ARmy Rumour SErvice

**Rifle-Green-Sex-Machine** · 02-07-2007, 10:05

Ugly - I think you might be right in some respects. When the gloves came off at the UN/NATO changeover in Bosnia the British army had a chance to finally react at a lower level of command without getting sanctioned from way up high. Previously if a section came under fire you had to wait it out and couldn't return fire until you were physically taking rounds - with IFOR that changed and ensured that any threat was dealt with swiftly.

This firmer approach from bottom to top enabled junior commanders (both NCO & Officer) , company commanders and Bn commanders a chance to get the job done and quickly. IFORs mandate was to implement the peace within a year. In fact they had done that in a quarter of that time, so that by the time troops took over for the second half of 1996 the job was already accomplished.

Maybe the sea change that occurred then has carried on through to today’s doctrine?

**crivelli** · 03-07-2007, 08:33

Well, I've now read both Winter Warriors and Dusty Warriors and Winter is arguably the better read. Dusty Warriors contributions by the actual soldiers are the best parts, in an at times dry account of the 1st Batt PWRRs tour, with some nice examples of Britiah Army humour.

From a TA perspective, it is interesting the treatment of TA soldiers at the end of both respective tours. Les Howard describes being shown the door on return to Germany from Bosnia with little more than a 'Ta, now **** off.'. You could be forgiven for thinking that it was one mans sour grapes but Richard Holmes, Colonel with the PWRR, also highlights the exclusion of the TA personel attached at the end of the tour.

"It is one aspect that all those in Y Company agreed on - that the TA appeared to have been used then thrown away. They watched our backs - who would now watch theirs?" - Capt Charlie Curry

Specifically, the time afforded the Regs to 'wind down' together amongst their peers was felt to be of significant benefit to settling back in to "normal" life.

"We dispersed almost immediately, instead of being surrounded by people who had been through similar experiences. It has taken quite some time to get used to normal life again, and the process is still not complete a year on." - Sgt Murphy

I wonder if more attention will be paid to that aspect of active service for TA soldiers.

**LondonCalling** · 06-07-2007, 12:09

I agree with Crivelli - Winter Warriors is a far better read than Dusty Warriors.

**4th_of_foot** · 06-07-2007, 12:30

Originally Posted by crivelli

Well, I've now read both Winter Warriors and Dusty Warriors and Winter is arguably the better read. Dusty Warriors contributions by the actual soldiers are the best parts, in an at times dry account of the 1st Batt PWRRs tour, with some nice examples of Britiah Army humour.

From a TA perspective, it is interesting the treatment of TA soldiers at the end of both respective tours. Les Howard describes being shown the door on return to Germany from Bosnia with little more than a 'Ta, now **** off.'. You could be forgiven for thinking that it was one mans sour grapes but Richard Holmes, Colonel with the PWRR, also highlights the exclusion of the TA personel attached at the end of the tour.

Agreed 100%

Richard Holmes obviously knows his stuff, as you'd expect, but Dusty Warriors was a lot of quotes linked together in a very dis-jointed fashion, which made it hard to read.

Les Howard, on the other hand, gave a very easily readable account of his experiences.

I think I would have made more fuss about the pay fiddle at the end of the tour though.

**RedcoatGreenjacket** · 06-07-2007, 13:12

People, i have almost finished Les' book i had a bit of a problem as i had run out of blue crayon, but the other book he has written "Winter Warrior's ", is first class.
The easiest explanation of his book is it is not full of McNab type heroics, but deals with the sort every- day events. In this case a heroe is described as the bloke next to you, who helps you carry your heavy kit or gives you a extra hour in your gonk bag.
No glamour no bulsh*t just hard work and sometimes grinding boredom.
I fully endorse it and am looking forward to my Cheque.

RCGJ

**ugly** · 06-07-2007, 13:17

I liked Dusty Warriors so I am looking forward to reading the other soon!

**Tartan_Ninja** · 08-07-2007, 19:28

Originally Posted by ugly

I liked Dusty Warriors so I am looking forward to reading the other soon!

Same here..looks like another browse of Amazon coming on

**ugly** · 08-07-2007, 20:59

Originally Posted by Tartan_Ninja

Originally Posted by ugly

I liked Dusty Warriors so I am looking forward to reading the other soon!

Same here..looks like another browse of Amazon coming on

Its sat on my shelf, I got over half way through Lions Dinosaurs and Donkeys this afternoon so I will read winter warriors before I do fireforce which landed last week. I ordered it the same time as Saints, still waiting for that!

**Mr Happy** · 09-07-2007, 12:17

Read Weekend Warrior and Winter Warrior.

I have to say they reminded me of my own time working with 'them' when I was mobilised - I'll just get a contract and serialisation sorted and I'll let you all know the ISBN...

Both good books from the TA soldier and I would go so far as to say "an important read for any TA soldier considering mobilisation".

You can put that on the dust jackets lads when you get them re-printed.