Customer Reviews
No Ordinary Soldier - By: Mr. H. F. Murden, 06 Jan 2009 
I've read a number of accounts penned by British Soldiers describing their experiencesin actionin both Iraq & Afghanistan but this one stands head & shoulders above them all (even Sniper One).
In his self deprecating, & at times brutally honest style, Doug Beattie MC details not just the horrors of the physical battles taking place around himin Garmsir but also the conflict raging within. Hope, fear, disappointment, anger & humour - his humainity is laid barein these pages for all to see. It shows the weight of moral responsibility resting on the shoulders of ISAF troops when deploying the awesome firepower available to them whilstin embroiledin a very urban conflict.
The superb narrative is supported by a great selection of colour photographs & a series of detailed maps which allow the reader to follow the action step by step. Highly recommended.
How to act and lead in combat and elsewhere - By: J. LITTLE, 09 Nov 2008 Amazing that we still have men like this, given how badly the Government supports them.
If you want to know what it is like for an individualin a small team to be up close & personal fighting a fanatical enemy, here is the best I have ever read. I have read many many books on this subject matter.
His sense of guilt at survival is understandable given the random madness he went through. It should not be taken lightly.
All leaders everywhere should read this excellent book.
WOW!! - By: Tommy Atkins, 06 Nov 2008 I have read many books on the modern soldier covering all the recent conflicts, but I have to say that "An Ordinary Soldier" by Doug Beattie MC, is by far the best I have read yet. You will struggle to put this book down. Beattie will take you on a journey that will excite & sadden youin the turn of a page. You can easily see that as an ex RSM & Late Entry Officer, his military experience gives him the maturity & knowledge to pen a book that tells it exactly like it is.
His self doubt at some of the decisions' he made. The responsibility he feels to his small team & particularly his Afghan colleagues. You will wonder how our armed forces can work & survivein these arduous conditions. Under contact nearly every day, outnumbered & probably out gunned. His story will also give you an insight into the lifestyle & operating methods of the ANA & ANP.
I also agree with Beattie that Bdr Sam New the JTAC should have been recognised for his efforts. The book is riddled with examples where the JTAC seems to save the day as Close Air Support is calledin to get the team out of the tight situations.
This book would easily make any ones top ten. It is informative, passionate & caring any serving or ex military will recognise & understand what he is talking about. Civilians will find it a fascinating insight into military life on operations & a true reflection of how Beattie saw it. He thoroughly deserved his MC.
"Not bad for an old guy, who originally came to sit behind a desk"!!!!
A great accout of a remarkable career - By: T. H. Illingworth, 17 Oct 2008 Doug kindly sent me a copy & it lasted less than twelve hours. This is a great account of what happened as well as a fascinating story about an impressive career. It really does paint a vivid picture of what life was like out there & brought back a number of memories for me as well. I think Doug has done a fantastic job of documenting his memories & events & it will certainly remain a treasured part of my afghan memorabilia. A must read for those who want to sample the realities & complexities of UK operationsin afghanistan. Thank you Doug.
Faugh a Ballagh Doudlas Ricardo!! - By: 550638 Capt C, 14 Oct 2008 What can I say - the man inspired me to commission into the Royal Irish Regiment & has continuedin his career to be the best soldier he can be, winning an MC along the way. Any man who can temper Tim Collinsin the way he did, deserves my vote.
Now, it turns out, he can bloody well write as well. From Portyup to Helmand, it is a great read. Good luckin the future Douggie, I hope it brings you the best.
