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Having been a soldier

Lt. Col Colin Mitchell Autobiograhy

Author Colin Mitchell
Publisher Mayflower
ISBN  # poss 583117503
On-line Merchant Derek Hayles Military Books

Cover Notes

A career which had began in the uniform of the Home Guard at the age of 15 reached its climax in the bomb-and bullet-scored alleys of seething Crater a quarter of a century later.

A few months after one of the most successful military operations  since the end of World War II, the 1st Battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, led by Lt. Col Colin Mitchell, was disbanded.  There was a public outcry and Mitchell became a national hero.

Now Colin Mitchell has written the story of his army life in full.  It reveals him as a man of strong principles and ambitions, peerless courage and intellectual accomplishment.  Above all it is an honest self appraisal and enthralling story of an officer who lead the Jocks into action from Italy in 1945 Palestine, Korea, Cyprus, Borneo and Aden.  The readers of involvement is total.

Reviews




George McKee rated this book Excellent
Isn't that just typical of the English ? Any opportunity to denegrate the Scots. Why exactly would the GOC be on the ground ? And if he did as you say lead the action why did he allow Col Mitchell to take the flak afterwards ?? Another English trait .... blame somebody else !!


Mike Narnett rated this book Excellent
I served with col. mitchell in aden. i was in d coy.he was an insperation to the jocks and much respected.sadly missed


C R F E S rated this book Excellent
An absolutely superb read. If you combine reading the book with the television series "Empire Warriors" which gives Lt-Col Mitchell extensive coverage, the series fleshes him out. Undoubtedly an inspirational leader, but seriously flawed in that he was right and everyone else was an idiot, brings to mind Wingate and Gordon-Bennett.


P. Christie rated this book Good
I have spoken in length to a former Lt Colonel fron the Argylls, Mitch was his adjudant at one time, he said that Mitch was an excellent soldier, a bloody good man.


Michael Slade rated this book Excellent
whilst serving at Royal Air Force Hospital Khormaksar Beach Hospital as a theatre technician.I was priviledged to meet Col. Mitchell on several occassions when he visited his wounded men.He was adored by them and revered by us.always taking the time to talk to and thank we medical staff for our small contribution in his mens rehabilitation. His charisma, obvious love for his soldiers and outstanding leadership qualities left us in no doubt his men would have followed him anywhere. A great Officer ! I am proud to have served in the same theatre and shared a brew.


Harry Clacy rated this book Excellent
I read this book not long after I had joined the British Army in 1974 and have read it several times since. I beleive, from what I read, Lt Col Mitchell was a soldiers soldier. Should be a training manual for all Cadets at RMA Sandhurst..


graham w turner rated this book Excellent
true leader sadly missed


E.Sullivan rated this book Excellent
Excellent, lots of lessons to learn here, and quite an insight into how the UK got into, and still is, heavily engaged in the middle east. ? some similarities with Col. Tim Collins here ?


James Orr rated this book Excellent
having been in the argylls in the early seventies and saw the man myself i had to read this book later on and had to admire this man (god bless him)


Alexander McNeill rated this book Excellent
First class. I had the honour and privlege to serve with the late Colonel Mitchel in Borneo. Sadly I was unable to serve In Aden as I had transfered to another unit. A true Argyll Gentleman and Soldier. Alba gu Brath.


Graham Turner rated this book Excellent
A fantastic read a true soldier's soldier.i had the privalage of meeting the man at my uncle's funeral,and after 10 minuites with this Great man i would follow him to the end of the earth,not so popular with spineless politicians, however he will remain in the memories of people who knew and searved with him as a truly Great man


Mike Stubbs rated this book Excellent
A very special type of man, a true and faithful servant, such a pity that he and his Regiment were let down by other Senior Officers and politicians but to other ex squaddies, his name will remain for evermore. VERY WELL DONE. (Englishman).


W.bond  rated this book It's already in the bin
For a start so called, MAD MITCH didn't lead his men into Crater it was Col. Downwood acting GOC ,Col. Mitchell wasn't to keen on the idea, I was there. Col. Downwood was my Colonel, of the Lancashire Regiment PWV.


Martin Spirit rated this book Excellent
I'd just like to make a comment about Mr. Bonds comment above. Sir your comments seem VERY bitter and do not show if you have actually read the late Col. Mitchells book. To say Col. Mitchell was "not keen on the idea" is un true. Col. Mitchells book is a excellent in sight into what the Argylls went through in Aden. In the book he goes to great lengths to say it was NOT just the Argylls there. Also The name MAD MITCH is not a name Col Mitchell gave himself. This name was given to him by the press at the time.


Ian Middleton rated this book Excellent
Second to none. I had the honour to briefly serve under Col. Mitchell when the battalion returned to the UK, to prepare for disbandment under defence cuts. I had just joined the Battalion from basic training.The men who had served with the Argylls in Aden worshiped him. I have no doubt that this is a true account of what happened.The Jocks who were there with him confirmed this.


Alan Galbraith rated this book Excellent
 

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