Synopses & Reviews
Since their foundation during the Second World War, the Parachute Regiment has acquired a formidable reputation as tough, fearless soldiers. "The Red Devils" have played a key role in many of the battles of the past sixty years—the capture of Sicily, the D-Day landing, the heroic but doomed attempt to capture the bridge at Arnhem. In the so-called years of peace since the Second World War, the Paras have seen action all over the world - from Cyprus, Palestine, Egypt, Borneo and the Falklands to Bosnia. Their service in Northern Ireland has been surrounded by controversy—the events of "Bloody Sunday" in Londonderry in 1972 are still the subject of fierce debate, and a continuing government inquiry. For his authoritative book, John Parker has gathered together the testimony of numerous veterans of the Parachute Regiment. Their first-hand accounts of the major events in their history bring home the reality (and cruelty) of combat. The events of "Bloody Sunday" are seen through their eyes, and will re-ignite the controversy over what actually happened.
Synopsis
Formed at the personal insistence of Winston Churchill after the Nazi Blitzkrieg of Western Europe, the Parachute Regiment quickly acquired a formidable reputation as tough, fearless soldiers; it was the Germans themselves who christened then the 'Red Devils'. More than 10,000 men of the Parachute Regiment took part in some of the most desperate actions of the Second World War. In the 'savage wars of peace' following 1934, the Paras have never been out of action.
About the Author
John Parker is the author of several internationally successful books on military history, including SBS: The Inside Story of the Special Boat Service, The Gurkhas and Death of a Hero: Captain Robert Nairac GC and the Undercover War in Northern Ireland (Metro) which Frederick Forsyth called "an extraordinary story of the death of a very brave young man and a tragedy of our times."