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Military Deception
Col. John Randal and Lady Jane arrive in London just before Christmas 1943. They find themselves caught up in the murky world of Military Deception. MI-5 had captured every German spy in England and given them the choice of a firing squad or becoming a double agent working for the Double Cross Committee XX. Raiding Forces has been tapped to carry out the boots on the ground part of Operation Fortitude South—designed to convince Hitler of what he already believed—that the D-Day landing will take place at the narrowest part of the English Channel—in Calais. The invasion, when it goes in, will actually land in Normandy. The idea is to tie down the German 15th Army in Calais to give the Allies a chance to get ashore and set up a beachhead strong enough to fight off German counterattacks. Raiding Forces is tasked with conducting a series of raids in Calais to simulate strategic forward reconnaissance/prepare the battlefield.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 10, 2025
163 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Phil Ward
47 books86 followersPhil Ward is a decorated combat veteran commissioned at age nineteen. A former instructor at the Army Ranger School, he has had a lifelong interest in small unit tactics and special operations. He lives in Texas on a mountain overlooking Lake Austin.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 15, 2025
Great Addition to a fun series
This is a pivot from the Aegean to full on European theatre. I have really enjoyed the series. Early on I realized that I was having fun reading the books. I enjoy reading but it had been quite a while since I had fun doing so. This is historical fiction to a degree but not of the technical, precise kind. It's like old school, swashbuckling, romping with a wide cast of great characters. I know some have complained the books get repetitive in their descriptions but if you aren't binging them in real time, the repetition is a helpful memory cue. I did binge the first seventeen in a row and still didn't really mind. I was thrilled to not have to wait too long for this one. Even then I found myself, in the waiting, wondering about the characters and missing the series. I am super glad to have found the series and it has been real fun. I know it goes through VE day but I hope there is one more after that because I can't imagine how all these characters are going to transition post war. I can't wait for the next in the series. The flaws are minor in my opinion versus the gold of the adventure. Can't wait for the next one!
This is a pivot from the Aegean to full on European theatre. I have really enjoyed the series. Early on I realized that I was having fun reading the books. I enjoy reading but it had been quite a while since I had fun doing so. This is historical fiction to a degree but not of the technical, precise kind. It's like old school, swashbuckling, romping with a wide cast of great characters. I know some have complained the books get repetitive in their descriptions but if you aren't binging them in real time, the repetition is a helpful memory cue. I did binge the first seventeen in a row and still didn't really mind. I was thrilled to not have to wait too long for this one. Even then I found myself, in the waiting, wondering about the characters and missing the series. I am super glad to have found the series and it has been real fun. I know it goes through VE day but I hope there is one more after that because I can't imagine how all these characters are going to transition post war. I can't wait for the next in the series. The flaws are minor in my opinion versus the gold of the adventure. Can't wait for the next one!
July 20, 2025
Overall this is a great series, especially the early books. The last two books however I have found tedious, and this one is a somewhat bewildering mishmash of clandestine organizations and personnel. The rather limited action seems to revolve around a series of relatively pointless incursions into Europe with the same cast of characters performing heroics amid the confusion. Very little development of the characters or relationships that made earlier books so enjoyable. Seems to be becoming a series needing a good finale.
July 19, 2025
Hmmm. Better than the last one.
Really enjoyed this latest book. Lots of great background and research, lots of action and a deep dive into American/British intelligence services triumphs and disasters. I enjoy being able to hit Wikipedia and look up items ,like the silenced carbine used in one of the raids ( less than 200 made). Congratulations on a very good read.
Ca
Really enjoyed this latest book. Lots of great background and research, lots of action and a deep dive into American/British intelligence services triumphs and disasters. I enjoy being able to hit Wikipedia and look up items ,like the silenced carbine used in one of the raids ( less than 200 made). Congratulations on a very good read.
Ca
July 20, 2025
outstanding
Phil Ward has once again written an outstanding piece of literature. As the build up to D-Day approaches the Raiding Forces receive a change in mission. This one is complex, and the future installments probably will be even more complex. I could not put it down until I finished the book.
Phil Ward has once again written an outstanding piece of literature. As the build up to D-Day approaches the Raiding Forces receive a change in mission. This one is complex, and the future installments probably will be even more complex. I could not put it down until I finished the book.
July 21, 2025
Multiple Organizations
The story continued from previous books. I "got lost" a couple times trying to keep track of all the organizations involved. In addition is really necessary to spell out the complete rank lot the characters each time there was a meeting? I think not. As a retired military member the is a simple to provide the rank.
The story continued from previous books. I "got lost" a couple times trying to keep track of all the organizations involved. In addition is really necessary to spell out the complete rank lot the characters each time there was a meeting? I think not. As a retired military member the is a simple to provide the rank.
July 17, 2025
"Two week vacation"
Not as much action as before. There was more reorganization of all the services and the "alphabet" spy groups in preparation for D-Day. This was my least favorite book of the series.
Not as much action as before. There was more reorganization of all the services and the "alphabet" spy groups in preparation for D-Day. This was my least favorite book of the series.
July 22, 2025
Force book 18
It was good getting more stories from the raiding force. It was nice to see how decisions were made in wartime concerning the workings of the group. Hopefully the next one will have alot more figtingas they get ready for D day.
It was good getting more stories from the raiding force. It was nice to see how decisions were made in wartime concerning the workings of the group. Hopefully the next one will have alot more figtingas they get ready for D day.
July 25, 2025
As usual it did not disappoint
This series brings to light a period of WWII that has not been broached by many novels are even movies. It’s fascinating to about the days leading up to D day and the many subterfuges needed to fool the Nazis. Looking forward to the next book.
This series brings to light a period of WWII that has not been broached by many novels are even movies. It’s fascinating to about the days leading up to D day and the many subterfuges needed to fool the Nazis. Looking forward to the next book.
August 3, 2025
Great reading
Randle and the raiding forces are being relocated back to England to help decoy the Germans about DDay. The secrecy involved in the preparations and the decoy missions are paramount to success. Great reading and help with knowledge of WWII history
Randle and the raiding forces are being relocated back to England to help decoy the Germans about DDay. The secrecy involved in the preparations and the decoy missions are paramount to success. Great reading and help with knowledge of WWII history
August 21, 2025
Another thrilling installment in the Raiding Forces series. Phil Ward knocks it out of the park once again. My one complaint...I wish the books were longer! I would love if they were at least 100 pages longer, or better, double the current length. I'd still knock them out way too quickly...lol
July 17, 2025
Outstanding Phil
Mr. Ward loved the book, sat down to read it and finished the same day. Your knowledge of the military is fabulous and I can't wait till your next installment.
Mr. Ward loved the book, sat down to read it and finished the same day. Your knowledge of the military is fabulous and I can't wait till your next installment.
July 30, 2025
Wonderful read!
I love this series! This was a great homage to the earlier works. I can’t wait for the next one.
I love this series! This was a great homage to the earlier works. I can’t wait for the next one.
August 30, 2025
Good storyline
I have enjoyed the entire series and look forward to the continuing saga. Cannot wait for the next adventure. You must accept this as just a story.
I have enjoyed the entire series and look forward to the continuing saga. Cannot wait for the next adventure. You must accept this as just a story.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews