The Edge of the Sword

by Anthony Farrar-Hockley

A memoir of the Korean War by the famous soldier who was adjutant of the ‘Glorious Glosters' during the battle on the Imjin River which won the 1st Battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment immortality.

This book is not an attempt at a personal hero-story, and it is certainly not a piece of political propaganda. It is, above all, an amazing story of human fortitude and high adventure during the Korean War.

Genres: History, Military History, Nonfiction

274 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1987

About the author

General Sir Anthony Heritage Farrar-Hockley GBE, KCB, DSO & Bar, MC, nicknamed Farrar the Para, was a British Army officer and a military historian who fought in a number of British conflicts. He held a number of senior commands, ending his career as Commander-in-Chief of NATO's Allied Forces Northern Europe.

Reviews

[Cam Torrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

General Sir Anthony Farrar-Hockley's The Edge of the Sword recounts his harrowing experiences during the Korean War, offering a narrative of battlefield heroism and the unwavering conduct of soldiers during his 30 months of captivity. From the brutal combat on the hills overlooking the Imjin River to six daring escapes from Chinese and North Korean forces, Farrar-Hockley shares tales of resilience amidst unimaginable adversity. The book not only explores the emotional toll of torture methods but also shows how instrumental the experience was in shaping the future Code of Conduct used by US Forces. Farrar-Hockley, in typical Brit fashion, understates his role--but still manages to describe war 'as it really was.'

[Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, a great personal account of the Gloucester Regiments historic stand on the Imjin River during the Korean War in April 1951. A tale of the courage and fortitude in the face of despotic cruelty of the Chinese & North Korean forces.

[Wayne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book details the stand of the 1st Battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment in April 1951 at the Imjin River during the Korean War.

The 1st battalion held out against an overwhelming number of communist troops until their ammunition was spent.

Captain Anthony Farrar-Hockley, then Adjutant of the Glosters, offers a firsthand perspective on the brutal realities of combat and then his captivity until released.

Highly recommended.