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We Were Warriors

One Soldier's Story of Brutal Combat

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About this listen

'An adrenalin-fuelled, gritty story of heroism on the frontline in Afghanistan.' - Andy McNab

The rounds were single shot from the same two enemy positions, trying to pick me off. They were kicking up the dirt around me. Then all hell broke loose as the gunship's Gatling vomited ammo right over my head. The sound was deafening. It was now or never. I got up and ran.

A captain in the 29 Commando regiment, Johnny Mercer served in the army for twelve years. On his third tour of Afghanistan he was a Joint Fires Controller, with the high-pressure job of bringing down artillery and air strikes in close proximity to his own troops. Based in an area of northern Helmand that was riddled with Taliban leaders, he walked into danger with every patrol, determined to protect them. Then one morning, in brutal close quarter combat, everything changed . . .

In We Were Warriors Johnny takes us from his commando training to the heat, blood and chaos of battle. With brutal honesty, he describes what it is like to risk your life every day, pushing through the fear that follows watching your friends die. He took the fight back to the enemy with a relentless efficiency that came at a high personal cost. Back in the UK, seeing the inadequate care available for veterans and their families, he was inspired to run for Parliament in the hope he could improve their plight. Unflinching, action-packed and laced with wry humour, We Were Warriors is a compelling read.

 Afghan & Iraq Wars Armed Force Military Military & War Politicians Politics & Activism Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking Emotionally Gripping Warrior War

Critic reviews

This is NOT the stereotypical account of war, it's without doubt the best first hand account in a war zone I've ever read. Brutally honest, humble and written with a pace that could induce a heart attack. Johnny is an MP now; he's what our country needs. A warrior. (Tom Marcus, ex MI5 Surveillance Officer, author of Soldier, Spy)
This is a gripping and honest story of one man’s escape from the frying pan of an unhappy childhood into the fire of combat. From the brutal initiation of Sandhurst’s Rowallan Company to the killing fields of Afghanistan – it bears testimony above all to the redemptive power of that extraordinary institution, the British Army. (Mark Urban)
A highly-charged, vivid and moving account of frontline combat, and then an even harder fight to honour the sacrifice of so many. Utterly compelling throughout. (Tom Newton Dunn, Political Editor, the Sun)
An adrenalin-fuelled, gritty story of heroism on the frontline in Afghanistan. Going into battle with Johnny and his highly skilled Fire Support Team will have you on the edge of your seat.' (Andy McNab)
One of the great British accounts of close combat . . . It is the inner conflict, as much as closing with a shadowy enemy, that gives the book its edge . . . a remarkable book by a man remarkable in his humanity and courage. (Robert Fox)
All stars
Most relevant

What did you like most about We Were Warriors?

Excellent - courage, humility and concern for others are a few of the authors qualities..

If you read 1 book this year make it this one.

David 26/9/17 .

The reality of war..

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You will not regret, for one second, the time that you give to listening to this book. An amazing story of an amazing man that has lived an amazing life. Such an honourable man who continues to give service to the country as a member of Parliament.

Johnny, thank you for your service and your continued service and thank you for this book!

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A gripping life tale of one of life's most humble and gifted individuals as well as telling the plight that is currently effecting those who have seen action in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Keep up the good work mate.

A hugely compelling story written by a soldier's soldiers.

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An honest, gritty, compelling and personal account of the effect a decision to go to war affects our soldiers not just on the battlefield and against the Taliban in Afghanistan but on the battlefield which is home where the enemy are the demons which haunt long after the guns fall silent.

A must for 2017.

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I’m a veteran (different service), my husband (still serving) has had a tour of Afghan and I have worked for the army’s national charity, you would therefore assume I am well versed with the Afghan story. Wrong! This book showed me a whole new dimension; what really occurs in theatre. I was moved to tears on more than one occasion. You don’t know what you don’t know.
This is a well written, well narrated (a few blips) and very moving account of our war against the Taliban.
I am particularly pleased PTSD and mental ill health has been highlighted as by products of war. I’m hoping that all servicemen and women affected by PTSD are now getting the support they need.
An excellent read.

Excellent - really excellent

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