Last Round: The Red Caps, The Paras and The Battle of Majar

by Mark Nicol

On 24 June 2003, six British military policemen were killed in the most horrific circumstances in Iraq. At the same time, and in the same town, a small patrol of the Parachute Regiment shot its way out of an Iraqi ambush. Mark Nicol investigates the controversial deaths of the Military Policemen, drawing on their own diaries and letters home, as well as eyewitness testimony from their Iraqi Police interpreters. At the same time, he tells the incredible story of how a hopelessly outnumbered patrol of Paras managed to escape the fury of the mob. The Paras were ready to die, fighting, in the best traditions of the maroon berets. Their lives were ultimately saved by Private Freddy Ellis, whose bravery under fire moved his commander on the ground to recommend he be decorated. Sergeant Gordon Robertson was awarded a Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for his leadership during the contact. This was the British BLACKHAWK DOWN. Mark Nicol has travelled back to Iraq to produce the first and only coherent account of the bloodiest day of the British experience in Iraq.

Genres: War, Military Fiction, Military History, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Robbie Cormie · Rating 5 out of 5]

i was there. im in the book.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A real insight into the British involvement in Iraq and a dark day in RMP’s history.
The book covers the build up and rising tensions between the Iraqi population and the British Army.
It’s a hard hitting book with reports and family statements and published letters including the death letters they wrote.
1 thing is clear a lot of this was a massive cluster fuck that could’ve been avoided had simple SOP’s had been followed and back comms like sat phones or even VHF radios been used.
This doesn’t detract from the fact 6 RMP’s were murdered in cold blood by the Iraqi people they were trying to make better off.
RIP the fallen.

[David I'Anson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very inspirational read, showcasing all that is good and selfless in our armed forces

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a solid read. Interesting as it comes from the British perspective on Iraq and some solid detail on the work of the Red Caps and their involvement.

Bunch of detail and personal accounts.

Overall I thought this was a good read and a bit different from several other US beased books.

I give this a solid 3.5 stars.