Antony Beevor’s “D-Day: The Battle for Normandy” is widely considered a significant and impactful contribution to the vast literature on World War II, earning widespread acclaim for its comprehensive and humanized portrayal of the pivotal campaign.

This is not a book that I read cover to cover, but its extensive notes and index does it allow you to research what information you may be after.

A primary strength of the book lies in Beevor’s masterful narrative. He is lauded for his ability to seamlessly weave together grand strategic overviews with intimate, often harrowing, personal accounts. The narrative transitions effortlessly between the perspectives of high-ranking generals, individual Allied and German soldiers, and the suffering French civilian population. This multi-faceted approach provides a truly comprehensive and deeply humanized picture of the conflict. The compelling detail is further enhanced by Beevor’s rich inclusion of vivid and often grim specifics, drawn from a wealth of archival material and previously overlooked sources, including personal diaries, letters, and interview transcripts, all of which bring an immediate and authentic feel to the unfolding events.

Furthermore, Beevor is praised for his balanced perspective. He does not shy away from critiquing Allied commanders, notably Montgomery, or from highlighting the immense suffering endured by French civilians caught in the relentless crossfire. Crucially, he effectively incorporates the German perspective, detailing their command struggles, profound fears, and the devastating impact of Allied air superiority. While titled “D-Day,” the book’s scope extends far beyond the initial landings, covering the entirety of the Battle for Normandy up to the liberation of Paris. This broader perspective is essential for understanding the intricate complexities and the sheer ferocity of the ensuing campaign. Despite the depth of research, Beevor’s writing remains consistently dramatic, exciting, and highly accessible, making it an engaging read for both seasoned military historians and general readers alike.

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor points of discussion or gentle criticism have emerged. Some reviewers suggest that the title “D-Day” can be somewhat misleading, as a significant, if not the majority, of the book is dedicated to the subsequent Battle for Normandy. Therefore, those looking solely for a detailed account of the landings themselves might find the book’s scope broader than anticipated. I don’t agree with this as I believe it is necessary for context.

Additionally, while generally praised, some purely tactical or strategic analyses might find Beevor’s strong emphasis on the human experience, including the psychological impact of war, to be less focused on purely military operations. Again I can understand these comments, but Beevor has never been the author fro a dry strategic analysis of tactics and strategy.

Lastly, given the extensive existing literature on D-Day, some acknowledge that Beevor doesn’t necessarily unearth entirely new, earth-shattering information. True, but this is not unexpected.

However, his enduring strength lies in his exceptional ability to synthesize existing, and often previously overlooked, sources into a coherent, powerful, and deeply moving narrative.

In conclusion, Antony Beevor’s “D-Day: The Battle for Normandy” comes highly recommended for anyone seeking a comprehensive, engrossing, and profoundly human account of one of the most pivotal campaigns of World War II. It is celebrated for its meticulous research, engaging narrative, and its remarkable ability to convey the brutal realities of war from a multitude of perspectives.

I enjoyed “flicking through it”

The finished bunker.

I have one more with the dowel already cut up and ready to assemble so will start on that soon. The objective is to finish a total of four of these smaller bunkers.

My last post on Dave’s Season of scenery showed a WW2 Japanese bunker under construction.

It has now progressed a little bit further,

The logs were painted mission brown and dry brushed with a yellow ochre and the white.

A collection of aquarium plants and lichen was added, including to the roof.

Not quite camouflaged enough but I am hoping the flocking will assist with this.

The final version tomorrow.

For a while now, I’ve been on a top-secret mission to build my Marvel: Crisis Protocol Hydra team, which basically means I’ve been collecting miniatures like they’re Pokémon and obsessively strategizing like a villain in a cheesy action movie. Whahaha! With my army almost complete and excitement bubbling like a shaken can of VB, I decided it was high time to assemble a tabletop team for a game that would finally show off my hard work—because clearly, my tea-stained strategy notes are crucial to success. After a deep dive online, I think I’ve unearthed the ultimate setup that screams “I’m cool” while also being terrifyingly effective, featuring characters that not only blend like a smoothie but also look like they just walked off a comic book cover. I chose Red Skull, Master of Hydra (RS2), as my main leader—because who doesn’t want a guy with a big head and an even bigger ego leading the charge? With his sneaky strategies and supervillain swagger, I’m hoping he’ll help me study the fine art of turning the battlefield into my own personal comedy show. I also threw in a motley crew of other Hydra operatives to support him, each with their quirky skills and talents, creating a cohesive team that I can’t wait to roll dice with in what will surely be some hilariously entertaining games! If only I new someone who played!

Red Skull (RS2)

Red Skull (RS2) is not just your average villain; he’s the top dog for a bunch of hilarious reasons. His Leadership Ability, “World Domination,” is like the ultimate cheat code for a Hydra team, cranking up the power levels when you’re controlling objectives and throwing in a victory point like confetti every turn if you’re hoarding two or more of those shiny secure objectives. This constant power boost is like having an espresso shot for your team’s abilities and attacks, while those steady victory points have you zooming ahead on the scenario track like you’re in a game of Mario Kart.

Red Skull (RS2)

Plus, Red Skull’s gang can easily bond with Grunts—those lovable, expendable minions that pop up faster than you can say “intricate evil plan.” They’re cheap, activate faster than you can find your snacks on the couch, and are perfect for snagging objectives or acting like a human shield for the baddies, letting Red Skull strut his stuff like the evil genius he is. And let’s not forget RS2’s strong personal toolkit; with offensive and defensive stats that make him as versatile as a Swiss Army knife, he’s just brimming with ways to amp up the chaos!

Hydra Troopers

To really amp up Red Skull’s glorious reign and the grand Hydra master plan, we’ve got to gather a motley crew of characters who can snag some extra power, dish out conditions, or team up with the Grunts like it’s a superhero mixer party! Enter Baron Zemo (Original/Core Set Version), the charming strategist who’s like the life of the Hydra party with his “Strategic Genius” ability, granting re-rolls for friendly attacks and defenses as if he’s handing out extra chances like they’re candy! He’s also quicker than a cat meme going viral, capable of snatching those extracts while delivering reliable punches that have his enemies saying “Ouch!” in perfect unison.

Baron Zemo

Baron Strucker, the 3-threat superstar, brings enough roster flexibility to make a yoga instructor jealous! His leadership skills are like a Swiss Army knife for conditions—he’s got your team tossing off conditions like they’re last season’s fashion, slapping them onto enemies, or even pulling off a miraculous heal when those pesky conditions come knocking. And let’s be real, Strucker is tougher than a two-dollar steak for his threat level, thanks to “Healing Factor,” making him the perfect sidekick for RS2 or even a solo act, especially when the battlefield looks like a status effect party gone wild!

Baron Strucker

Arnim Zola is like that nerd in the corner who suddenly becomes the life of the party when he whips out his “Scientific Method” team tactic card. It’s as if he’s saying, “Why settle for average when you can have extra attack or defense dice? Oh, and by the way, let me just siphon some power from you too!” With this card, a character that appears as intimidating as a kitten can turn into a force to be reckoned with, all thanks to Zola’s genius. But wait, there’s more! He also has a bag of tricks to inflict pesky conditions on his enemies, because who doesn’t love a little chaos in their day?

Arnim Zola

Crossbones is like that overzealous bouncer at a club, tough as nails and ready to throw down with a smile—he’s a 3-threat character who can rain down damage while absorbing hits like a human-shaped sponge, making him the front-line brawler every party needs, even if he’s just there for the snacks!

Crossbones

Bob, Agent of Hydra, at a puny 2-threat, is basically the MVP of objective hoarding and ranged support—like the overachiever at a lazy barbecue. He practically runs off Red Skull’s power generation like it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet, dishing out ranged damage as if he’s got a never-ending supply of rubber chickens. Plus, let’s be real, having him on the table is like inviting that one friend who always makes the party ten times more hilarious, even if they occasionally trip over their own feet!

Bob, Agent of Hydra

While not Hydra affiliated, Hulk can be a terrifying “splash” character for a Hydra team, especially when paired with the “Sleeper Agent” tactic card. The extra power generated by Red Skull’s leadership helps fuel Hulk’s expensive attacks and throws, and “Sleeper Agent” can make his mighty throws un-bracable, leading to devastating effects for the opponent. Hulk was the first figure I painted, well before purchasing any other figures, and not without his fair share of dramas see here, here.

Hulk

Lastly, Spider-Woman is like that friend who shows up to the party with snacks, dance moves, and a winning lottery ticket! This versatile 4-threat character boasts impressive mobility, can spread conditions like confetti, and zooms around as an extract runner—thanks to her power generation skills and her knack for turning enemy plans into chaotic spaghetti.

Spider-Woman

In terms of Key Team Tactic Cards, “World Domination” is, as previously mentioned, your golden ticket to ultimate villainy—it’s like finding an extra slice of pizza at a party, giving you the vital victory points and power needed to conquer your foes. “Two More Shall Rise” is basically the superhero equivalent of a backup singer; it lets you activate two other characters’ leadership abilities if your main leader is knocked out. Talk about resilience! It’s like saying, “No worries, I’ve got a plan B, C, and D,” so you can smoothly pivot into new leadership—think Strucker or maybe Malekith, if you’re feeling extra cheeky.

“Illicit Tech” is your go-to card for moving extracts around the board like a magician pulling rabbits from hats, while “Brace for Impact” is like wearing a helmet while riding a unicycle on a tightrope—universally smart and saves your characters from being turned into Swiss cheese. Finally, “X-Ceptional Healing” is fantastic for characters with “Healing Factor,” especially Baron Strucker, allowing them to bounce back from damage as if they’ve just taken a refreshing dip in a kiddie pool.

This particular combination of characters and tactic cards creates a Hydra force that’s as strong as a coffee-fueled octopus at a tentacle-tying competition! Firstly, it boasts a strong scenario focus; Red Skull’s leadership is like a GPS for objective play, guiding Hydra through the map like a lost tourist finally finding the right landmark. Secondly, Hydra excels at power economy, generating power faster than you can say, “What’s my superpower today?” This lets their characters whip out their fancy attacks more often than a magician pulling rabbits from hats.

Thirdly, with “Two More Shall Rise,” Hydra transforms into the ultimate comeback kid; losing a leader is just a plot twist, allowing them to switch leadership like changing socks—messy but efficient! The roster is lined with more viable leaders than a superhero convention (RS2, Strucker, and possibly a few surprise guest stars), making adaptability their middle name. Fourthly, the team is a synergy and buffs powerhouse; Zemo’s re-rolls, Strucker’s condition tinkerings, and Zola’s “Scientific Method” create a cocktail of chaos that cranks up your attacks and defenses to eleven. Lastly, the “Grunt Swarm” from Hydra Troopers is like a discount buying blitz—cheap activations that block enemy moves, hog important objectives, and even throw a punch or two, perfect for creating a delightful “swarm” effect that’s sure to leave opponents puzzled and a little dizzy!

In summary, if you’re aiming to create a Hydra force that’s as effective as a well-placed whoopee cushion at a serious meeting, look no further than Red Skull, Master of Hydra—the ultimate leader who’s basically the captain of a villainous cheerleading squad. This powerhouse is flanked by his trusty sidekicks, Baron Zemo and Baron Strucker, along with a gaggle of budget-friendly Hydra Troopers who seem to have a knack for showing up uninvited. And let’s not forget those surprise guests like Hulk or Spider-Woman, who crash the party and add a sprinkle of chaos. Together, this wacky crew dominates the scenario play, cranks out power like a vending machine, and boasts resilience that would make a cockroach jealous, ensuring they’re a serious force to reckon with on the tabletop!

Published in 2022 I was lucky to pick this one up from a “Salvos” thrift shop in Seymour.

This evocative description of the 2nd Fife and Forfar Yeomanry’s experiences in World War Two promises a deeply immersive and transformative read. It’s not just a military history; it’s an intimate human drama unfolding amidst the chaos of battle.

The emphasis on “raw and visceral personal recollections” suggests an unfiltered, unvarnished account, moving beyond official reports and strategic analyses to the very core of individual experience. The focus on the “sheer nerve-wracking tension of serving in highly inflammable Sherman tanks” immediately places the reader within the claustrophobic and terrifying environment of these machines. This isn’t just about explosions, but the constant, gnawing fear that permeated every moment inside.

The vivid progression from “the sudden impact of German shells” to “the desperate scramble to bail out” and “the awful fate of those who couldn’t” paints a harrowing picture of immediate, life-or-death decision-making under unimaginable pressure. It underscores the brutal speed and finality of tank combat. The grim reality that even escaping the tank didn’t guarantee safety, with men “brutally cut down by German infantry,” highlights the pervasive nature of danger on the battlefield, where one moment of survival could immediately lead to another, equally perilous threat.

Crucially, the narrative pledges that “amidst these horrors, the humanity of these men shines through.” This is where the book promises to transcend mere war reporting. It suggests a focus on the resilience of the human spirit, the bonds forged in extremis, the quiet acts of courage, and the moments of shared vulnerability that define true camaraderie. This element will likely be what truly differentiates the account, offering a counterpoint to the relentless violence and reminding us of the individuals behind the machines.

By tracing their journey “through letters, diaries and eye-witness accounts,” the book offers an unparalleled level of authenticity. This primary source material allows the reader to walk in their footsteps, to experience the war through their eyes, and to grasp the profound psychological and emotional impact of their experiences. The ultimate ambition – to “change how we think about tank warfare forever” – suggests a narrative that will challenge conventional understandings, stripping away any lingering romanticism and replacing it with a deeply empathetic and unvarnished portrayal of the brutal, often futile, and profoundly human cost of armored combat. It promises to be a powerful and unforgettable testament to the men who fought and died in those metal behemoths.

I wouldn’t say it was a “pleasant read” but I am glad I did.

The desert, a realm of endless, shimmering heat and the ghosts of forgotten battles, was once a theater for lumbering giants. Heavy Assault units, designed for brute force, found themselves consumed by the unforgiving sands, their strength becoming their greatest weakness. But now, a new predator stalks the dunes: the IHT-82 Sakura, a bipedal Zeoform built for the brutal, fluid dance of desert warfare.

This “bird,” as the troops call it, is a marvel of engineering. Its immense bulk moves with an unsettling grace, leaving no trace on the shifting sands. This is unlike the dried-up remains of a soldier we’d passed hours ago, already claimed by the relentless sun, a stark reminder of the desert’s unforgiving nature. The Sakura’s specialized design is a testament to its efficiency. Unlike its clumsy predecessors, the Sakura is not a blunt instrument; it’s a finely tuned weapon. Every rivet of its armor shell speaks of its deadly purpose, earning it a grudging respect from the very desert itself.

Powered by a dual power source, the Sakura defies its size with surprising speed. Its “light touch” controls, though a challenge for mechanics, offer the pilot a precision that can mean the difference between life and death in the chaotic maelstrom of combat.

And when it comes to firepower, the Sakura mounts Protocol weapons, the kind of devastating ordnance typically reserved for the largest war machines. It shatters the old notion of “battle class” Zeoforms as mere gun-carriages, proving that finesse, adaptability, and overwhelming firepower can rewrite the rules of engagement.

But even as the Sakura reshapes the face of desert warfare, a new, far more insidious threat begins to emerge from the blistering sands. The ceaseless conflict, fueled by these mechanical titans, had begun to fray the very fabric of reality itself. Whispers turned to panicked shouts as the dead refused to stay buried.

The Dessicated Fox, the undead leader of the Africa Corpse, is not merely a figurehead but a strategic mastermind. This new tool in his arsenal will “rise” to the challenge of the Allies’ imperialism with unparalleled tenacity and cunning. As he gathers his forces in the shadowy realms of war-torn Africa, whispers of his dark abilities spread like wildfire among both allies and foes.

The very ground beneath his feet seems to tremble with the power he commands, and soon, his legion will emerge from the depths, ready to challenge the hegemony imposed by foreign powers. With every calculated move, the Dessicated Fox seeks not only victory on the battlefield but also a profound transformation of the landscape itself, turning the tides of power in favor of those who have long been overlooked.

The two IHT-82 Sakura Zeoforms.

All six Zeoforms to date.

Left to right they are UNS-66 Stormer, IHT-82 Sakura, IHT-83 Sakura, UNS-65 Stormer, and UNS-62 Soldat, and UNS-63 Soldat in the front row.

The sun beat down on the hallowed greens of the university cricket ground, providing a deceptively peaceful backdrop to the annual clash between the University XI and the Dark Academy XI. This wasn’t just cricket; it was a game of 7-TV, where victory would be determined not only by runs on the scoreboard but by success in a secret, high-stakes hunt.

An uneasy serenity seemed to emanate from the game itself, with the rhythmic sound of bat meeting ball echoing across the manicured lawns – a gentleman’s war, between the University “Blues” XI – all bright young things and scholarly prowess – and the “Bacon and Eggs” of the Dark Academy XI, a collection of pallid, intense chaps whose batting average was as mysterious as their funding. Little did the spectators sipping their lukewarm lemonade know that the fate of England, or at least a significant portion of its esoteric history, was about to be bowled out onto this very pitch.

For it was at this precise, utterly inconvenient moment that Professor Archibald Fitch, spectacles askew and tweed jacket even more rumpled than usual, received a frantic telegram: “King’s College. The Scepter of Aethelred. Hidden in sporting grounds of Kings College. Hrodbert suspected.” The revered artifact, rumored to grant its wielder unparalleled linguistic influence (and perhaps a truly devilish mastery of obscure prepositions), had vanished, and worryingly, it seemed linked to the very book that had caused such recent mayhem.

So, as the University XI’s opening batsmen prepared to face a suspiciously fast bowler from the Dark Academy, Archibald found himself racing against the clock. Would the arcane powers of the Scepter of Aethelred somehow intersect with the swing of a cricket ball? Could the dusty corridors of King’s College hold secrets that would unravel amidst the cries of “Howzat!” and the polite applause of the crowd? And most pressingly, would Count Hrodbert’s nefarious plans survive the very British tradition of afternoon tea? The next thrilling chapter was about to begin, where scholarly pursuit met the very real danger of a bouncer to the head and a villain with an unquenchable thirst for ancient power.

.

The Sakura Battle Zeoform, officially designated as the IHT-82 Sakura, represents a significant leap in combat unit design within its fictional universe. This bipedal mech is a cornerstone of the GuardCorps’ arsenal, meticulously crafted to excel in high-intensity engagements where larger, more cumbersome units falter.

Its development was spearheaded by a new bureau under Interhelios, born from the lessons learned during conflicts like the Windshear, which highlighted the limitations of “Heavy Assault” teams in restricted and challenging terrains.

What sets the Sakura apart is its intelligent integration of advanced technology and tactical adaptability. It fully leverages a sophisticated Stormer armor shell and an intricate actuator layout, providing both robust protection and nimble maneuverability. Powering this formidable machine is a dual power source, a critical design choice to manage its substantial weight and ensure sustained operational capability.

While known for requiring a “light touch” from its pilots dueating its demanding control systems, the Sakura’s unparalleled performance in combat has cemented its status as a vital component of the GuardCorps’ defense strategies.

Historically, “battle class” zeoforms were often relegated to mere weapon-carrying roles, overshadowed by the brute force of “heavy assault” units. However, the Sakura, classified as a “battle” class zeoform by the GuardCorps, defies this perception. It is specifically engineered to mount “Protocol weapons”—armaments typically reserved for the most intense combat scenarios.

This redefinition of the “battle class” through the Sakura’s capabilities underscores a shift in tactical thinking, emphasizing versatility and focused firepower over sheer size in the ever-evolving landscape of futuristic warfare.

Not the largest Zeo in Africa Corps armory, but they a certainly the most modern, at least until the proposed UNB-140 Onslaught Heavy Assault Zeoform comes off the production line.

The Bravo Two Zero mission, undertaken by an eight-man British SAS patrol during the 1991 Gulf War, had two primary objectives. Firstly, the patrol was tasked with intelligence gathering and observation. Their main role was to establish an observation post deep within Iraqi territory. From this covert position, they were to monitor and report on enemy movements, with a specific and critical focus on locating mobile Iraqi Scud missile launchers. These launchers represented a significant threat to Allied forces and regional stability, making their detection and targeting a high priority for coalition air power.

Secondly, the mission included a sabotage objective. The patrol was also tasked with identifying and severing underground fiber optic cables used by the Iraqi military. This action aimed to severely disrupt enemy communication lines, thereby impairing their command and control capabilities and hindering their ability to coordinate military operations effectively. In essence, Bravo Two Zero was a deep-reconnaissance and direct-action operation designed to provide crucial intelligence and inflict damage on key Iraqi military infrastructure.

However, despite these clear objectives, the Bravo Two Zero mission rapidly deviated from its intended course. Almost immediately upon insertion, the patrol was compromised, forcing a dramatic shift in their operational focus. The subsequent events transformed the mission from one of intelligence gathering and sabotage into a harrowing struggle for survival and escape, ultimately preventing them from achieving their initial strategic goals.

.Michael Asher’s rigorous investigation into the Bravo Two Zero mission, published in his book The Real Bravo Two Zero and a Channel 4 documentary, aimed to demystify and correct the popular, often sensationalized, narratives that had emerged from the accounts of ‘Andy McNab’ and ‘Chris Ryan’. Asher, with his unique background as a former SAS soldier and an accomplished desert explorer fluent in Arabic, was exceptionally positioned to conduct such a forensic re-examination.

His methodology was groundbreaking for a military history account. Instead of relying solely on official debriefings or the published memoirs, Asher literally walked the ground that the Bravo Two Zero patrol covered. He traveled to Iraq, a decade after the Gulf War, and painstakingly retraced the patrol’s supposed route. Crucially, he sought out and interviewed local Iraqi Bedouin tribesmen and other civilians who had witnessed parts of the operation. This firsthand testimony from the “other side” offered a stark contrast to the existing narratives and provided crucial, previously unheard, perspectives.

Asher’s key findings systematically dismantled many of the more dramatic claims:

• The “Discovery” of the Patrol: While McNab and Ryan described intense firefights with Iraqi soldiers after being discovered, Asher’s interviews with locals indicated a far less dramatic initial encounter. He found evidence that the patrol was likely spotted not by armed Iraqi troops, but by three elderly Arab civilians, one of whom was in his 70s. This more mundane discovery led to the patrol’s decision to withdraw, rather than a prolonged battle with numerous casualties.
• The Scale of Engagements: The highly publicised claims of the patrol “mowing down hundreds” of Iraqi soldiers and destroying tanks with rocket launchers were particularly scrutinised. Asher’s on-the-ground investigation and interviews with Iraqis revealed no evidence to support such large-scale engagements or high enemy casualties. He concluded that any armed contacts were likely with local police or armed civilians, and the number of enemy killed was virtually nil. This directly contradicted the “body count” claimed in the popular books.
• Logistical Inaccuracies: Asher also highlighted discrepancies in the patrol’s initial movements. McNab’s account claimed a 20 km march on the first night, but Asher, supported by Chris Ryan’s own debriefing and Mike Coburn’s account (Soldier Five), confirmed a much shorter initial distance of around 2 km due to the immense weight of their gear, which required them to “shuttle” equipment. Asher even performed his own physical re-enactments with heavy packs, further solidifying his assessment of the patrol’s limited initial progress.
• The Blame on Vince Phillips: A significant aim of Asher’s work was to rehabilitate the reputation of Sergeant Vince Phillips, who died during the mission and was portrayed negatively in both McNab’s and Ryan’s books, often being blamed for mistakes. Asher’s research, including retrieving Phillips’ binoculars and returning them to his family, strongly suggested that Phillips was unfairly scapegoated. He argued that the patrol’s failure stemmed from a combination of factors, including inadequate planning, poor communication, and logistical issues, rather than the alleged incompetence of one individual. Other patrol members, such as Mike Coburn and Malcolm MacGown, also later publicly challenged the accounts of McNab and Ryan, often corroborating Asher’s findings and defending Phillips.
• Official Debriefings: Asher pointed out that the heroic and highly dramatic elements present in the bestselling books were conspicuously absent from the official post-mission debriefings given by the patrol members to the SAS. This suggested that the more sensational details were later additions, possibly for commercial appeal.

Michael Asher is an award-winning author, historian, and desert explorer. He’s a former SAS soldier who lived with a nomadic group in Sudan. He and Mariantonietta Peru were the first to cross the Sahara desert from west to east by camel, a journey of 4,500 miles.

He’s received several prestigious awards, including the Ness Award, Mungo Park Medal, and Lawrence of Arabia Memorial Medal. Asher has written 23 books on various subjects, from travel to spirituality. He’s also helping to create Nomad Ways, a course in the UAE that teaches students traditional desert nomad skills like storytelling.

Asher’s The Real Bravo Two Zero is not just a historical correction; it is a deeply critical look at the commercialization of military experiences and the ethics of recounting events that involve life and death. His work sparked significant debate within the military community and among the wider public, challenging the established narrative and ultimately contributing to a more nuanced, albeit less glamorous, understanding of the Bravo Two Zero mission. The controversies surrounding the books also led the British Ministry of Defence to introduce stricter confidentiality agreements for serving military personnel regarding the publication of memoirs.

I was glad to get a hold of this. Although I was aware of the controversy over the McNab and Chris Ryan accounts I was not aware of the details. The book and the video provide a far more “balanced” view which was not surprising giving Australia’s recent example of journalist Nick McKenzie’s biography of Roberts-Smith, “Crossing the Line”. The Real Bravo Two Zero is well worth acquiring.

The documentary can be found on YouTube here.