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The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

The Mavericks Who Plotted Hitler's Downfall, Giving Birth to Modern-Day Black Ops

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The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

By: Damien Lewis
Narrated by: Nigel Carrington
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About this listen

One of the most remarkable stories in the history of Special Forces' operations - Daily Express

In the bleak moments after defeat on mainland Europe in winter 1939, Winston Churchill knew that Britain had to strike back hard. So Britain's wartime leader called for the lightning development of a completely new kind of warfare, recruiting a band of eccentric free-thinking warriors to become the first 'deniable' secret operatives to strike behind enemy lines, offering these volunteers nothing but the potential for glory and all-but-certain death.

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare tells the story of the daring victories for this small force of 'freelance pirates', undertaking devastatingly effective missions against the Nazis, often dressed in enemy uniforms and with enemy kit, breaking all previously held rules of warfare. Master storyteller Damien Lewis brings the adventures of the secret unit to life, weaving together the stories of the soldiers' brotherhood in this compelling narrative, from the unit's earliest missions to the death of their leader just weeks before the end of the war.

©2014 Damien Lewis (P)2014 WF Howes Ltd Armed Forces Military Special & Elite Forces War Winston Churchill Warfare

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Critic reviews

"One of the most extraordinary stories of World War II is also one of the least commonly known ... compelling ... an eloquent and welcome tribute to their selfless, sometimes reckless courage - a howitzer of a tale that more people should know about" (Brian Viner, Daily Mail)

"An enjoyable, thought-provoking read" (Soldier Magazine)

"A truly astonishing story" (Weekend Sport)
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An eye opening story about the birth of special forces.
Especially Anders lassens story is well described in overview.
As a Dane , plan to read more about him .
In fact , I have already bought a book about him.
Highly recommended!

Eye opening story about the birth of special force

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If this was fictitious I would have said it was a little far fetched but this is a captivating true story of heroism that will probably get a second listen from me. The story of a group of brigands and cut-throats that inflicted real damage on the Nazi war machine should interest any WW2 historian as well anybody that enjoys a good thriller. The author avoids jingoism but describing the book as explosive is pretty accurate. I will listen to Damiens Lewis' book on the Nazi hunters in the near future.

A first class listen

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Some of it was very compelling and you don’t want to stop but sometimes too much detail which I felt was unnecessary. Good insight to what went on behind the lines however.

Enjoyed overall but rambled at times

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I thought I had heard most Ww2 SAS stories. This was SBS. Boy's Own classic.

Memorable.

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I liked that is was good. I never really got in to books, I can read them but I have a short attention span but this book, I listened to the whole thing... this was because the book was Unilever and something someone like me could actually listen to.🐡

Good person, big boy book.

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There have been so nany novels and films of WW2 cod heroics, it is refreshing to run across the real thing.

Authentic

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Such enormous valour by men so young. I don’t know if these types of brave men would come forward today.

Humbling

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This very possible unknown tale of truth and bravery should be resd or told to all as we can learn so much about our fellow man at war

We should all know

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Amazing story of derring do and mind blowing bravery. A must read for anyone interested in special forces.

Excellent

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A great book that tells an almost unbelievable story of the bravery and selflessness of true hero’s.

Unbelievable bravery

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