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Undercover War
- Narrated by: Colin Mace
- Length: 7 hrs and 58 mins
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Undercover War
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Summary
When British troops first deployed to Northern Ireland in 1969 to keep apart rioting factions of loyalists and nationalists, they could not have known that they were being drawn into the longest campaign in the British Army's history, a battle against the threat of a new rising force - the Provisional Irish Republican Army.
While patrols, vehicle bombs and incendiary speeches are the defining memories of the Troubles, the real war was fought out of sight and out of mind. For 30 years, Britain's Special Forces waged a ferocious, secretive struggle against a ruthless and implacable enemy.
Harry McCallion's deep experience across the theatre of Northern Ireland offers a unique insight into nearly every major military action and operation in the Province. Having served seven tours with the Parachute Regiment, undergone selection for the 14 Intelligence Company, completed six years with the SAS - including two tours with their anti-terrorism team - and received two commendations for bravery during service with the Royal Ulster Constabulary, there are few more qualified to tell this astonishing story.
This book is his blistering account of the history of Britain's war against the IRA between 1970 and 1998. From new insights into high-profile killings and riveting accounts of enemy contact, to revelations about clandestine missions and the strategies used in combating a merciless enemy, Undercover War is the definitive inside story of the battle against the IRA, one of the most dangerous and effective terrorist organisations in recent history.
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Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Jeraldo
- 05-11-23
Insightful
I didn’t know what to expect with this. I was a victim of a London bomb in 1976 which led me to a 30+ year career in the police and a great interest both professionally and personally into the Troubles and the historical context.
I found this book to be well researched, chock full of detail and had some very interesting material gleaned from interviews with insiders from the security services, army and police. If I had a criticism it would be that the author left no doubt as to which side he was on and as such the book came over as biased.
Still, an excellent read that kept me riveted from start to finish and definitely increased my knowledge of events, many of which I’d forgotten took place.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- nath
- 25-06-21
A well thought out overview of the war in Ireland
This book does not so much give a holistic overview of the conflict and troubles in Ireland, but certainly paints a detailed picture of the conflicts, morally and physically between the many different divisions in that nation. Each chapter seems to be a mini-story in itself, instead going over a different raid or ambush or passage of conflict in each one which gives a slightly jumbled feel to the book structure.
However, if you are unfamiliar with the Ireland conflict as I was, this book goes a long way to understanding it, and to see how the passages of war played out across the streets and affected so many innocent lives, and the determination of the terrorists to cause harm and pain.
All in all, well thought out, and would highly recommend.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Bazildon Bond
- 05-01-22
A well narrated systematic Account
Kept me listening.
Well narrated, and kept a balanced factual view on the facts at hand. A nice summary at the end too.
The best of books on this subject I’ve read so far.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Bryan Hutchinson
- 26-03-21
Great reminder of N. Ireland Troubles
Excellent and clear book outline the challenge of N.Ireland. Very balanced & realistic. Explains approach taken by SAS.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- John Fowlie
- 09-01-21
Enjoyable read.
Loved the book. Very informative and interesting. Highly recommended. One of the best about NI.
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- Adam
- 07-07-22
a great listen
Great and interesting book one of the best books I've listened to on audible
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- Piker Biker
- 26-07-21
Great wee listen with good historical content
Loved this book. Read well and mostly accurate with a few minor glitches. Highly recommend to anyone interested in the history of the troubles.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Bill Atkinson
- 25-04-21
A balanced history of an unbalanced war
Well presented in a way that delivers the story being told without excessive emotion. The final summary gives air to the frustration of those who served there and were then left to dangle in the wind.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- O K.
- 26-04-21
Very interesting
Compared to others of this topic I found the book as close to the truth as it can be written from the authors experience.
I grew up in the 80’s along the border so hearing the names and some of the operations brought back memories.
Very enjoyable
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- N A J, England
- 17-11-21
Great factual history
well structured and read brilliantly. Fascinating and honest account of some well documented events and many that I'd forgotten or didn't know about.
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