real damage on the Nazi war machine should interest any WW2 historian as well anybody that enjoys a good thriller. The author avoids jingoism but describing the book as explosive is pretty accurate. I will listen to Damiens Lewis' book on the Nazi hunters in the near future.

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Enjoyed overall but rambled at times

Some of it was very compelling and you don’t want to stop but sometimes too much detail which I felt was unnecessary. Good insight to what went on behind the lines however.

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