Battleworn: The Memoir of a Combat Medic in Afghanistan

by Chantelle Taylor

'Every inch a woman and every inch a warrior. In peace and war Taylor is as radiant as gold and as tough as diamond' Sam Kiley - author of Desperate Glory and Foreign Affairs Editor of Sky News. Chantelle Taylor joined the British Army in 1998 as a combat medical technician. Ten years later she made history, becoming the first female soldier to kill a Taliban fighter in close-quarter combat while on patrol in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. In Battleworn, she tells the story of B Company, a beleaguered group of individuals who fought relentlessly to hold Nad-e Ali, a dusty, sweltering hellhole surrounded by the Taliban. A routine patrol into an area saturated with enemy fighters escalates into a seven-week siege. Facing the possibility of death daily, Taylor writes of gun battles and perilous patrols, culminating in the extraction of more than sixty-six casualties with four killed in action. A powerful story written with a humility that captures the sometimes impalpable humour of soldiers at war, Battleworn provides a testament to combat medics all over the world. It highlights the crucial role that they play in today's 360-degree battlefield.

Genres: Nonfiction, Military Fiction, Memoir, War, History

226 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2014

Reviews

[Tina Culbertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an insightful memoir about what it's like to be in war-torn Afghanistan. As Sgt. Chantelle Taylor says, they are soldiers who carry medical gear, not medics who carry guns. Taylor writes about the harsh conditions living in the desert, the extreme heat, the loyalty and teamwork with her male and female counterparts. 

The details in her marvelous writing will have you on the edge of your seat as you read about B Company engaging the Taliban. Taylor's writing is gritty and real.  After several tours she has the distinction of being the first female soldier to kill a Taliban soldier during close-quarter combat while on patrol.  As she put it, "it was him or me and I chose me."

The medical triage descriptions were amazing and the treatment provided before the injured were evacuated by helicopter.

Chantelle Taylor joined the British Army in 1998 as a Combat Medical Technician. 

 This is my second book in the 2023 nonfiction challenge. Category: History

Hosted by Shelleyrae at Book'd Out. Sign up may be found HERE. 

Linking with Joy's Book Blog for British Isles Friday. and ShelleyRae at Book'd Out for 2023 Nonfiction Reading Challenge.

[Sasha Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. The writing seemed quite raw but instead of this detracting from the telling of the story it only enhanced it. The author manages to weave the main events that are happening with personal history in a very skillful way. There's no hanging back on describing both the good and the bad of what things were like, but the book doesn't wallow in the gruesome details either. Would definitely recommend this as a read.

[eddy holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

A great read showing true grit , professionalism and loyalty to brothers in arms..... showing how let down they were by the political decision makers in UK , but as Previously mentioned
Professionalism in getting the job done

[Rob Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating book - I was glad to see Chantelle is a Janner (a female from Plymouth - where I live) We forget about all the women on the frontline, putting their lives at risk day in day out. Modern war is a dirty business and Chantelle tells us how it is. A Good Read For Sure

[Rosie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

An eye opening book, highlighting the reality of life in Afghanistan for British army medics. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish, and learnt a huge amount about life on the front line.

[Shaun Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great view of what it's like on the frontlines in Afghanistan. Loved all of the detail concerning the militaries triage system.

[Adelbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written. Interesting perspective of Afghanistan from a British viewpoint.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced and well written. Resonated 5-by-5 with this combat veteran. I'd have been honored to serve with Chantelle Taylor.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some really stark and honest insight in to the life of a combat medic.
On second read slightly more jarring.

[Patti Merz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting Life.

Parts of the book were interesting but overall I thought it was a slow read, she must have been a good soldier, she cared....

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic read

Bravo! I was absolutely captivated throughout this entire book. An amazing woman with a fascinating life story. I admire and respect a woman with such substance..