The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare cover art

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

The Mavericks Who Plotted Hitler's Downfall, Giving Birth to Modern-Day Black Ops

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The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

By: Damien Lewis
Narrated by: Nigel Carrington
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About this listen

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 Armed Forces Military Special & Elite Forces War Winston Churchill Warfare

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

late for work

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I came into this expecting more of a documentary style book, following how the idea of having a deniable force came around and how the training regime was created ect ect.
instead it turned out to be a book that follows the soldiers who made up these units, and the various missions they went on in a slightly more dramatic style of writing.
although it wasn't what I expected, it was still a excellent listen.
its thrilling to hear about the quite frankly, incredible feats of bravery and skill these men displayed on a regular basis.
it's always saddening to hear about the tragic loss of life in war on either side so if you are sensitive to that sort of thing you might want to give this book a miss, as it does describe the way real people died in detail at times.
aside from that I can definitely recommend the book!

Not what I expected, but a good read nonetheless!

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great book, exciting story and a great introduction to the SBS and SF story. narrator was very good.

informative and well read

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

Fantastic

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I was amazed by the bravery and cool headed professionalism of these men. In this world the way things are we need men like these to do what they do. This amazing listen tells and incredible story of how they hampered the Axis in their plight. Bravery and determination to do what they can. Amazing listen, enjoy.

Amazing Pluck and Courage

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