Andy Mcnab
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And hope you'll recover soon :-)
>>By Lynn (Friday, 2 Nov 2007 14:23)
Your welcome f-troop leader, and I have been enjoying the book so far, but can I say one thing this book is a lot more darker than his others and the action well it more like a tarantino meets peckenpah film...
As soon as the cold and flu have gone I'll give everyone my opinion but so far its breathtaking its like being on a rollercoaster without brakes.
>>By Bookish Geek (Friday, 2 Nov 2007 19:11)
uhhuhh 'leader' ? I'm not worthy ;-) Thank you BG. A roller coaster without brakes I do only wish to experience in a book so I hope I'll get to read it soon :-)
>>By Lynn (Saturday, 3 Nov 2007 14:30)
Update - yes Bikergirl/Ctina, another meet we (or I at least) had to miss :-(
The first chapter of Crossfire, in case you (or I at least) don't have to book yet... it comes with a warning though: "THIS EXTRACT CONTAINS EXPLICIT LANGUAGE" oh gosh.
1
Tuesday, 27 February 2007
0015 hrs
North-west of Basra
The noise and heat, gloom and sheer fucking claustrophobia in the back of the Warrior were oppressive enough, but now the armour was suddenly clanging three times a second like the world’s strongest madman was using it for sledgehammer practice. We were taking rounds. It could only mean we were closing in on target.
The engine roared and the tracks screeched over the rock.
The front end dipped hard.
‘Fuck!’ the Scouse driver screamed over the radio net, as he stood on the anchors. ‘There’s a fuck’n’ bastard tank!’
The commander yelled back so loud I had to lift the PRR pad from my ear. ‘Go right, you cunt – you’ll hit the fucker!’ Until a few years ago, the only way troops could communicate with each other was by shouting or hand signals, but every man and his dog now wore a personal role radio. It had revolutionized the infantry. Just four inches by six, with a headset consisting of an ear pad, Velcro strap and little boom mike, PRR acted effectively as a secure chat net between troops.
===
For all of it go here:
http://www.booksattransworld.co.uk/ [ LOSE SPACE ] catalog/extract.htm?command=search&db= [ LOSE SPACE ] twmain.txt&eqisbndata=0593055594
Indeed a lot of swearing, you'd think soldiers swear all the time...
Something else now...."Half-naked men for a good cause..." one for the ladies, perhaps too for some of the male readers (after all it's for a good cause) I don't think it's McNab related but since we don't really know what he looks like who knows.. he could be any Mister of the Month. What's it about? "Freedom is not free is a non-patisan US charity set-up to raise money to help ease the load for wounded warriors as they make the transition back to civilian life. Currently, Freedom is not free is selling a calendar". In case you're still looking for a charity, I know.. it's a suffer for a whole year but have a heart... check it out!
http://www.solopassion.com/node/1795 And don't ask how I happened to run into this one.
Ok, back to Andy - "SAS man makes phone-based publicity lunge"
Ex-SAS man and action author Andy McNab's latest book is going to be promoted with a short-code that responds with a link to the first chapter of the book, free to your mobile phone - but unlike previous promotions of this type the chapter is also available in spoken form.
For that article go here: http://www.theregister.co.uk/ [ LOSE SPACE ] 2007/10/22/free_chapters_again/
:-)
>>By Lynn (Monday, 5 Nov 2007 16:33)
OH, you're the leader all right, Lynn. I think it was in Twelfth Night where Malvolio mentions some who have "greatness thrust upon them."
Unless I'm not remembering the quote correctly...I played the really stupid young guy, can't remember his name.
At any rate, you're now the de facto leader of our F-Troop. Your wish is my suggestion.
>>By Hank Diddler (Friday, 9 Nov 2007 01:42)
I second that e-motion (geddit??). Now, Crossfire:
Superb, a truly original piece of work, perhaps his most engaging since 'Remote Control'. My reasoning for that statement is based partly upon the thrilling, engaging plot line, but also because we seem to be given some more peeks behind his background, both his childhood and his military service activities; perhaps even the reasons behind his obsessive security measures. We also learn more about Nick Stone's persona, how he still feels about the memory of Kelly and how he deals with those memories. We are re-introduced to some old foes too, an invisible saditty award to those who can instantly recall the book in which we were first introduced to Sundance and Trainers without looking it up! We learn that the author has surely been into some very dodgy establishments in Afghanistan, I mean, could you really, really make up these scenarios with such penetrating detail? Absolute gem of a read, oh, and still very funny in places.
Reproduced by kind permission of the AMFT book reviewer, lonesome John.
>>By camban (Tuesday, 13 Nov 2007 11:56)
Thanx Lonesome! ;-) And this morning my copy arrived - Yippee!! From your review the book sounds great (again). And Hank, 'your wish is my suggestion' ..suggest..that's a bit tame, it doesn't quite have the sound of a whip ;-)
"Some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them!" Ouch, I feel the thrusted load weigh heavily upon me, thought it was just the dog on my lap.
>>By Lynn (Tuesday, 13 Nov 2007 12:51)
Andy's been gobbing off in the media lately about how soldiers aren't given the proper respect they deserve, especially when it comes to being given discounts at amusement parks and retail outlets. I happen to agree with him, but what I find odd is that, despite thinking soldiers are basically ignored by the government after their service, and left to face the world with no real job skills, he's a shill for the MOD and still encourages young people to join the forces.
With that in mind, I've looked over Andy's articles and interviews, found his "good reasons" people should join the forces, and answer them here.
1. The Army taught Andy to read.
This is Andy's number one, go-to reason for encouraging enlistment. What he fails to understand, however, is that even kids from bad homes are generally capable of learning to read without military assistance. That he was particularly thick doesn't seem a great argument to me.
2. "Ive seen friends die..."
Yes, he actually used this in addressing the person who stole his laptop. If you see your friends die, apparently, it builds character...or something. Or, if you don't care to see your friends die, you don't have the bottle that real soldiers do. I'll go this far with you, Andy...I'm willing to see your friends die.
3. You'll learn discipline
Ah, the old standby...Yes, you'll sort your socks and show up to work on time...You'll also abandon loved ones, develop a drinking problem, and perhaps kill yourself by jumping with no parachute or eating car exhaust like two of his SAS buddies...I guess discipline is defined differently in the forces than it is in civilian life, because I kind of thought discipline meant being a productive citizen and not leaving your children fatherless.
4. When there's a job to do...
Just do it, and don't worry about whether you're morally wrong and perhaps attacking the wrong country. Obey your masters and you'll be a better lap dog, er, I mean man, for it.
5. It made me who I am today...
No, Andy, writing the book made you who you are. Most vets aren't doing as well as you, and demanding handouts for them isn't the answer.
So...In conclusion, if a lot of vets end up with severe financial, emotional, and physical problems the government isn't willing to help...Quit telling people to join up, you wanker!
If you knew of a college that gave a great education, but produced graduates that no one would hire, would you recommend your kids attend it?
You can't fix the treatment of vets after the fact, you fix it by not joining so they have to treat people better. Even Andy should be able to grasp this.
I await the flames.
>>By Hank Diddler (Saturday, 17 Nov 2007 19:05)
.....As flame lit by flame never shall tire
We hold the ground we've been looking for.
;-)
>>By Lynn (Monday, 19 Nov 2007 12:30)
Is Hank a reincarnation of a previous prolific fire raiser who once graced this space? And Lynn, can you pass the pipe over here next please?
Some info on a brilliant new book which should appeal, "Eight Lives Down" by Chris Hunter. (The title refers to the nickname for bomb disposal soldiers, Felix the Cat, nine lives sort of thing?)
The cover blurb says "The World's Most Dangerous Job in the World's Most Dangerous Place", "The Story of a Counter-Terrorist Bomb Disposal Operator's Tour in Iraq", and "The Most Exciting and Nerve-Jangling Work of Military Non-fiction Since Bravo Two Zero". The first two certainly sum up this book's ethos, not sure about the third though, it's nothing like B20 in fact, just a bit of publisher's hype to shift the book really. Having said that, this is an entirely compelling story in its own right which is well written and worth telling. We are taken into the world of the men who tackle the increasingly sophisticated attempts to kill allied troops with IEDs and rockets. The workload is unrelenting, the lives saved immeasurable, the detective work immaculate. This book is full of action and contains many facts about this subject that were hitherto unknown to the public. Essential reading if you have the slightest interest in what is really happening in Iraq.
>>By camban (Monday, 19 Nov 2007 13:33)
I am impressed...No one took the troll-bait...
Anyway, Cam...Would it be okay if someone copy/pasted your post and re-posted it at a blog that deals with ex-SAS authors, books, that sort of thing?
>>By Hank Diddler (Tuesday, 20 Nov 2007 01:04)
Thanks Hank, wasn't sure if you were a NASCAR driver with a cute screen name like that! Please feel free to use my penetrating textual output in any way you want, I'd be honored sir. And please direct us to that site, sounds kinda interesting.
Get in touch soon my friend. Missing you already.
>>By camban (Tuesday, 20 Nov 2007 11:40)
Camban, your review has been posted--only it's not a new blog ("newish" I guess). You may view your copy/pasted contribution at http://greymansland.com/andymcnabnews
If you're still reviewing books for our group, I'd love to have them there as you write them, as more people will see them and thus benefit from them at gml (rather than yahoo group) due to traffic.
Just contact me or Lynn if you're interested, I'm sure she'd love to have them, as well.
To everyone else, Andy McNab News is truly a "one-stop-shop" for the latest on SAS, SBS, SASR, and to some extent US Spec Ops, plus Andy and books as well.
We google so you don't have to!
>>By Hank Diddler (Wednesday, 21 Nov 2007 19:11)
LOL @ 'plus Andy' - sheesh..
I love 'them' - I'm Dutch, I love everyone and everything ;-) But seriously, if you like Cam.. your reviews are very good and you know where to find me or Hank, who ever Hank is, he never introduced himself to me properly ;-)
Help for Heroes is being promoted - a few articles with Andy are in The Sun, Hank mentioned something above here but no links, so here they are:
Show our Brave Boys Respect
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage [ LOSE SPACE ] /news/article430315.ece
SAS legend's Bravo to Hero
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/ [ LOSE SPACE ] news/article466195.ece
A site I really like to post here too is a website for those in Midlife Crisis - which really is an undercover car sales stunt, but it's got 'McNab' and I thought it was funny so take a look, especially their welcome message, but the rest is great too. And Andy seems to be cure nr 8 ;-)
http://www.midlife-crisis-retreat.co.uk/
>>By Lynn (Wednesday, 21 Nov 2007 22:03)
Another one I must share with you: "Sniper One" by Sergeant Dan Mills, truly superb, what those boys go through.................But do you know what? They absolutely love it, ignore what the bleeding hearts in the media want to tell us, this situation is what they long for, read all about it:
"All first hand accounts of war fighting are by definition interesting, if you are into that sort of thing. They fascinate both those who have been there, and those who have not. Some though are outstanding examples that convey the reader into the cauldron with skillful use of language and a sense of time that brings the scenes as close to reality as typeface can, this is one of the best. A good measure of veracity are the revues posted on the British Army Rumour Service web site by serving soldiers, they know a Walt when they see one, they all like this book. There are suggestions on that site that this was ghost written but that does not matter at all, this is the first hand story of Sergeant Mills, a sniper platoon commander, during his time at Al Amarah in Iraq during 2004 and is simply awesome in scale with the description of close in action among the best ever produced. Andy McNab is quoted on the cover "One of the best first-hand accounts of combat that I've ever read", well he should know!"
Hank, and anyone else, consider this as freeware, I'd be chuffed to see it elsewhere.
>>By camban (Thursday, 22 Nov 2007 15:34)
Ah yes, Sniper One - I think I saw that being recommended by McNab (or at least on his website) sometime, but when I checked that - guess what I found.. At the moment he recommends "Eight Lives Down". :-)
Now speaking of "Eight" - When I was reading Wikipedia about Bravo Two Zero I found this part interesting, it's not been for a few weeks now:
" [[David Barnes]] (pseudonym) – Royal Marines. It was rumoured in a BBC Panorama Documentary about the actual events of the book that there was a 9th Soldier who was in the field with McNab at the time who was his superior and was critical to his survival. "SGT Barnes" wanted no part in the story though as he thought it to be a betrayal on his Country. It is believed he is still a high ranking officer in the army at the moment. Location UnKnown. (Panorama Documentary Feb 2002) "
I never read anything about this and (obviously) haven't seen the Panarama docu. Anyone did see this?
>>By Lynn (Wednesday, 28 Nov 2007 23:02)
Transcript of the Panorama documentary...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/
audio_video/programmes/panorama/
transcripts/transcript_10_02_02.txt
>>By Lisle45 (Thursday, 29 Nov 2007 16:59)
Hello. This is a blast from the past. Just peeking in to say hello. Haven't travelled in the fictional, nor non-fictional world of ex SAS operator authors in a while.
What's the latest scoop?
>>By waterproof (Wednesday, 5 Dec 2007 23:46)
Ah thanx Lisle - Now I see that title I may have it in files somewhere, after so many years, so many files I'm getting a bit lost ;-) Good to see you!
Hi Waterproof, welcome back. I think ;-)
>>By Lynn (Saturday, 8 Dec 2007 01:46)
Another new book that might tickle your collective fancies: "3 Para" by Patrick bishop -
"Afghanistan, summer 2006, THIS is war" trumpets the cover blurb. And it certainly is. This is a story of continuous deadly action endured not only by 3 Para, but many other units of the British Army during this largely unknown series of battles fought by seriously outnumbered units of professional soldiers opposing the mindless hordes of suicidal paradise seekers with a seemingly endless supply of deadly weapons. But these moronic, drug addled 'warriors' were fought to a standstill by sheer professionalism and courage. Now, this book is nothing like the first person accounts such as 'Sniper One' to name but one. It is a journalistic work of great range which puts forward many different pieces of the overall war story. So don't expect raw excitement but be in awe of the subject matter; those young soldiers who found themselves in the cauldron and did not flinch.
>>By camban (Monday, 10 Dec 2007 13:09)
Interesting recommendations, camban.
My most recent purchases are:
'Midnight in some Burning Town'
'Royal Marines Commandos - The inside story of a Force for the Future'
'Sleeping With the Devil: How Washington Sold Our Soul for Saudi Crude'
'First In: An Insider's Account of How the CIA Spearheaded the War on Terror in Afghanistan'.
I've only maintained the discipline to start reading the latter, but then my attention span became that of a 4 year old.
That, coupled with the fact I've been working my heiny off lately... ;-)
Hopefully, I'll be able to gain the readin' momentum once more.
>>By waterproof (Monday, 10 Dec 2007 23:41)
Thanks Waterproof, glad you are interested, read the Burning Town one, not sure about the others, sound a bit serious and worthy, perhaps you could write some reviews on AMFT if your attention span matures somewhat. Here's another good 'un: The Boys From Baghdad by Simon Low. (What's a 'heiny' by the way? Is it foreign for one's botty?)
"From the Foreign Legion to the Killing Fields of Iraq". He was in the British Army for 7 years and the French Foreign Legion for 10, attaining the rank of sergeant, no mean feat you will recognise if you've ever read about this brutal but elite and mysterious fighting force. The book is more of an autobiography than an account of the present day role of a PMC in which he was recently employed. His anecdotes range from his time in the Legion to his PMC days and into his antics whilst on leave. Doesn't mention much from his army days though, must have been dull, and perhaps the reason he ran off to France. This is a very honest account, well written, of this young man's inner thoughts and fears during combat of all kinds, especially during the much feared ambushes sprung upon the PMCs constantly by the insurgents and by bandits. A really great story well told and he says there will be another volume, hope so.
>>By camban (Tuesday, 11 Dec 2007 12:48)
Happy Heiny's are diapers Cam (http://www.happyheinys.com/)
Hence the name Waterproof? Though if he worked them off lately... ;-)
>>By Lynn (Tuesday, 11 Dec 2007 16:35)
Heiny is slang for booty - correctly assumed.
>>By waterproof (Tuesday, 11 Dec 2007 23:38)
I never assume, I investigate (though sometimes with a slight touch of gamble). So what were you doing in Toronto Waterproof?
>>By Lynn (Wednesday, 12 Dec 2007 11:10)
Update on Andy:
Why not "Flork" one might ask, but McNab now has his own site on "Facebook" which is pretty odd since he's got no official face. Of course there are more ppl by the name "Andy McNab" on Facebook but this is definitely very likely really 'our' Andy. To make friends and/or to see his profile you'll need a Facebook account. Since it won't be fair to MG to send you over there, figure it out for yourself ;-)
Then of course I'm not too scrupulous forwarding you to Greymansland (which is not a forum but, so no competion for Gnooks anyway - did I validate myself there?) .... so if you're lazy you can check it out on:
http://greymansland.com/andymcnabnews/?p=72
Then there's also a new "McNab explains.." video by Andy on BattleSeen again..this time he shows us the use of the Under-Slung Grenade Launcher.
Have to admit, only after the 3rd view I managed to concentrate on the grenade launcher.
;-)
>>By Lynn (Wednesday, 12 Dec 2007 11:23)
Oops, link to the BattleSeen clip:
http://www.battleseen.com/video/06e1f2c0e6b53
>>By Lynn (Wednesday, 12 Dec 2007 11:24)
HI FOLKS I HAVE JUST FINISHED READING ANDY MCNABS BOOK RECOIL A FANTASTIC READ LIKE ALL THE REST..
ANYWAY NOT KNOWING IF HE HAD ANOTHER BEST SELLER OUT THERE I PICKED UP A COPY OF MICHAEL ASHERS BOOK THE REAL BRAVOTWOZERO UPON READING THIS BOOK
THE MORE I READ THE MORE I GOT PISSED OFF WITH THIS BLOKE..
I CAME VERY QUICKLY TO THE CONCLUSION THAT ALL THIS MICHAEL ASHER WANTED TO DO WAS DISCREDIT ANDY MCNAB..
FOR INSTANCE HE WANTS US ALL TO BELIEVE THAT A FARMER WITH ONE LEG AND AN OLD RIFLE HIS SON WHO HAD A PISTOL. AND HIS OTHER SON WHO HAD AN AK47
SAW OFF AN 8 MAN SAS PATROL THREE WHO HAD GPLM `S {GENRAL PURPOSE LIGHT MACHINE GUNS] AND 5 WHO HAD M16`S PLUS GRENADES AND ROCKET LAUNCHERS
DOES HE THINK WE ARE ALL STUPID HE ALSO RECONS THAT ANDY AND HIS CREW NEVER CAME INTO CONTACT WITH ANY RAGHEADS AT ALL THIS BLOKES BARKING MAD//
I LIKE TO HEAR OFF ANYONE WHO HAS ALSO READ THIS BOOK TO HEAR YOUR VIEWS IT REALY PISSED ME OFF.....
>>By bravo (Wednesday, 12 Dec 2007 22:25)
Mmm, I absolutely DISAGREE with you Bravo.
I don't think that was 'ALL' M.Asher wanted to do. My guess is he wanted to sell a few books too ;-)
>>By Lynn (Wednesday, 12 Dec 2007 23:23)
CROSSFIRE good! Good work, enjoyed a original story.
>>By My Point (Tuesday, 18 Dec 2007 15:12)
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