The book itself is sub-titled Real voices from the front line. It takes the reader from the moment Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in August 1990 through Gulf War One to the final chapter where the after-effects of the war are discussed, both political and medical. McManners introduces each chapter with a brief synopsis of the military and political situation before turning the book over to people who were involved; ranging from the prime minister at the time, John Major, to a Lance Corporal working with the Army War Graves Service. These are presented in short bursts, no more than half a page at a time, building up the bigger picture.
This may sound a little disjointed but, in actual fact, McManners has done it brilliantly. His chapter introductions are succinct and the interview extracts are so well sown together that the book flows completely smoothly and carries on the narrative without further need of intervention from the author.
I found the book absolutely fascinating; this was the first war I can remember properly and reading these personal accounts brought it to life. I found the juxtaposition of my own military experiences with those fighting this war very moving; yet at the same time a little alien. The book hammered home the feeling of uncertainty, the huge casualties expected against the fourth largest army in the world. When we deploy now to our current operational theatre, we know largely what to expect; in Gulf War One that simply wasn’t the case. I also found it fascinating reading about the experiences of various commanders I have worked for, in their earlier career and in their own words.
This book is a definite for the Christmas wish list and if you don’t get it, go out and buy it for yourself. I do hope that McManners turns his hand to other more recent conflicts such as TELIC and HERRICK; I, for one, will be the first in the queue if he does.
Capt Crusty
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