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3 Para

By: Patrick Bishop
Narrated by: Christian Rodska
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Summary

Afghanistan, Summer 2006. This is war.

Afghanistan in the summer of 2006. In blazing heat in remote outposts the 3 Para battlegroup is pitted against a stubborn enemy who keep on coming. Until now, the full story of what happened there has not been told. This is it.

In April 2006, the elite 3 Para battlegroup was despatched to Helmand Province in southern Afghanistan. They were tasked with providing security to reconstruction efforts, a deployment it was hoped would pass off without a shot being fired. In fact, over the six months they were there, the 3 Para battle group saw near continuous combat – one gruelling battle after another – in what would become one of the most extraordinary campaigns ever fought by British troops.

Around parched, dusty outposts reliant on a limited number of helicopters for food and ammunition resupply, troops were subjected to relentless Taliban attacks, as well as energy-sapping 50 degree heat and spartan conditions. At the end of the tour, the Taliban offensive aimed at driving the British and Afghan Government troops out of Helmand had been tactically defeated. But 3 Para paid a high price: fourteen soldiers and one interpreter were killed, and 46 wounded.

‘3 Para’ will tell the stories of the men and women who took part in this extraordinary and largely unreported saga. Best-selling author Patrick Bishop has been given exclusive access to the soldiers whose tales of courage and endurance provide an unforgettable portrait of one of the world's finest and most fascinating fighting regiments, and a remarkable band of warriors. Their bravery was reflected in the array of gallantry medals that were bestowed on their return, including the Victoria Cross awarded to Corporal Bryan Budd and the George Cross won by Corporal Mark Wright, both of whom were killed winning their awards.

3 Para’s saga of comradeship, courage and fortitude is set to become a classic.

©2007 Patrick Bishop (P)2007 HarperCollins Publishers Ltd, London UK
  • Abridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History
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Critic reviews

Praise for the audio book:

‘An exciting, eye-opening, thought-provoking book that will leave you sadder and wiser about the validity of war.… The stoicism of 3 Para’s young soldiers is extraordinary … The lasting message of Rodska’s feisty reading is that if we need ot have wars, we need the men of 3 Para to fight them.’ Sue Arnold, Guardian

Praise for the hardback:

‘Wonderfully compelling … a fast-paced story of incredible bravery that at times reads like a thriller.’ Christina Lamb, Sunday Times

What listeners say about 3 Para

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everyone should read this.....

a totally thrilling listen......was moved by the amount of medals won......not for killing but for the love of their fellow men

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant book

Loved the book, disappointed that I didn’t read/listen to it sooner. First book I’ve finished in less than a week.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Gripping Thriller

No one would have believed what 3 Para were about to get involved in. Nothing could have prepared them for the battle of Helmand Province, Afghanistan. The descriptions of the battle group plans and the individual accounts make this a gripping and taut thriller which keeps you hooked throughout. The various language and voices used just adds to the authenticity of the stories told. I have much respect for our troops as an vetran myself, but this story tells of the true hell from the 'skull cinema' of the troops on the ground. Respect!

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6 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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An insight into the ethos of The Parachute Regiment and those who fought in Afghanistan

This is a great account of a tour several of my friends from 3 Para took part in.
I know from chatting with them how “lively” it got and also how much they felt the loss of friends and comrades.

The book also gives a good insight into the mindset and ethos of The Parachute Regiment and how “cracking on” gets a lot achieved.

This book isn’t purely about the adversities faced by the Paras though and tells of the courage and tenacity of units like the Royal Irish Regiment and some of the pilots, especially helicopter pilots, who well and truly stuck their necks out to get help and supplies to the battlefield and the casualties off it.

An awesome read and one that made me very proud to be able to call myself “an ex Para”.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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oooof !

spoil it by the narrators use of silly voices., unless Bernard Manning and Kenneth Williams were in 3 Para, which I doubt.

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A good listen

The only way to better understand the conflict that sat behind the headlines. A well written book that adequately covers the op at strategic and personal level.
The voice over artist should perhaps ditch the accents which are far from great and often stereotypical.

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Gripping listen

Very good listen gritty in places and very disturbing. Very much a must for any one who enjoy the genre.

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    1 out of 5 stars

didn't like it

well not sure what to write got to the end and thought there was something wrong with my app and it must of restared, but no the book just ended .

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    2 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

If Mike Yarwood narrated books

It’s content is compelling, but I can’t see past the ludicrous comedy voices that the narrator feels he needs to put in. Ridiculous, I can only manage 15 minutes at a time. I never would have purchased it had I realised this guy was the narrator.

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    1 out of 5 stars
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A little lost

I originally had this book as a paperback but could not find the time to read. I decided this morning to get the audio book for my commute by car each day.

I started one chapter before the one in my book. However very confused that I had to start at chapter 2 on here which is chapter 6 in the book.

And the IT JUST COMPLETELY SKIPPED CHAPTER 7. The chapter that I am half way through does exist on this audio book.

To be totally honest with you. I feel disappointed and a little annoyed about this.

DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY OR TIME. GET THE PAPERBACK!!

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