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Raiding Forces #7
Desert Patrol
The siege of the RAF base at Habbaniya is lifted after the defenders launch a surprise counter attach followed up by an intense air campaign and assault on Bagdad by Habforce that force marched to their aid. Back in Cairo, Raiding Forces is ordered to interdict the Via Balbia, Rommel's 1500 mile supply route along the Mediterranean coast. Maj. Randal forms Raiding Forces Desert Squadron (RFDS) and Raiding Forces Sea Squadron (RFSS) to conduct gunjeep and amphibious pinprick raids against the Afrika Korps exposed line of communication.
- GenresMilitary FictionWar
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2015
294 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Phil Ward
38 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 16, 2022
Good not great. Lots of desert raiding.
January 24, 2021
Too Much Military Detail, Little Action
Ward spent a lot of time developing his characters in the first few books of the series and did a great job. He made the reader feel as though they knew each character personally while building tales of incredible action. Though the indelible characters still remain in Book 7, the author spent too many pages building and too little on the action. The sparse action there was did not measure up to the excitement of the earlier books in the series. I kept reading, but I could have read only the beginning and ending without missing a thing. C’mon, Phil. You can do better! If next in series does not improve, it will be my last.
Ward spent a lot of time developing his characters in the first few books of the series and did a great job. He made the reader feel as though they knew each character personally while building tales of incredible action. Though the indelible characters still remain in Book 7, the author spent too many pages building and too little on the action. The sparse action there was did not measure up to the excitement of the earlier books in the series. I kept reading, but I could have read only the beginning and ending without missing a thing. C’mon, Phil. You can do better! If next in series does not improve, it will be my last.
December 3, 2019
The War In Africa Heats Up
“Desert Patrol” - the 7th book in the ‘Raiding Forces Series’ - is a continuation of LTCOL John Randal’s career in the British Commandoes just before America enters the war in December 1941.
The story of Randel and his men (and women) during his heroics against the Italians and their Middle Eastern allies, continues as he now must plan & implement his hit-and-run tactics against Field Marshal Edwin Rommel and his Afrika Corps tanks.
Phil Ward writes Randel’s exploits like a war correspondent riding along with LTCOL Randel and watching the action open up before his eyes. He makes you feel like you’re riding along, too.
Any one who is fascinated by the battles that took place during WW II will certainly enjoy this series.
“Desert Patrol” - the 7th book in the ‘Raiding Forces Series’ - is a continuation of LTCOL John Randal’s career in the British Commandoes just before America enters the war in December 1941.
The story of Randel and his men (and women) during his heroics against the Italians and their Middle Eastern allies, continues as he now must plan & implement his hit-and-run tactics against Field Marshal Edwin Rommel and his Afrika Corps tanks.
Phil Ward writes Randel’s exploits like a war correspondent riding along with LTCOL Randel and watching the action open up before his eyes. He makes you feel like you’re riding along, too.
Any one who is fascinated by the battles that took place during WW II will certainly enjoy this series.
September 1, 2025
This book is filled with nonstop action. It vividly describes life in the desert, which became ordinary for the Desert Patrol. Didnt sound like much fun to me, but they found a way to survive. Navigating your way through the Great Desert Sea, must have been difficult! The process is explained in this book, but its another thing when you are out there in a featureless environment, where a mistake could cost many lives! I wonder if the speech impediment that Huxley has is based on a character from Mr. Wards past? It adds a little human element into the people in the Desert Patrol. Im looking forward to the next book.
May 31, 2021
Interesting story
This historical fiction of British commandos is interesting. Have been reading this series from book one. Some Items are repetitive such as zippo lighter but that must means something to author. A little too much text of the numerous characters planning the raids and l too little of the action. Interesting these commandos are so successful but the Brits are getting their butts kicked at this point by the Germans
This historical fiction of British commandos is interesting. Have been reading this series from book one. Some Items are repetitive such as zippo lighter but that must means something to author. A little too much text of the numerous characters planning the raids and l too little of the action. Interesting these commandos are so successful but the Brits are getting their butts kicked at this point by the Germans
June 17, 2017
Great story
Once again the Raiding Forces troops are initiating the action and taking it to the Axis troops. The usual cast of characters led by John Randall are taking the war to the enemy.
Once again the Raiding Forces troops are initiating the action and taking it to the Axis troops. The usual cast of characters led by John Randall are taking the war to the enemy.
August 25, 2017
Another thriller
The series continues to provide action with history to make for good reading. We follow Randle, Lady Jane and company into northern Africa against Rommel's supply lines. Great reading and as always a good mix of characters, history, romance and action.
The series continues to provide action with history to make for good reading. We follow Randle, Lady Jane and company into northern Africa against Rommel's supply lines. Great reading and as always a good mix of characters, history, romance and action.
February 28, 2022
A good military adventure
The story telling is good . The editing leaves something to improve. Calling the island of Cyprus like the Florida resort Cypress Gardens particularly irritated. Some of the military terms were not not used in the period that is described .
The story telling is good . The editing leaves something to improve. Calling the island of Cyprus like the Florida resort Cypress Gardens particularly irritated. Some of the military terms were not not used in the period that is described .
January 27, 2023
Good action.
I'm loving the action in these books. They move quick and give you enough detail to know what's happening. This one moves to the desert theater in Africa. Sets up the next one nicley.
I'm loving the action in these books. They move quick and give you enough detail to know what's happening. This one moves to the desert theater in Africa. Sets up the next one nicley.
March 26, 2024
New environment, new challenges, including Rommel, and the major is now a Lt Col. New equipment to modify and new warriors, even Americans. The new missions start with a bang and continue with serious mistakes, Tobruk, Greece and Crete, being made in London GHQ.
May 29, 2019
great series
April 16, 2020
What a great series
All of a sudden I find myself just plowing through this book non stop. Exciting as hell, never sure where this is going to end. Great fun.
All of a sudden I find myself just plowing through this book non stop. Exciting as hell, never sure where this is going to end. Great fun.
December 7, 2020
Fun and easy to read. Wonderful group of characters with page turning action.
February 26, 2021
Another fantastic job!!!
Mr. Ward does a great job of mixing facts and fiction into a great story line. I love the series!!
Mr. Ward does a great job of mixing facts and fiction into a great story line. I love the series!!
October 14, 2021
Riveting A Real page Turner
Started reading yesterday morning a read most of the book in 24 hours, it is a story well told, More !
Started reading yesterday morning a read most of the book in 24 hours, it is a story well told, More !
September 21, 2022
God read
Enjoyed the specific the action parts. Sometimes it seems to have to much information for my liking. I am an action guy.
Enjoyed the specific the action parts. Sometimes it seems to have to much information for my liking. I am an action guy.
August 2, 2023
The war changes
The Lt. Cornell starts a new set of military attacks. Numerous battles take place and new methods of destroying the enemy develop.
The Lt. Cornell starts a new set of military attacks. Numerous battles take place and new methods of destroying the enemy develop.
Read
November 10, 2023More of the same
January 18, 2025
Tear it up...then get the Hell outta Dodge!
Phil Ward is a master storyteller ... Had me looking up whether and how many children FDR had! Thank you! Aspirational characters and scene descriptions that had me picking desert sand from my teeth! Wow!
Phil Ward is a master storyteller ... Had me looking up whether and how many children FDR had! Thank you! Aspirational characters and scene descriptions that had me picking desert sand from my teeth! Wow!
November 20, 2022
SERIES CONTINUES TO BE HIGHLY READABLE & ENGAGING
New Stories in every chapter as the Art of Raiding becomes more perfected & new missions, targets, & methods are introduced. New characters & New Challenges are introduced as well. Each book has extensive lessons in leadership, command, & relationships, that are actually very good & practical to apply in many ways.
New Stories in every chapter as the Art of Raiding becomes more perfected & new missions, targets, & methods are introduced. New characters & New Challenges are introduced as well. Each book has extensive lessons in leadership, command, & relationships, that are actually very good & practical to apply in many ways.
April 6, 2022
Another good one
Just finished this book in the series. It is very late at night ( something I find myself doing a lot with this series) along with Tom Clancy the writer just does not let you put the book down when you want, you have to read another chapter first or some times a couple more. Good job.
Just finished this book in the series. It is very late at night ( something I find myself doing a lot with this series) along with Tom Clancy the writer just does not let you put the book down when you want, you have to read another chapter first or some times a couple more. Good job.
May 20, 2020
The fiction is good albeit at times a little outlandish all beaded on historical events.
Phil Ward follows history very well and incorporates into the series.
He covers basic five paragraph field orders, tactics, weapons, and avoids most of the military politics.
Phil Ward follows history very well and incorporates into the series.
He covers basic five paragraph field orders, tactics, weapons, and avoids most of the military politics.
July 30, 2020
Enjoyed the book
Have enjoyed the seven books in this series have recommended this series to my son don't know if it is audio for him
Have enjoyed the seven books in this series have recommended this series to my son don't know if it is audio for him
December 7, 2015
The seven book series was a fun read. Some historical events and much about the weapons of the day and the beginning of those who jump from perfectly good airplanes. While not for me, my late Uncle Paris was a member of the 101st Airborne and jumped on Normandy on D-day, so I can relate to those who do such things. The gliders were a very bad idea.
Col. Mulvey, my Uncle, did retire. You'll find him mentioned in the book "The Longest Day."
Raiding Forces is all about the Brits and their fronts fought before we "Yanks" got into the fray.
Enjoy!
Col. Mulvey, my Uncle, did retire. You'll find him mentioned in the book "The Longest Day."
Raiding Forces is all about the Brits and their fronts fought before we "Yanks" got into the fray.
Enjoy!
February 9, 2020
Great writing, Great series
I have now finished the 7th in the series and am loving them. I recommended them to my family (ages 12 - son, 19 - son, classified - wife, 55 - me). They are all enjoying them also.
Well developed and likable characters. Lots of action. Interesting situations and tactics. A great way to learn history.
A very enjoyable series.
I have now finished the 7th in the series and am loving them. I recommended them to my family (ages 12 - son, 19 - son, classified - wife, 55 - me). They are all enjoying them also.
Well developed and likable characters. Lots of action. Interesting situations and tactics. A great way to learn history.
A very enjoyable series.
May 26, 2015
Each of these books tell better and better stories; which seem to be based on little know parts of WWII.
The only problem was the typography of the ebook- very poorly done.
The only problem was the typography of the ebook- very poorly done.
March 17, 2019
I can't stop reading this series. Love them.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews