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
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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