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A 'Humbling of Heroes by Mr Paul Rees
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 8, 2016
An unusual little book, I was greatly impressed by the authors passion and connection to his subject. The soldiers who served in Northern Ireland during the troubles are often neglected in the telling of the history of this time and place and Paul Rees fills this gap rather poignantly with his stories of men and women who remain largely forgotten in this conflict. It is impossible I am sure to write such a collection in an unbiased manner, but the auther here succeeds to a greater extent. This book is a quick read, I read it in one sitting, it is well written not just technically but in terms of the way the collection is put together, it work wery well indeed. I would have to admit that from my perspective, I am not a fan of this type of book typically but Paul Rees has certainly broken through that bias for me and I will be looking to see what else he has written in the future.
March 7, 2016
One man's sombre and yet surprisingly uplifting perspective of 'The Troubles.'
A relatively short non-fiction book of some sixty four pages but one that packs considerably more content into it than the page count would suggest. The book is divided into twelve short chapters, some focussing on individual acts of exceptional bravery and the events surrounding them along with the author’s own commentary while others are more personal accounts of the exceptional men and women he came into contact with. Amid the tragedy and senseless killings of the times, the tone of the book often switches between the sombre reality of the times with that of the legendary humour and banter of the army. The last two chapters, though more accurately described as post scripts take an interesting and political change of direction from the preceding ones, one high-lighting the formation of the 'UK Veterans-One Voice' Fb group by Nigel Kelsall, a friend of the author, originally set up in support of veteran of the Parachute Regiment being investigated for alleged involvement in the Bloody Sunday incident of 1972 but now instrumental in organising and promoting the highly publicised veteran marches and protests against such investigations and politically motivated prosecutions of vetersans and serving personnel alike. The final chapter is a personal note from the author briefly reflecting on his times in Northern Ireland and its subsequent history and is thoughts on some of the issues and controversy of soldier prosecutions.
Normally I would expect to read such a book easily in the one sitting but not so this time; some of the content is indeed ‘humbling’ as the title would suggest, but more so for those privileged enough to read it, many of whom wouldn’t be around to do so but the courage and self-sacrifice of the brave men and women whose individual stories are told here (and thousands more like them both at the time and since).
The style of writing is clear and succinct, in some chapters alternating between a 3rd person factual overview, and the author’s own personal commentary on the people and events portrayed, and in others an entirely personal account, not of individual well documented acts of bravery (of which there were many on a daily basis, most of which go unheralded but for books such as this) but simply of fellow soldiers and personnel it was the author’s privilege to know. I also liked that the author included photographs of the people and places he writes about, bringing home the reality of the subject matter, that these were real people, real places, and real events that existed and were taking place almost on the doorstep of the mainland UK. With the exception of the final two chapters, for the most part the author steers clear of the political background of the times and events portrayed, concentrating instead on the individuals, their personal bravery and professionalism, and snapshots almost of the times, but not unsurprisingly given the his background, the author's underlying perspective is quite rightly and unashamedly that of the British soldier.
Given the anecdotal style i.e. chronicling individual stories in their own chapters it’s impossible in some parts not to make comparisons with the likes of Ken Wharton’s equally humbling and well researched accounts of the time. For those who served, particularly during 'The Troubles’of Northern Ireland, much of the subject matter will already be familiar and no doubt bring back painful memories. In contrast though they will also recognise the unique squaddie humour and banter and equally no doubt see echoes of their own experiences. For others this book gives both a factual and personal insight into those dreadful times much like the 'letters home' of veterans of the first and second world wars that can be viewed in numerous military museums and archives as well as some light hearted glimpses of the less serious side of life that was such an essential part of coping with serving a tour of Northern Ireland in the 70s and 80s.
There have been many books written by ex-servicemen (and a few women) that either focus on or refer to 'The Troubles,'- some that are quite excellent, others not so bad, and a few that are so far off the mark that I genuinely question the said authors' right and experience to write such books. I'm pleased to say that 'A humbling of Heroes' despite its brevity sits well among the very best of such books, and I would say Paul Rees is well placed and qualified to embark on longer and more ambitious projects in whatever he decides to write in the future.
A relatively short non-fiction book of some sixty four pages but one that packs considerably more content into it than the page count would suggest. The book is divided into twelve short chapters, some focussing on individual acts of exceptional bravery and the events surrounding them along with the author’s own commentary while others are more personal accounts of the exceptional men and women he came into contact with. Amid the tragedy and senseless killings of the times, the tone of the book often switches between the sombre reality of the times with that of the legendary humour and banter of the army. The last two chapters, though more accurately described as post scripts take an interesting and political change of direction from the preceding ones, one high-lighting the formation of the 'UK Veterans-One Voice' Fb group by Nigel Kelsall, a friend of the author, originally set up in support of veteran of the Parachute Regiment being investigated for alleged involvement in the Bloody Sunday incident of 1972 but now instrumental in organising and promoting the highly publicised veteran marches and protests against such investigations and politically motivated prosecutions of vetersans and serving personnel alike. The final chapter is a personal note from the author briefly reflecting on his times in Northern Ireland and its subsequent history and is thoughts on some of the issues and controversy of soldier prosecutions.
Normally I would expect to read such a book easily in the one sitting but not so this time; some of the content is indeed ‘humbling’ as the title would suggest, but more so for those privileged enough to read it, many of whom wouldn’t be around to do so but the courage and self-sacrifice of the brave men and women whose individual stories are told here (and thousands more like them both at the time and since).
The style of writing is clear and succinct, in some chapters alternating between a 3rd person factual overview, and the author’s own personal commentary on the people and events portrayed, and in others an entirely personal account, not of individual well documented acts of bravery (of which there were many on a daily basis, most of which go unheralded but for books such as this) but simply of fellow soldiers and personnel it was the author’s privilege to know. I also liked that the author included photographs of the people and places he writes about, bringing home the reality of the subject matter, that these were real people, real places, and real events that existed and were taking place almost on the doorstep of the mainland UK. With the exception of the final two chapters, for the most part the author steers clear of the political background of the times and events portrayed, concentrating instead on the individuals, their personal bravery and professionalism, and snapshots almost of the times, but not unsurprisingly given the his background, the author's underlying perspective is quite rightly and unashamedly that of the British soldier.
Given the anecdotal style i.e. chronicling individual stories in their own chapters it’s impossible in some parts not to make comparisons with the likes of Ken Wharton’s equally humbling and well researched accounts of the time. For those who served, particularly during 'The Troubles’of Northern Ireland, much of the subject matter will already be familiar and no doubt bring back painful memories. In contrast though they will also recognise the unique squaddie humour and banter and equally no doubt see echoes of their own experiences. For others this book gives both a factual and personal insight into those dreadful times much like the 'letters home' of veterans of the first and second world wars that can be viewed in numerous military museums and archives as well as some light hearted glimpses of the less serious side of life that was such an essential part of coping with serving a tour of Northern Ireland in the 70s and 80s.
There have been many books written by ex-servicemen (and a few women) that either focus on or refer to 'The Troubles,'- some that are quite excellent, others not so bad, and a few that are so far off the mark that I genuinely question the said authors' right and experience to write such books. I'm pleased to say that 'A humbling of Heroes' despite its brevity sits well among the very best of such books, and I would say Paul Rees is well placed and qualified to embark on longer and more ambitious projects in whatever he decides to write in the future.
May 11, 2016
Humbling of Heroes is a short read and it makes a cracking good story that really draws you in. This is very much because it is well written. The author has a lovely turn of phrase and I love the way he puts sentences together. I love reading military memoirs, and particularly reading tales of valour. I guess this a legacy of reading all those Victor and Commando comic books when I was young.
Paul Ree's book starts off giving account of a few separate tales of valour. However the link in each case is that each hero had died in the course of their duty, and that the author Paul Rees had a personal connection each of them. They are all moving stories, but there is a subtle shift in the storytelling as if changes gear into a personal military memoir.
Changing gear when writing a book is a dangerous thing for an author to do, but if it works, it is well worth it. For me as a reader, it did work, and I enjoyed the memoirs of soldiering in Ulster during the early years of Operation Banner. In fact, I had never heard that operational name before, and that is an example of one of the many new and interesting facts that the reader is treated to throughout. I have worked with many ex veterans of the Northern Irish campaign and been party to many service stories, yet the stories in this book were unique. Seemingly so was the author's career progression after leaving the army. This actually made me laugh, because in every chapter he had a new job. I could really relate here, because this had been my experience. Neither was it probably the only shared experience. Twice, I nearly joined the army in my youth, and these memoirs gave me a taste of what I missed.
Many ex-soldiers look back on their service years fondly. What they seem to miss is the camaraderie, the bespoke and mutual sense of humour, as well as many other ‘had to be there’ experiences. The Humbling of Heroes seems to finish on the subjects relating to those things that ex-soldiers don’t miss. Those being the atrocities that many active service members are witnesses to, and the inevitable loss of friends and colleagues. By the end of the book, the list of deaths and bereavement has grown. I get the impression that this is the inevitable consequence of active service. An enemy is an enemy. Just consider for a moment, the vengeance we would willingly dish out on members of ISIS. I would for sure, but as one ex soldier told me, vengeance is all well and good, but don't get it twisted.
The final chapter concerns a tragedy of justice which in my personal opinion lies fully with Mo Mowlem. When she personally negotiated the amnesties that would accompany the initial Northern Ireland peace agreement, she forgot or overlooked one very important thing. She awarded amnesty to the paramilitaries from prosecution over deaths that they had caused during the troubles. However, she failed to negotiate a similar amnesty from prosecution for members of the police and armed forces. That was a mistake in my mind, and one that Nelson Mandela made sure not to repeat.
Paul Ree's book starts off giving account of a few separate tales of valour. However the link in each case is that each hero had died in the course of their duty, and that the author Paul Rees had a personal connection each of them. They are all moving stories, but there is a subtle shift in the storytelling as if changes gear into a personal military memoir.
Changing gear when writing a book is a dangerous thing for an author to do, but if it works, it is well worth it. For me as a reader, it did work, and I enjoyed the memoirs of soldiering in Ulster during the early years of Operation Banner. In fact, I had never heard that operational name before, and that is an example of one of the many new and interesting facts that the reader is treated to throughout. I have worked with many ex veterans of the Northern Irish campaign and been party to many service stories, yet the stories in this book were unique. Seemingly so was the author's career progression after leaving the army. This actually made me laugh, because in every chapter he had a new job. I could really relate here, because this had been my experience. Neither was it probably the only shared experience. Twice, I nearly joined the army in my youth, and these memoirs gave me a taste of what I missed.
Many ex-soldiers look back on their service years fondly. What they seem to miss is the camaraderie, the bespoke and mutual sense of humour, as well as many other ‘had to be there’ experiences. The Humbling of Heroes seems to finish on the subjects relating to those things that ex-soldiers don’t miss. Those being the atrocities that many active service members are witnesses to, and the inevitable loss of friends and colleagues. By the end of the book, the list of deaths and bereavement has grown. I get the impression that this is the inevitable consequence of active service. An enemy is an enemy. Just consider for a moment, the vengeance we would willingly dish out on members of ISIS. I would for sure, but as one ex soldier told me, vengeance is all well and good, but don't get it twisted.
The final chapter concerns a tragedy of justice which in my personal opinion lies fully with Mo Mowlem. When she personally negotiated the amnesties that would accompany the initial Northern Ireland peace agreement, she forgot or overlooked one very important thing. She awarded amnesty to the paramilitaries from prosecution over deaths that they had caused during the troubles. However, she failed to negotiate a similar amnesty from prosecution for members of the police and armed forces. That was a mistake in my mind, and one that Nelson Mandela made sure not to repeat.
April 28, 2016
For me, there are few things in life stranger than reading a book written by somebody else, but one which holds clear, personal memories. This is one such book and, I’m delighted to have followed the recommendation by Paul Ruddock a fellow author and, veteran.
Here, Paul Rees has failed to write a story punctuated by odd acts of humour, honour, horror or heroism. It was never his intention. What he has produced however, is a poignant re-telling of memories of a job he was proud to have performed. Unless you’ve served as a member of Armed Forces, it can only be through conjecture and, imagination you might talk of comradeship and, duty.
Being in the vicinity of shootings, bombings, riots and, acts of valour were the daily lot of all who served in Northern Ireland throughout the almost 30 years of ‘The Troubles’. The author of this book has provided not a story, but a journal, or if preferred, a collection of reports.
He has recorded the mindset of serving career-officers, duty-bound soldiers and, the conspicuous bravery and, fortitude of those who lived and worked in a community scarred by hatred, suspicion and bloody violence.
Yes, we all know of the part played by our British soldiers and, having served there I know – but here we are reminded too of the gallantry and, day to day sacrifices of those brave souls who called Northern Ireland their home, even as they donned their uniform and, headed out to ‘work’. More than most, they counted every day a blessing, for as long as they survived.
If you’d like a brief, but meaningful visit to a time of turbulence and, terror in a part of the British Isles please accept my recommendation to read ‘A Humbling of Heroes’.
Kudos, to Paul Rees; the author.
Here, Paul Rees has failed to write a story punctuated by odd acts of humour, honour, horror or heroism. It was never his intention. What he has produced however, is a poignant re-telling of memories of a job he was proud to have performed. Unless you’ve served as a member of Armed Forces, it can only be through conjecture and, imagination you might talk of comradeship and, duty.
Being in the vicinity of shootings, bombings, riots and, acts of valour were the daily lot of all who served in Northern Ireland throughout the almost 30 years of ‘The Troubles’. The author of this book has provided not a story, but a journal, or if preferred, a collection of reports.
He has recorded the mindset of serving career-officers, duty-bound soldiers and, the conspicuous bravery and, fortitude of those who lived and worked in a community scarred by hatred, suspicion and bloody violence.
Yes, we all know of the part played by our British soldiers and, having served there I know – but here we are reminded too of the gallantry and, day to day sacrifices of those brave souls who called Northern Ireland their home, even as they donned their uniform and, headed out to ‘work’. More than most, they counted every day a blessing, for as long as they survived.
If you’d like a brief, but meaningful visit to a time of turbulence and, terror in a part of the British Isles please accept my recommendation to read ‘A Humbling of Heroes’.
Kudos, to Paul Rees; the author.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews