STAND TO!

by Phil Ward

Colonel John Randal and Lady Jane are in a race against time to get the Bradford Hotel prepared for the next German Blitz on London while dealing with an onslaught of small-scale raids and reconnaissance missions in the Calais region of France. Col. Randal is reorganizing Raiding Forces (Europe). Lady Jane is building out the bottom subterranean floors of the hotel. A series of crises arises. A German counterintelligence officer is questioning the reliability of the Abwehr spies in England – putting the XX System at risk. And a covert beach survey team from COPP left an auger behind on one of the beaches in France that will be landed on during the D-Day invasion, compromising the landing site. Raiding Forces is tasked to come up with a plan.

382 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 20, 2026

About the author

Phil 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.

Reviews

[Rebecca H. Holman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best of The Raiding Forces - Thus Far

Way to go Phil Ward! This one has everything… characters return that we haven’t heard of for a while; light-hearted in places among the dead-serious context and action. Another new character and Phil leaves us wondering what will
become of him - or her. The final chapter is as fast-paced as I have ever read - and then it comes to a screeching halt. Noooooo!

But no spoilers from me. You’ll just have to read it yourself - and then you’ll join the rest of us urging the author to write faster so we can get our next fix of Raiding Forces.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the homefront

SPOILER ALERT! The glider assault was brilliant including the disposal of the wrecked aircraft. I understand the fire consumed the physical evidence of the attack consuming the enemy personnel but, I believe there would still be forensic evidence present in the form of spent bullets. Also the last battle was suppose to be a sneak and peek recon mission. Yet, all enemy soldiers were shot and killed. I am a bit confused on this detail.

[mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Locked, Cocked and Prepped for D-Day

Raiding Forces performs quick and dynamic insertions, actions and deceptions leading up to June 6th 1944. Their efforts contribute to the purposeful havoc of confusion created by the Allies to keep the German defenders in France off balance in their effort to diminish organized coastal defense. The Raiding Forces saga continues on their march to make history with their memorable crew.

[Richard Cowart · Rating 5 out of 5]

As raiding forces relocate from Greece islands to London to begin recon missions and to do some deception missions to trick the Germans to think the D Day invasion would be in Calais region, Lady Jane starts renovations on the Bradford Hotel to make a fancy bomb shelter and to house raiding forces SHAEF and troop transport commands. The internal political feuds threaten to ruin missions and cost lives. Great historical fiction

[Peter Hendrycks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read all the books in the series so far, and have been impressed by Mr Wards knowledge and ability to write a compelling story. My only complaint about this book , is that there is little action. Mostly boring meetings with people whose anagrams are confusing. This may be setting up for future events, but there were parts of this book that just made the few action scenes less entertaining. I look forward to the next book, which hopefully will be soon.

[Gary Vermeir]

As always, a well-researched rollicking WWII adventure. I have learned so much about WWII special operations and intelligence organizations from Raiding Forces. I do wish Phil would invest a little more in the editing, though. This one had a few serious typos and continuity errors that pull the reader out of the action. But congrats to him on coming up with another winner!

[Gary Pickersgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, full of interesting facts and lots of action

Being able to look up the weapons etc in Wikipedia is a pleasant plus. New characters being introduced brings more interest in big lumps. Once again thanks for a great read. ( I seem to say that a lot about your books eh?)

[CATHY BARBER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Square plug, Square hole

Once again Phil Ward has written another great installment of the Raiding Forces. Great characters, exciting and extremely well thought through. Mission accomplished. Look forward to the next book!

[Tom OConnor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stand to

Another great story by Mr. Ward. Well researched, full of action and anyone who likes military stories will like this. In testing to see the infighting of the different units but common in this war. Can't wait till book 20 comes out.

[Mr Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent as always. Have read all 19 books (to date) in the Raiding Forces series. Entertaining, educational, and realistic all rolled into one.

[John S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Phil Ward has added another fantastic piece to the Raiding Forces Puzzle. Could not put it down.

[Marc VanDerKarr · Rating 5 out of 5]

breathtaking action

The attention to detail in the author’s writing add to the storyline, a touch that is lost by many others

[Randy Hood · Rating 3 out of 5]

not enough action

Very slow paced. Too many character to follow or care about. I enjoyed all the previous books much more. Disappointed.

[Alan K. Steckler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

This is a continuation of the previous books and does not disappoint!!! So wonderful characters and the story flows and keeps you engaged!