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Undercover War

Britain's Special Forces and their secret battle against the IRA

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Undercover War

By: Harry McCallion
Narrated by: Colin Mace
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When British troops first deployed to Northern Ireland in 1969 to keep apart rioting factions of loyalists and nationalists, they could not have known that they were being drawn into the longest campaign in the British Army's history, a battle against the threat of a new rising force - the Provisional Irish Republican Army.

While patrols, vehicle bombs and incendiary speeches are the defining memories of the Troubles, the real war was fought out of sight and out of mind. For thirty years, Britain's Special Forces waged a ferocious, secretive struggle against a ruthless and implacable enemy.

Harry McCallion's deep experience across the theatre of Northern Ireland offers a unique insight into nearly every major military action and operation in the Province. Having served seven tours with the Parachute Regiment, undergone selection for 14 Intelligence Company, completed six years with the SAS - including two tours with their anti-terrorism team - and received two commendations for bravery during service with the Royal Ulster Constabulary, there are few more qualified to tell this astonishing story.

This book is his blistering account of the history of Britain's war against the IRA between 1970 and 1998. From new insights into high-profile killings and riveting accounts of enemy contact, to revelations about clandestine missions and the strategies used in combating a merciless enemy, Undercover War is the definitive inside story of the battle against the IRA, one of the most dangerous and effective terrorist organisations in recent history. Espionage Europe Military & War True Crime Military War United Kingdom Exciting Inspiring Thought-Provoking
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As an ex serving soldier both in the Scottish and parachute regiments serving in the early seventies I found Harry‘a accounts interesting and credible, thank you Harry on behalf of ex serving soldiers.

Fantastic

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I didn’t know what to expect with this. I was a victim of a London bomb in 1976 which led me to a 30+ year career in the police and a great interest both professionally and personally into the Troubles and the historical context.

I found this book to be well researched, chock full of detail and had some very interesting material gleaned from interviews with insiders from the security services, army and police. If I had a criticism it would be that the author left no doubt as to which side he was on and as such the book came over as biased.

Still, an excellent read that kept me riveted from start to finish and definitely increased my knowledge of events, many of which I’d forgotten took place.

Insightful

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Great book, if somewhat credulous to the stories and explanations given by the British security services.

The narrator does leave big pauses after sentences. As much as this is sometimes nice, they were often a bit too long, sometimes to the point I thought the audiobook had just stopped playing. Otherwise good performance.

Narrator pauses a lot.

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I didn’t think this was going to be my kind of thing, but I kept with it and was happy I did. Great informative read regarding the SAS and their involvement during the Northern Ireland Troubls.

Ruth

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Very enjoyable and informative to listen to this book. Well read and easy to listen to.

Brilliant listen

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