Unlike most of the books on this site, mine is not is not a military history book but does include references to my military experience and the fact that four owners of my car were RAF pilots during the Second World War which was part of the reason visiting close “sensitive” bases in Zimbabwe. My navigator and diarist was active during the Rhodesian bush war in all operational areas fortunately surviving two landmine blasts.
Tracing My African Routes recounts the captivating story of a 1,509 mile journey around Zimbabwe and Zambia in a 1929 Morris Minor that was originally exported to Umtali (Mutare), Zimbabwe. The final objective was to place the car in same spot where it was abandoned in 1954 in the then British Protectorate of Northern Rhodesia. The team of four elderly men undertaking this audacious adventure, despite potholes and huge trucks promoted the Cecily’s Fund, a charity to help educate Aids orphans in Zambia.
The first part of the book covers the restoration over 22 years in two countries to Concours status. It also describes the research and discovery of the past 10 owners and some of their history. The Morris was exported from Cowley/Oxford in England to Umtali (Mutare) in Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). The first owner was a tea farmer. The car then changed owners several times including four RAF personnel under training during the Second World War and was finally driven 530 miles to Kitwe in Northern Rhodesia (Zambia) where it was abandoned in the nearby jungle in 1954.
Returning the car to South Africa in 2019 Peter faced multiple challenges: the Covid pandemic, a coup, famine, and a failed crankshaft just 18 days before the departure date in 2023. Planning involved assembling a team and handling the logistics of travelling through independent African countries much changed since Peter’s youth. All these are a testament to Peter’s determination at age 79 to fulfil a long-held dream of tracing the Morris Minor’s African routes culminating in a drive across the Victoria Falls Bridge.
The tour also replicates some of Alan Gilg’s 1933 Morris Minor journey from Liverpool to Cape Town some 90 years later. As well as offering a rich pictorial representation of their trip through the amazing countryside of Zimbabwe and Zambia the book covers the iconic sites and elements of the colonial period. Peter and his navigator and diarist Graham Pringle are Queen Scouts who lived parallel lives in the North and South of Rhodesia and were both conscripted to the same regiment.
Tracing My African Routes also includes a 12-part technical guide on the maintenance and overhauling not only of the Morris Minor but also applicable to many vintage vehicles of that era. It is hoped future custodians of these precious cars will find the guides helpful.
Click to register your interest in Tracing My African Routes Out and Back to Africa in a 1929 Morris Minorhere.
In military history, certain conflicts resonate not only for their tactical and strategic intricacies but also for the wider geopolitical upheavals they engendered. The Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78 is one such conflict, marking the twilight of the Ottoman Empire as a dominant force and shaping the European balance of power in ways that would echo through the early 20th century. Quintin Barry’s War in the East: A Military History of the Russo-Turkish War 1877-78 offers a long-overdue English-language examination of this critical yet underexplored war.
The Fifth Russo-Turkish Clash
Barry opens by contextualising the war as the fifth 19th-century clash between Russia and the Ottoman Empire. Despite the efforts of other Great Powers to prevent hostilities, the brutal repression of the Bulgarian uprising by the Ottoman Empire and the pan-Slavic aspirations of Russia made war inevitable. The campaigns that followed unfolded across two theatres—Europe, where the Balkans became the main battleground, and Asia, where the Caucasus witnessed intense fighting.
Key Campaigns and Battles
The book delves into the intricacies of the campaigns, from the crossing of the Danube by Russian forces to General Gourko’s daring yet ultimately delayed operations in the Balkans. A standout is Barry’s analysis of the Siege of Plevna, where the tenacious defence by Osman Pasha stalled the Russian advance and underscored the evolving nature of warfare. In Asia, battles like Zevin and the storming of Kars revealed the strategic missteps and resilience of both sides.
Barry’s narrative doesn’t merely recount events—it probes the “what ifs” of military decision-making, dissecting instances where outcomes could have drastically shifted with better leadership or coordination. His evaluation of military innovations, such as the use of modern artillery and fortifications, places these campaigns within the broader evolution of warfare.
Diplomacy and the Great Powers
While War in the East is primarily a military history, it does not shy away from the war’s diplomatic repercussions. The Treaty of San Stefano, which initially imposed harsh terms on the Ottoman Empire, and its subsequent moderation at the Congress of Berlin highlight the balancing act of European powers. Barry expertly captures the underlying motives of Britain, Austria-Hungary, and others in shaping a settlement that postponed but could not prevent the eventual disintegration of the Ottoman state.
Richly Illustrated and Meticulously Researched
Barry’s work is enriched by a wealth of illustrations, from contemporary maps and battle diagrams to reproductions of paintings by artists like Vereshchagin. The inclusion of orders of battle and logistical data offers an invaluable resource for military historians. His use of primary sources and his skill in synthesising them into a compelling narrative make this book an authoritative reference.
A Timely Reissue
This new edition of War in the East is more than a reprint; it is a revival of interest in a conflict that has often been overshadowed in English-language historiography. For specialists in military history, the book provides not only a detailed account of the Russo-Turkish War but also a lens through which to examine the enduring tensions of empire, nationalism, and the Great Power politics of the 19th century.
Whether your interest lies in battlefield tactics, diplomatic intrigue, or the broader sweep of European history, Barry’s War in the East stands as a vital addition to any military historian’s library. Helion & Company has once again brought a gem of scholarship to a wider audience.
Scotland has long been a crucible of medical education, innovation, and practical expertise, especially within the military. The recently published Scotland’s Contribution to Naval and Military Medicine and Surgery, edited by Iain Macintyre, Hilary Morris, and Andreas K. Demetriades, brings Scotland’s contributions vividly to life, focusing on Scottish-trained doctors who revolutionised medical practice on the battlefield and beyond from the 18th century to World War I. The book offers a fascinating window into how Scottish medical ingenuity became indispensable to the British military and other forces globally.
Sir John Pringle
Scotland’s robust academic foundations in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen played a critical role. The University of Edinburgh’s medical school, founded in 1726, was the first in the British Isles to link academic study with clinical training in a teaching hospital. By the early 19th century, Edinburgh had become a global hub for medical education, attracting students from around the world. This medical prowess translated directly into the field of military medicine, where Scottish-trained doctors, physicians, and surgeons were known for their advanced techniques and sound clinical judgment.
One prominent figure, Sir John Pringle, is celebrated as the “founder of British military medicine” and credited with transforming military healthcare by applying Enlightenment principles of scientific observation and analysis. His seminal work, Observations on the Diseases of the Army, laid foundational principles for preventing the spread of disease among troops, emphasising sanitary practices and improved ventilation. Pringle’s work was far ahead of his time, pioneering early forms of what would later be understood as preventive medicine. His insistence on cleanliness and spacing in hospitals made a measurable difference in military health, setting standards that continued to influence medical practice across the British Empire and beyond.
Observations on the Diseases of the Army Frontispiece
The book also explores the innovations brought by Sir James McGrigor, who revolutionised the British Army’s medical services during the Peninsular War. McGrigor organised and systematised field hospitals, prioritized efficient evacuation procedures, and emphasized the importance of accurate medical records. His contributions to field medicine, including the first organised ambulance service, helped create the framework for modern military medical logistics and inspired future reforms in military health services worldwide.
Scotland’s impact on military medicine extended beyond British borders as well. Sir James Wylie, an Aberdeen graduate, achieved international renown as a leading figure in Russian military medicine, eventually serving as the chief surgeon to the Russian Imperial Guard. His establishment of Russia’s first military medical journal and other contributions demonstrated how Scottish medical expertise reached and influenced foreign militaries, underscoring the global reach of Scotland’s medical graduates.
Another key figure featured in the book is John Hunter, a pioneering Scottish surgeon who brought practical anatomical knowledge to military surgery. Serving during the Seven Years’ War, Hunter advocated for meticulous observation over rushed surgical intervention, stressing a scientific approach to treatment. His views influenced a generation of surgeons who saw in Hunter’s practices a model of calm, evidence-based care. His brother, William Hunter, also contributed significantly by establishing anatomy schools that provided vital training to aspiring military surgeons.
In addition to such foundational figures, Scotland’s Contribution to Naval and Military Medicine and Surgery tells the story of the Regius Chair of Military Surgery at the University of Edinburgh. Established in 1806, this pioneering institution formalized the teaching of military surgery, ensuring that surgeons entering military service had advanced skills tailored to the harsh realities of war. Under professors such as John Thomson, the chair equipped students with battlefield-specific skills in trauma and amputation that proved critical during the Napoleonic Wars and set a precedent for specialised military medical education.
John Thomson
The role of Scottish women in military medical care also emerges as a fascinating chapter in this history. The book highlights the contributions of Scottish women in wartime orthopaedic care, particularly during World War I. As physicians and nurses, these women staffed hospitals that served military personnel, breaking barriers and expanding the role of women in military medicine. Their work contributed significantly to orthopaedic advancements, especially in the treatment of injured soldiers returning from the frontlines.
Through individual chapters dedicated to figures like Sir James Barry, who defied conventional gender roles to pursue a distinguished military medical career, Scotland’s Contribution brings to light stories of resilience, innovation, and courage. Barry, who disguised their gender to serve in the British Army, provides a compelling example of the lengths to which Scots went to serve both medicine and military forces, challenging the limitations of the time.
For military historians, medical professionals, and enthusiasts of Scottish history, Scotland’s Contribution to Naval and Military Medicine and Surgery serves as both a comprehensive resource and a tribute to the Scots who were instrumental in defining and advancing military medical practice. By chronicling the achievements of Scottish-trained doctors, surgeons, and other medical personnel, the book underscores Scotland’s disproportionate influence on military health services. With well-researched accounts and detailed illustrations, this volume not only celebrates Scotland’s military medical legacy but also provides a scholarly look at how this small nation came to play such an outsized role in military and medical history.
On the second weekend of November every year the International Plastic Model Society host the UK’s biggest event for plastic model makers. Spread over three halls at the International Convention Centre in Telford, Shropshire, this event is a showcase for not only the UK’s model-making scene, but also hosts many international visitors. Included amongst the latter group this year were Tom Cooper (@War series co-editor, author and artist), Bill Norton (author), Adrien Fontanellaz (author), and yours truly.
Just a few miles from Telford is the Royal Air Force Museum at RAF Cosford and we met there on Friday afternoon for a whistle-stop tour. Alas, the clock was against us as the museum closes at 4pm during the winter, and some of our party had an urgent appointment elsewhere. However, I did manage to grab a photo of Bill, Tom and Adrien posing with a Hungarian MiG-21 on display in the Cold War exhibition.
Bill Norton, Tom Cooper and Adrien Fontanellaz (left to right).
The Scale Model World event itself is a huge showcase for all that is good about modelling and features the work of Special Interest Groups (SIGs) from not just the UK but also from across Europe and a few exhibitors from the rest of the world. It has also become something of a mecca for aviation enthusiasts and experts and a great networking place for publishers like Helion. There were also a number of seminars throughout the weekend.
The models on display covered almost every aspect of scale modelling that could be imagined, with scales ranging from 1/1200th ships just a couple of inches long through to 1/6th scale remote controlled aircraft with a two-metre wingspan. Subjects ranged from the deeply researched and sometimes very obscure historical model through to science fiction and fantasy, via the whimsical and humorous. The skill levels demonstrated were astonishing and the number of hours poured into the work are beyond counting, though plenty of models from new entrants to the hobby were also in evidence.
As well as the modellers exhibiting their work there were many traders plying their wares, including such stalwarts of the industry as Airfix (and I’m sure many of you reading this will have dealt with your fair share of Airfix or similar kits), though to small enterprises offering conversion and detailing sets, and the relatively new wave of 3d designers offering printed products. Every imaginable accessory, from paints, varnishes, brushes, lamps and tools could also be found here. There were, of course, also a number of publishers and book-sellers there offering their latest works as well as an opportunity to browse some fantastic vintage books (I think our Tom Cooper will be carrying home quite a lot of the latter…).
Not neglecting the very important social aspects of a gathering like Scale Model World, after an exhausting day the team retired to a Thai restaurant in nearby Shrewsbury to chew over the day’s events and discuss future projects.
If you have any interest in military history (and I’m sure you will have if you are reading this), then I must heartily recommend a visit to Scale Model World and the nearby RAF Cosford.
The From Reason to Revolution Siege Warfare in the Long Eighteenth Century conference was held at Derby Museum on Saturday, 2 November. The drizzle outside did not dampen the enthusiasm of either the speakers or the attendees.
Held in the magnificent former city library, now part of the museum, the event featured an eclectic mix of topics. Noted Napoleonic historian Gareth Glover kicked things off with a fascinating talk on the 1814 Siege of Ragusa, or Dubrovnik as it is now known. Many of you will have seen the fortifications there as the backdrop to The Game of Thrones, but the British and Austrian forces had no dragons to help them take the city from the French.
Next up was Gavin Daly, dialling in all the way from Tasmania to discuss British troops’ experience of urban warfare at Seringapatam (1799) and Buenos Aires (1807). Expert medical historian Martin Howard then discussed the medical aspects of a Napoleonic siege and how the Allied and French medical services coped with both casualties and the sick.
Mark Thompson then spoke about the planning for the third siege of Badajoz in 1812 and dispelled some of the myths of Wellington being a master logistician. David Flintham tackled a subject a little closer to home with his look at Scottish fortifications in the first half of the eighteenth century, many of which played a part in the Jacobite rebellions.
The attendees were then treated to talks about two very different sieges of the Dutch town of Bergen-op-Zoom. John Harris tackled the 1747 siege, and Andrew Bamford the one in 1814.
Josh Provan then ended the day with a very entertaining talk on Native American participation in sieges throughout the long eighteenth century, including an exciting tale of a stick and ball game being used as cover for an assault on a fort.
The Fortress Study Group generously supported the event. Mark Thompson will be editing the conference proceedings, which will be published in early 2026.
Pictures courtesy of John Provan and Ryan Diamond.
We never expected to write a book about living in a war. Natasha was mainly helping with translating articles into English for the Ukrainian PR Army in early 2022. I was helping with some editing and copywriting. My original writing was of the kind of having your life flash before your eyes about the summers of my youth in Cape May Point, New Jersey. Russian forces seemed to be getting closer by the day and we were basically waiting for our turn to die. We planned on going out with a fight as Natasha describes in one of her chapters of this first book in the series.
A good deal of the content for most of the series written by me was originally published on the Medium platform as individual essays. These pieces were written as they happened for the most part. Nobody really read them although I gained a few very loyal readers. I eventually just took most of them down as trying to pay attention to how your articles are doing online while there is active fighting and missile attacks was just not worth it. Distractions come in many forms in this social media, sensationalist news era of ours. However, being distracted while living in a war can easily cost you your life.
Pre-invasion photo. Nestor the Chronicler is the monk seated on the far right. St Michael’s Square Kyiv.
Eventually, I only really paid attention to Helion Author, Tom Cooper’s analysis and that of a few trusted Ukrainian sources. We really needed to know the tactical situation above all else. Andy Simms of the British Army Review has asked me to address in this in a longer article which I will do in the coming weeks. Writing about what was happening allowed me to process the invasion as it progressed, and I guess maybe you could call it therapeutic. This part of our story will not appear until Book Three.
Kyiv has a long history of chroniclers. That would be Kyivan Rus to be exact. St. Nestor the Chronicler (1056-1114) is the most famous of them. Natasha and I are both Orthodox Christians like St. Nestor and maybe we are following that tradition but with a bit more of a personal touch. Tradition is a very big part of life here in Ukraine.
After the invasion, protecting the statues. Nestor is already covered.
Natasha didn’t set about writing her parts of the book until late 2023. She had read my sections and decided she wanted to tell her side of the story. This was long before we had made any contact with Helion. Natasha found that writing about her side of the experience was important. She had grown up in Belarus, been a Soviet Young Pioneer as a girl traveling to Odessa and Crimea as a Camp Counselor and spent her early youthful summers at her grandparents’ place in the Vinnytsia Region of Ukraine. Natasha had lived and come into her own at the Jersey Shore, become a US citizen and felt she could best bridge the gap from her roots and later knowledge of everything Americana. She does it very well, but I am biased.
This first book captures the hope we still had in that first year as we were expecting some progress in the counteroffensive planned for spring 2023. By now, you know how that went. Book Two gets a bit darker as reality sinks in and my writing in most of that is chronological while Natasha’s is more reflective. Book Three is currently in progress and the darkest of them all so far. That’s inevitable in this third year rolling soon into Year Four. Natasha and I hope that our writing gives you a unique insight into what it’s like to live through this war.
Some years ago a mate of mine suggested I read ‘Q’, a historical novel by a group of Italian Marxist historians who went by the name ‘Luther Blissett’. The book spans some 30 years from the first half of the sixteenth century and follows the journey of an Anabaptist radical pursued by ‘Q’ (short for “Qoèlet”), a spy for the Roman Catholic Church cardinal Giovanni Pietro Carafa. The story begins in Frankenhausen, the town where some 8,000 peasants under the leadership of the radical reformist cleric Thomas Müntzer were massacred by the combined armies of the German princes in May 1525. Our main character escapes and pitches up some 10 years later in the north German city of Münster which had become a safe haven for believers in adult baptism and collective ownership, before being pursued across Europe to Venice where the climax of the story is played out.
Already interested in the German military history of the period – I had undertaken some superficial research into the Landsknechts back in the 70’s and then the German Peasants’ War in the Noughties, – ‘Q’ inspired me to dig a bit deeper into the decisive battle at Frankenhausen which I self-published back in 2017. Then, encouraged by Helion, I undertook a deeper examination of the inner workings of the Princes’ Landsknecht forces, specifically in The Army of the Swabian League 1525. This was followed by a more detailed treatment of The German Peasants’ War 1524-26 in which Frankenhausen was but one of the numerous battles which took place.
Impressed by the historical research underpinning ‘Q’, I felt drawn to the second part of the story which focused on the siege of Münster. The existence of insider eye-witness accounts, since translated into English by Christopher Mackay, provided me with an opportunity to round things off somewhat with an account of how a siege during this period might have looked. Fortunately, excellent groundwork had been undertaken by the eminent German historian Karl Heinz Kirchhoff and a visit to the city helped me put together a proposal for A Mighty Fortress of God: the Siege of Munster 1534-5. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I have enjoyed digging into what was a singularly remarkable act of defiance which lasted some 16 months.
Frontier Soldiers of New France is a ground breaking study that offers an in-depth exploration of the military material culture of French colonial troops in North America. We hope that it stands as one of the most authoritative references on the regulation uniforms, weapons, and equipment used by the soldiers who defended New France. The late René Chartrand and I, in collaboration with Michel Pétard, revisited long-held assumptions, rigorously re-examined sources, and applied meticulous fact-checking to every detail. Our research integrates newly uncovered archival material, previously unseen artifacts, and rare pieces from private and museum collections.
Despite a significant gap in French military and commercial colonial records from 1753 to 1760 –caused by the repatriation of key documents for François Bigot’s trial in France – we unearthed valuable documentation from overlooked sources. Our collaborative effort has led, we think, to one of the most accurate reconstructions of New France’s military material culture ever produced. We hope that this comprehensive study serves as an authoritative, visually stunning, and thoroughly researched resource for scholars, archaeologists, and history enthusiasts alike. Volume 1 provides a detailed examination of military life in France’s North American colonies, making it an indispensable tool for anyone studying this period.
A key feature of Frontier Soldiers of New France is its exceptional visual richness. We invested considerable time selecting period illustrations, engravings, plates, and paintings, along with never-before-seen artifacts from private and museum collections. These historical visuals are complemented by newly commissioned artwork from renowned illustrators Michel Pétard and the late Francis Back, vividly bringing to life the soldiers who served France in North America. This blend of historical and contemporary imagery creates a rich and unique visual record of the era.
Portrait of Charles Le Moyne, Second Baron de Longueuil, c. 1733: The only known portrait of a colonial officer serving in Canada wearing his regulation uniform. This unsigned work depicts the white uniform coat with blue cuffs adopted by officers in 1732–1733. Charles Le Moyne (1687–1755), the second Baron de Longueuil, held various key positions, including garde-marine in Rochefort (1706), enseigne in Canada (1712), lieutenant (1713), capitaine (1719), town major of Montréal (1733), commander of the Louisiana expedition (1739–1740), and governor of Montréal (1749). He also served as interim governor general of New France in 1752 and was a Knight of Saint-Louis (1734). (Musée d’art de Joliette. Photo by Kevin Gélinas)
The Content of the Book
The first part of the book, authored by René Chartrand, re-examines the uniforms worn by various ranks and units:
Governors, Generals, and Staff Officers: Showcasing the distinct uniforms of high-ranking officials.
Compagnies franches de la Marine: Detailing the evolution of these colonial troops from 1683 to 1769.
Metropolitan Compagnies, Colours, and the Swiss: Exploring European influences on colonial uniforms.
Artillery: Covering the specialized uniforms of artillery units.
Armed Constabulary Units and Non-Combatant Personnel: Examining the attire of support and police forces.
The appendices by René Chartrand provide further insight into specialized units:
Irish Company 1756–1757
Corps of Cavalry, 1759–1760
Compagnie franche de Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon 1763–1793
A unique chapter, Military Hairstyles, written by Francis Back, explores the grooming standards of soldiers during this period.
The second part, authored by me, Kevin Gélinas, thoroughly examines the weapons and equipment used by these troops:
Colonial Officers’ Swords, Spontoons, and Gorgets: Symbols of authority and tradition.
Colonial Sergeants: Focused on their unique weapons like the halberd.
Colonial Soldiers’ Equipment: Detailed descriptions of muskets, swords, cartridge boxes, powder flasks, and haversacks.
Canonniers-Bombardiers and Royal-Artillerie: Covering the specialised artillery gear and weaponry.
This study offers an unparalleled look at the material culture of New France’s military, serving as a comprehensive resource for those seeking to understand the regulation uniforms and equipment of the colonial soldiers who served in the North American wilderness.
Between 17th-20th September 2024 the XXI General Congress of Polish Historians in Białystok took place. Amongst many panels and discussion, it was also an occasion to celebrate the centenary of the transformation of the Historical Society into the Polish Historical Society. During the special Historian’s Gala, sponsored by the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education, many Polish historians and institutions were awarded for the first time with the new Joachim Lelewel Awards.
Amongst those that received Lelewel statuettes was also one of the authors publishing in ‘Century of the Soldier 1618-1721’ series, Michał Paradowski. He was awarded in the category of ‘Populariser of historical knowledge’, with the Award Committee noticing his ‘outstanding achievements in popularizing historical knowledge’. While for Polish readers, Michał is best known from his historical blog, that he started in 2010, it was his books written in English that were the main factor in Committee’s decision. Michał’s cooperation with Helion & Company started in 2019, with his conference paper ‘Aston, Butler and Murray – British Officers in the Service of Polish Vasa Kings 1621-1634’ that was published as a part of Britain Turned Germanyvolume. Since then, Michał has published four books in the ‘Century of the Soldier 1618-1721’ series, specialising in the 17th century Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth’s warfare. His next book, this time co-authored with well known Swedish researcher Michael Fredholm von Essen, Confrontation of Kings, 1656, is due to be published in 2025 with further works already planned as well.
Explore all of Michal’s available Helion titles below!
Writing Number 788: My Experience in Swedish Special Operationswith Max Lauker at times felt like a special operations mission. Late nights of detailed planning, being airlifted into past combat zones and coordinated authorial action. Yes, I am certainly being pulled along on the coattails of Max’s amazing story, occasionally imaging that I could have been there myself, but the clunk of my coffee cup as I put it down, brings me back to reality, reminding me that it was probably the caffeine kicking in, and making me delusional. But what a fascinating experience.
Photo credit: Max Lauker
The book is an autobiography, and as a historian and biographer I was given a front row seat to a first-hand account of the Swedish military experience in the 2000s. We were introduced by a mutual friend, also a soldier. He had been trying to convince Max for over a decade to write a book about his experiences. When Max and I started discussing the details, I immediately commenced negotiations with a number of publishers, and we secured a book deal within a week. I had made the first phase of the selection.
With Max things moved fast, speed and surprise were of course key elements for elite units. But this was not to be confused with a temperamental knee jerk approach to operations. Every move was carefully calculated and involved meticulous planning. I had been a soldier too and served as a combat engineer commander in the SANDF. This was before I became a military historian, but this training allowed me to understand Max’s framework – decentralised command, within the commander’s intent – Army talk, for two men now firmly seated in armchairs.
Photo credit: Max Lauker
During Max’s service he had led small elite special operations units, and in the book, he was in charge, and I was happy to follow. He said we co-led but we both knew the truth. As a historian, one of my skills was the ability to condense and synthesise information. The historical method and working through large amounts of source material had previously enabled me to publish books on history and strategy. Indeed, these volumes, can still be found holding open some doors or gathering dust in a few libraries. But I had somehow gotten kudos for having walked the walk, and I was in phase two of the selection.
Photo credit: Max Lauker
Max wanted someone who had gone through the writing process before, and I secretly craved to see into the intelligence world, but from the inside. It was either a win win or a double-edged sword. My job in the Army had been to modify terrain to ensure mobility and manoeuvre. I now did a similar role, but instead of constructing bridges and breaching minefields I was enabling and shaping the narrative. This gave Max the freedom of manoeuvre to hit hard and fast, and that he did. Every chapter was well aimed, a skill needed in marksmanship and penmanship. Max’s story is about a boy searching for meaning and finding it in the military – in this sense it is a coming-of-age story. This may appear to tread familiar ground, but it is not an American or British story. We have perhaps become accustomed to hearing about the Paras or the Green Berets; this is a Swedish book and gives the reader a glimpse into Swedish elite units.
At 19 Max couldn’t have imagined what was in store for him. Of course, back then the Swedish Army was caught flat footed when the 9/11 Attacks happened. The Swedish military approached NATO; a theme similar to today with the Ukraine War. But back then Sweden lacked the niche special operations capabilities needed for asymmetric warfare. Max found himself serving at this interesting time and was a key member of the Special Purpose Units – comprised of elite regiments.
Photo credit: Max Lauker
Through a range of discussions, I started to understand Max. An infinitely complex person, focussed, determined and methodical; charming, smart, and savvy; patient and courageous he is at his core an operator. He overcame adversity in a number of settings, from the Arctic Rangers to Special Purpose Units, Max’s story will excite readers, and share a glimpse of what it was like infiltrating and getting confidential informants in terror organisations, fighting the FARC in Colombia, and doing intelligence work in Kosovo involving extremist leaders.
Max does not claim to be a new version of a Viking, or a Swedish Navy Seal, or an SAS operator, although he could easily match any of the above – Max is quietly confident, the real deal, and a soldier’s soldier. An early reviewer has referred to the book as the “Scandinavian Bravo Two Zero – gritty but understated.” It was a pleasure to facilitate the writing process with Max, and working together I found a friend, and a brother in arms. (Originally published on The History Avenue)
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