The first in a series of meticulously researched World War II novels about hit-and-run raids against Hitler's war machine by British forces - under the command of a U.S. soldier. "Those Who Dare" is sure to appeal to avid military fiction fans.
By May 1940, panzer divisions had decimated Belgium and reached Calais. Lieutenant John Randal of the U.S. 26th Cavalry Regiment volunteers his expertise to help slow their advance. What unfolds is a blend of military guerrilla tactics, suspense, humour, cultural and social commentary, and war buddy camaraderie - plus a little romance between the American GI and the widowed Lady Jane Seaborn. Along the way readers meet such colourful characters as Captain David Niven in MO-9 and Captain 'Geronimo Joe' McKoy with his Travelling Wild West Show and Shooting Emporium.
The author - a decorated combat veteran - covers the details of war extensively, from the five points of contact of a parachute landing fall to descriptions of a British raider's A-5 flinging ferries before the first 12-gauge shell casing hits the floor.
As the novel ends, Major Randal's men, fresh from Operation Tomcat in France, learn they will deploy via sea transport within 48 hours on their next mission. The second book, which is already written, tells that tale.
WWII Historical Fiction by Phil Ward...
Raiding Forces series
- Those Who Dare
- Dead Eagles
- Blood Wings
- Roman Candle
- Guerrilla Command
Phil Ward is a decorated combat veteran commissioned at age nineteen. A former instructor at the Army Ranger School, he has had a lifelong interest in small unit tactics and special operations. He lives on a mountain overlooking Lake Austin with his beautiful wife, Lindy, whose father was the lieutenant governor to both Ann Richards and George W. Bush.
"There are many books on war but few on fighting. Men who know anything about fighting were either killed or (were) inarticulate."
-- Gen. George S. Patton
As a decorated combat veteran and former Army Ranger instructor, Phil Ward is one of the kind of authors that knows fighting. His lifelong interest in small unit tactics and special operations comes through on the pages of his books.
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