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Saper. Prawdziwa opowieść o najbardziej ryzykownym zawodzie świata
Rozbrajał bomby wszędzie tam, gdzie było naprawdę gorąco: w Afganistanie, Bośni, Kosowie oraz Irlandii Północnej. Ale nawet dla niego Irak to była zupełnie inna historia.
Szkolenie przechodzą tylko najlepsi. Ci, którzy się nie mylą. Nigdy.
Ci, którzy mają na tyle mocne nerwy, żeby wykonywać najniebezpieczniejszy zawód świata w najniebezpieczniejszym miejscu na Ziemi.
Od ponad 4 miesięcy stacjonuje w Al Amarah. Odlicza ostatnie dni do końca zmiany. Dziś czeka go horror, który na zawsze odmieni jego życie.
Obok leżą ciała jego kolegów. Na dachach czają się snajperzy wroga. Wokół gromadzi się rozwścieczony tłum. Urządzenie do zagłuszania radiowych detonatorów właśnie przestało działać, a trzeba rozbroić jeszcze jeden ładunek wybuchowy.
Saper powoli idzie w jego stronę. Wie, że idzie na pewną śmierć.
Kapitan Kevin Ivison przeżył swoją ostatnią misję.
Za męstwo na polu walki został odznaczony Orderem Jerzego.
Za życie w ciągłym napięciu płaci się straszliwą cenę. Kevin Ivison jako pierwszy tak szczerze i otwarcie mówi o konsekwencjach, jakie spotykają wszystkich, którzy na co dzień rzucają wyzwanie śmierci.
Szkolenie przechodzą tylko najlepsi. Ci, którzy się nie mylą. Nigdy.
Ci, którzy mają na tyle mocne nerwy, żeby wykonywać najniebezpieczniejszy zawód świata w najniebezpieczniejszym miejscu na Ziemi.
Od ponad 4 miesięcy stacjonuje w Al Amarah. Odlicza ostatnie dni do końca zmiany. Dziś czeka go horror, który na zawsze odmieni jego życie.
Obok leżą ciała jego kolegów. Na dachach czają się snajperzy wroga. Wokół gromadzi się rozwścieczony tłum. Urządzenie do zagłuszania radiowych detonatorów właśnie przestało działać, a trzeba rozbroić jeszcze jeden ładunek wybuchowy.
Saper powoli idzie w jego stronę. Wie, że idzie na pewną śmierć.
Kapitan Kevin Ivison przeżył swoją ostatnią misję.
Za męstwo na polu walki został odznaczony Orderem Jerzego.
Za życie w ciągłym napięciu płaci się straszliwą cenę. Kevin Ivison jako pierwszy tak szczerze i otwarcie mówi o konsekwencjach, jakie spotykają wszystkich, którzy na co dzień rzucają wyzwanie śmierci.
304 pages, Paperback
First published August 19, 2010
6 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 6, 2012
In Iraq and Afghanistan soldiers have displayed countless acts of courage, and demonstrated immeasurable heroism. Through his autobiography, RED ONE: A Bomb Disposal Expert on the Front Line, Captain Kevin Ivison reminds us that courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to overcome it, and heroism occurs not only during one’s service, but in the sacrifices endured long after it.
Ivision, a British Ammunition Technical Officer or “ATO” – the UK’s term for Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians – deployed for four months to Northern Ireland followed by four months in Al Amarah, Iraq. While there, he and his unit defused improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by day and endured indirect fire by night.
An IED attack against a convoy of paratroopers at a spot in Al Amarah the Brits called “Red One” became the defining moment in Ivision’s deployment. He was called to render safe a “secondary,” an explosive formed penetrator (EFP) that was not triggered, within sight of two fallen Paras before the force could safely extract. He did so while an angry mob threw rocks at the security cordon and a sniper took shots at them. To make matters worse, his EOD robot and the team’s electronic jamming equipment were inoperable. Ivision defused the IED with his wits alone. He was subsequently awarded the George Medal, second only to the Victoria Cross.
Upon returning to his parent command, Ivision soon discovered that he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder or “PTSD.” His initial cries for help, including reaching out to medical personnel, went unheeded. As a result, his struggle back to normalcy was almost as arduous as combat on Red One…and maybe a continuation of it.
This is the one of the rawest books about the war in Iraq from a man who served there in the most dangerous of professions. It should be recommended reading for all who serve in combat arms, and especially those who are or seek to be disposaleers.
Ivision, a British Ammunition Technical Officer or “ATO” – the UK’s term for Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians – deployed for four months to Northern Ireland followed by four months in Al Amarah, Iraq. While there, he and his unit defused improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by day and endured indirect fire by night.
An IED attack against a convoy of paratroopers at a spot in Al Amarah the Brits called “Red One” became the defining moment in Ivision’s deployment. He was called to render safe a “secondary,” an explosive formed penetrator (EFP) that was not triggered, within sight of two fallen Paras before the force could safely extract. He did so while an angry mob threw rocks at the security cordon and a sniper took shots at them. To make matters worse, his EOD robot and the team’s electronic jamming equipment were inoperable. Ivision defused the IED with his wits alone. He was subsequently awarded the George Medal, second only to the Victoria Cross.
Upon returning to his parent command, Ivision soon discovered that he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder or “PTSD.” His initial cries for help, including reaching out to medical personnel, went unheeded. As a result, his struggle back to normalcy was almost as arduous as combat on Red One…and maybe a continuation of it.
This is the one of the rawest books about the war in Iraq from a man who served there in the most dangerous of professions. It should be recommended reading for all who serve in combat arms, and especially those who are or seek to be disposaleers.
March 31, 2013
Interesting in two completely different areas: how soldier disposing bombs fight on the frontline and second, maybe even more engaging: how human react on extreme stressful event when Death is a few millimetres from your face and is looking deep inside you. That part was even more interesting.
Generally books is about Iraq, soldier but surprisingly, much is said about soldier's feelings during and after the war and I consider this as a big plus.
Generally books is about Iraq, soldier but surprisingly, much is said about soldier's feelings during and after the war and I consider this as a big plus.
September 27, 2013
This book gave a lot of insight into CPT Ivison's Career and also looked at the effects of PTSD on a veteran in a high-stress field. Its interesting because it paints a picture for the reader of a man, that has done heroic deeds, but isn't impervious to injury. We too quickly like to paint heroes as men-above-men; people of super-human strength and resilience. This book helps dispel that myth and shows us the true fighting man.
worth-considering
August 21, 2010Just seen an intriguing interview with the author on BBC News. Impressive young man. We have so many of them in our armed forces.
Annoyed that the interviewer, Nick Higham, kept referring to Post Traumatic Stress (!!). We rely on journalists to educate the public, so they need to get the basics right. It's Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Annoyed that the interviewer, Nick Higham, kept referring to Post Traumatic Stress (!!). We rely on journalists to educate the public, so they need to get the basics right. It's Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
July 14, 2012
If you want an excellent first hand account of bomb disposal from the beginning right up to the front lines "Red One" is an excellent read.
Captain Kevin Ivison's story takes the reader down road from becoming a bomb tech to the physical and mental stresses of being on the front lines of bomb response.
Captain Kevin Ivison's story takes the reader down road from becoming a bomb tech to the physical and mental stresses of being on the front lines of bomb response.
January 27, 2013
Amazing true story. First soldier book I have read, and loved the honesty of the fear experienced by soldiers. Also thankful for the epilogue, and the hardship soldiers face adjusting to normal life.
September 6, 2013
Absolutely moving. When soldiers are done with fighting on the field, there's still the battle to fight with the memories coming back. Not everyone is strong enough to win both...
March 11, 2021
An extremely raw, honest and unfiltered perspective from the Iraq War. I learnt a lot about EOD from this book, and more than that, I learnt a lot about war, fear, courage and especially about PTSD and the struggles soldiers face after coming back home from War. Cpt. Ivison's story is remarkable because of his grit and determination in overcoming the many many struggles he faced, both internally and externally.
I really liked the way Cpt Ivision described his thoughts throughout the novel, I really felt like I was there with him at all times. Especially in his defusal of the Red One IED, his descriptions of his thoughts and emotions was truly gut wrenching and emotional. It really hit me how much courage it takes to carry out these kind of missions, and the loneliness that comes with being in such a niche field. It was a privilege to be able to read this account and get a glimpse of what life was like in one of the toughest jobs in the world.
What really surprised me was the amount of the book devoted to his post combat struggles. I thought I knew what PTSD was prior to reading this novel, but it opened my eyes and made me realize just how damaging it is to be affected by this condition and how hard it can be to seek and receive help. Cpt. Ivison's struggles were really hard to read at times, and I felt quite sorry for him at points, the most gut wrenching being his phone call with Beth. That really hurt me, and I can only imagine how he felt.
Overall, I'd high recommend this book to anyone interested in finding out more about what life as a bomb disposal operator on the front lines was like, what it means to be a soldier, and most importantly, the price paid in terms of anguish, trauma and suffering.
I really liked the way Cpt Ivision described his thoughts throughout the novel, I really felt like I was there with him at all times. Especially in his defusal of the Red One IED, his descriptions of his thoughts and emotions was truly gut wrenching and emotional. It really hit me how much courage it takes to carry out these kind of missions, and the loneliness that comes with being in such a niche field. It was a privilege to be able to read this account and get a glimpse of what life was like in one of the toughest jobs in the world.
What really surprised me was the amount of the book devoted to his post combat struggles. I thought I knew what PTSD was prior to reading this novel, but it opened my eyes and made me realize just how damaging it is to be affected by this condition and how hard it can be to seek and receive help. Cpt. Ivison's struggles were really hard to read at times, and I felt quite sorry for him at points, the most gut wrenching being his phone call with Beth. That really hurt me, and I can only imagine how he felt.
Overall, I'd high recommend this book to anyone interested in finding out more about what life as a bomb disposal operator on the front lines was like, what it means to be a soldier, and most importantly, the price paid in terms of anguish, trauma and suffering.
December 11, 2021
Red one
As ex Forces myself, just what we owe such Brave Service people whose comitted Bravery is way beyond the norm.
We can only admire, respect and thank him for his contribution to
Saving many more lives!
I wish him well, he has earned a peaceful life!
As ex Forces myself, just what we owe such Brave Service people whose comitted Bravery is way beyond the norm.
We can only admire, respect and thank him for his contribution to
Saving many more lives!
I wish him well, he has earned a peaceful life!
July 23, 2018
I came across this book by chance. Id never choose anything war related but I did enjoy it. Very straightforward and easy to read I ended up wanting to know more about what happened.
May 15, 2011
Interesting insight into a life of a soldier and the Iraqui war and the politics that are going on behind the scenes but I didn't like his writing style, all a bit over the top and selfproclaiming. Somehow i have the feeling that is not really him talking but the editors as it sounds better and will sell better - can't really believe that his personality is so into showing off and highlighting what a "fantastic"guy he is, completely indispensable, even if it is true you don't go on and on about it as a person???
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews