"A slow walk in a sad rain."-Stephen P MacAffee

Originally Posted by LankyPullThrough

Re. the suggestion of "Full Metal Jacket', I think the movie came from two books. Isn't the training bit ('Get off my obstacle!') from 'The Short Timers' by Gustav somebody (?). I know the in-country bit is largely based on Michael Herr's 'Dispatches', not least because he wrote the screenplay. 'Dispatches' is the only book I have read that has made my feet start sweating with the tension. Once read, never forgotten.

No it's all based on The Short timers by Gustav Hasford (US Marine Combat Correspondent in Vietnam). Though the in-country bit is changed quite a lot.

Don't cry for me Sarn't Major.... A superb book!! "Padre I've lost my leg", Padre replies "Don't worry son I've got it here". I've tried to get a new copy from Amazon.... £25 for a paper back!!! Try no to laugh Sarn't Major was not as good but had it moments....

Illusions of triumph, an Arab view of the Gulf War: Muhammad Hasanayn Haykal.
Excellent read in 1991 somewhat prophetic today.


The Sling and the Stone: Colonel Thomas X. Hammes, USMC.
A fowrward looking Septic who looks at the war on terror, IMHO a MUST read

Covenant with Death by John Harris

A first rate First World War novel, based fairly obviously on the Sheffield Pals, from recruitment through to the Somme.


For escapism, does anyone remember the Zone series by James Rouch?

Ive read quite alot and the best is "DEVILS GUARD" a must read if you can get hold of it.......
its a true story about the adventures of a battalion of ex ss guys whom are recruited to fight for the french in indochina (vietnam) very gory 10/10

The Forgotten Soldier - Guy Sajer, allegedly true story of a half french/half German lad living in france at the outbreak of WW2, goes & fights for jerry doh!!, ends up on the eastern front serving in the Grosse Deutschland Division, crack infantry unit apparently.........

Excellent book

'Chickenhawk' by Bob Mason. Absolutely brilliant book.

I've also heard that 'Marine Corps Sniper- the story of Carlos Hathcock III' is an excellent book but sadly I've never had the chance to get my hands on a copy and now it's out of print.

But my personal favourites are 'The ladybird Big Bumper Book of Warfare' along with, of course, 'Survive to Fight'

Any of the RFC books by Derek Robinson but especially "Goshawk Squadron". The WWII ones were also excellent. E.g. "Piece of Cake".

"We Were Soldiers Once.......and Young" Good film, better book.