A Long Long War: Voices from the British Army in Northern Ireland 1969-98

A Long Long War: Voices from the British Army in Northern Ireland 1969-98

by KenWharton (Author)

Synopsis

"A testament to the experiences of the British Army during those troubled years. A splendid book..." - Britain At War Magazine, 09/2008 This is the story of the Troubles in Northern Ireland told from the perspective of the British soldiers who served there between 1969 and 1998. This was a war against terrorists; a war involving sectarian hatred and violent death. The British Army was sent into Northern Ireland on August 14, 1969. This is their story in their own words. There are stories from some of the most seminal moments in the period of the Troubles in Northern Ireland - detailed accounts of firefights at Crossmaglen from the commanders on the ground at the time; an account from the first squaddie on the scene at Penny Lane after the 1988 funeral killings of the two corporals; the 1988 Ballygawley coach blast which killed 8 Light Infantrymen; Gerry Adams' 'birthday treat' at a vehicle checkpoint, and many more. The brave men and women of the Ulster Defence Regiment occupy a prominent place in the book. Wharton has compiled a vivid and unforgettable record of Northern Ireland veterans eager to tell their story. Their experiences - sad and poignant, fearful and violent, courageous, even downright hilarious - make for compelling reading. Their voices need to be heard. About the Author Ken Wharton is a former soldier and now author of three oral histories on the Northern Ireland troubles. He is planning a further oral history of the troubles.

$22.65

Quantity

1 in stock

More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 528
Publisher: Helion & Company Ltd
Published: 15 Sep 2010

ISBN 10: 190603379X
ISBN 13: 9781906033798

Media Reviews
... a vivid and unforgettable record. * Best of British Magazine DON'T USE *
A testament to the experiences of the British Army during those troubled years. A splendid book... * Britain at War Magazine *
Author Bio
Ken Wharton is in his mid-60s but retains a youthful, though deeply knowledgeable and experienced view of the Northern Ireland troubles. It was said by one military historian that: `... nobody does Northern Ireland quite like Ken Wharton.' Living on Australia's sun-kissed Gold Coast, he divides his time between there and his native UK. He returns to Britain as often as he can and still makes an annual pilgrimage to Ulster to lay his own ghosts and to remember the fallen of Britain's forgotten war. A former football referee in the tough West Yorkshire League and with 500 skydives under his belt, he retains a young man's view of the world, whilst at the same time, retaining his grip on reality.