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The Making of a Legionnaire: My Life in the French Foreign Legion Parachute Regiment
Penniless, divorced and AWOL from the British forces, Bill Parris volunteered for the French Foreign Legion in the early 1980s. Unlike many British volunteers to the Legion, Bill did not desert. He endured a horrendous training regime and, despite a fear of heights (!) joined the elite Foreign Legion Parachute Regiment. This is more than a war story - it is a personal journey too, as Bill comes to terms with his own inner demons. His five years' service included brutal combat in Rwanda and Chad, events that still trigger nightmares. But he emerged as a man at peace with himself, and with a story to tell.
256 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 12, 2016
Read this book when in university, and then dreamed of joining the Legion.
The physical requirement of joining the legion is, 12 min run 2800 m, I ran 5000 m per day.
And I began to learn French, attending French classes.
Though didn't go to France, went to America instead, and tried to join the US Marines...different story then...
Yet it's a good dream, I believe.
The physical requirement of joining the legion is, 12 min run 2800 m, I ran 5000 m per day.
And I began to learn French, attending French classes.
Though didn't go to France, went to America instead, and tried to join the US Marines...different story then...
Yet it's a good dream, I believe.
June 27, 2018
When a personal crisis of confidence came over Bill Parris and his RAF regiment career seemed to have tun its course prematurely, he decided to run off and join the French Foreign Legion. He served one full initial tour, becoming a trusted member of the Legions Para regiment. This is the story of his passage in the Legion, from picked on recruit to casual caporal, a real singing, marching, Kronenbourg - drinking Legionaire in a white Kepi. His story makes for good reading- but adds little to the canon, except for its bursting of the romantic bubble some may have about this traditional unit.
Parris chooses to focus on the "making of a legionaire" aspect of the book. As a professional soldier already, his informed commentary is valuable. We follow the recruits, most of them from civilian life, through the early stages where they are treated more like penal colonists to the later stages where military specialists are developed and special training is added. Then we get to follow the Paras as they take part in action in Rwanda (a pre-Genocide Tutsi vs. Hutu flare-up in the early 90s) , French Guyana, and also Chad, using all the skills developed in the training. As usual with military training versus action, we get to understand why the training has been so tough.
Although there are some discussions that get quite adult, this is a fine book for a young reader, especially as it may burst a romantic bubble or two in a child's mind. The gamer/modeller/Military Enthusiast will like the book as it gives lots of ideas for Scenarios/Dioramas improvement and generation. I'd have preferred more action in this book, but what you get will help you design better games and dioramas for a legendary unit on any table for its entire history since the 1830s...
Parris chooses to focus on the "making of a legionaire" aspect of the book. As a professional soldier already, his informed commentary is valuable. We follow the recruits, most of them from civilian life, through the early stages where they are treated more like penal colonists to the later stages where military specialists are developed and special training is added. Then we get to follow the Paras as they take part in action in Rwanda (a pre-Genocide Tutsi vs. Hutu flare-up in the early 90s) , French Guyana, and also Chad, using all the skills developed in the training. As usual with military training versus action, we get to understand why the training has been so tough.
Although there are some discussions that get quite adult, this is a fine book for a young reader, especially as it may burst a romantic bubble or two in a child's mind. The gamer/modeller/Military Enthusiast will like the book as it gives lots of ideas for Scenarios/Dioramas improvement and generation. I'd have preferred more action in this book, but what you get will help you design better games and dioramas for a legendary unit on any table for its entire history since the 1830s...
December 30, 2015
This book documents Bill Parris's experiences in the French Foreign Legion (FFL). This includes the joining process, selection, and training for the FFL and the Parachute Regiment he served with.
The book covers the selection and training in great detail. One aspect which is clear through the types of training Bill experienced (including jungle training) is the intensity of it. It was seemingly intensely immersive with the intent of pushing everyone as hard as possible whilst imparting the lessons required.
Bill also discusses the two conflicts he saw service in: Rwanda and Chad. The chapter on Rwanda is detailed and honest. It shows the shock Bill experienced in seeing the devastation and the civilians left behind. He also points out that all the new Legionnaires felt his shock and had to be pushed by the older veterans through the conflict. Despite the training and exercises he had participated in, Bill was amazed at the intensity of the firepower and violence delivered by the FFL.
The main disappointment was the ending of the book. The narrative came to a very sudden end after Bill's service in Chad. It covers the period period from arriving in France for demobilisation through to publication (~20 years) in only five pages. I would have liked further reflection on both the legion and Bill's experience of it.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and easy read. Bill expresses his experiences well and in doing so provides a human level to the story of how one becomes a Legionnaire.
The book covers the selection and training in great detail. One aspect which is clear through the types of training Bill experienced (including jungle training) is the intensity of it. It was seemingly intensely immersive with the intent of pushing everyone as hard as possible whilst imparting the lessons required.
Bill also discusses the two conflicts he saw service in: Rwanda and Chad. The chapter on Rwanda is detailed and honest. It shows the shock Bill experienced in seeing the devastation and the civilians left behind. He also points out that all the new Legionnaires felt his shock and had to be pushed by the older veterans through the conflict. Despite the training and exercises he had participated in, Bill was amazed at the intensity of the firepower and violence delivered by the FFL.
The main disappointment was the ending of the book. The narrative came to a very sudden end after Bill's service in Chad. It covers the period period from arriving in France for demobilisation through to publication (~20 years) in only five pages. I would have liked further reflection on both the legion and Bill's experience of it.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and easy read. Bill expresses his experiences well and in doing so provides a human level to the story of how one becomes a Legionnaire.
May 1, 2012
Not as riveting or actioned-packed as I'd hoped, but interesting nonetheless. Written in a rather pedestrian fashion. However for those with an interest in these guys it's worth a look.
December 19, 2012
I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11521906
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11521906
January 2, 2009
tells what the FFL is like
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews