First into Sangin

by Trevor Coult MC

"First into Sangin is about a selection of men that were handpicked by the commanding officer of the First Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment. The soldiers involved were at the top of their game and the fittest within the unit; one soldier in particular had been awarded the Military Cross for a complex ambush in Baghdad on the previous tour, but due to combat and casualties, he kept this hidden from his platoon.

This is a story of a forgotten platoon. These soldiers being the first soldiers into the infamous Sangin town, they were the Irish Rangers."

310 pages, Paperback

First published April 14, 2015

Reviews

[Andy Blanche · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m in silent awe at the courage of people like Trevor and have read a great many books about their experiences.

This one was different. So raw that it felt unedited and was more like a stream of consciousness than a conventional account. This ‘raw’ quality really brought home the confusion and chaos of combat during which soldiers have to make sense of complex and life threatening situations and make critical decisions under pressure.

[Dave Monds · Rating 2 out of 5]

A brave and effective solider

First off, hats off to Sergeant Coult for his service and for sharing his harrowing experience of combat and time in the British Army. Unfortunately, he could have used some assistance with writing the book. There is no editing to speak of, the tense changes so many times it becomes a confusing distraction. There are countless other grammatical errors which do detract from the story. I enjoyed the frank and honest writing, which appear to be straight from the authors journal, but this work could be so much better. Decent editing and a bit of literary guidance to tidy up the narrative, remove a lot of waffle (we got on the bus, we drove for a while on the bus, we got off the bus, we got on another boss, we drove for a while on that bus etc etc), and more clearly explain what was really going on for those not familiar with army terms, formations, tactics and protocols would be a big help. Even so, it’s worth a read but it could be so much better.

[Lorri French · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly Recommend this Must read.


Well written account of war in Sangin , Afghanistan. I could barely put it down as I read . I felt almost as if I was holding my breath as Trevor , and his platoon , went out on each patrol. Knowing they were in constant danger from IEDs bombs & gunfire.
Trevor Coult MC and the soldiers from the Royal Irish Regiment . Heroes All , for their bravery and courage.

Trevor Coult MC , was awarded the Military Cross .


After getting help for PTSD he continues to raise money to get help for other Veterans , who also suffer from it.

.

[Mr Michael R Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relentless

That is the overwhelming feeling as you read this book. After a brief description of the actions which led to the award of a Military Cross in Iraq it moves to a first class account of the early years in Afghanistan, before we realised the full impact of relentless combat, stress and strain on young soldiers lives.
Graphic, honest, sometimes brutally so, this book is a must read to begin to understand what these young people sacrificed on behalf of their country.

[Jeremy Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

very Authentic

A very good read and an authentic account of life in the army with vivid accounts of combat. A testament to the courage and professionalism of the author and his fellow soldiers.

[C L Cruz-Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a remarkable young man!

I thoroughly appreciate the passion portrayed in this factual account. I am totally in awe of Trevor and totally understand how this passion is now carried forward in his YouTube channel. Well done sir!

[Linda K · Rating 5 out of 5]

for those of us who do not know war

Real, gritty and gave a civilian insight into war without the rubbish of agendas. I can finally have a glimpse into the REASONS for ptsd and the terrible suffering veterans go through. We all need to do more to help.

[Narelle Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really makes you appreciate what the military do. At times it was hard to read, people risking their lives every day because that's their job. It tells of the bonds of loyalty forged under fire, as well as the frustrations and the humour that can be found by these courageous men and women. People looking out for each other, supporting each other. Whatever I imagined they went through, I know it would have been worse than that. I doubt the Military Cross is a medal they give out every day, so that in itself shows the bravery of the author. I am looking forward to reading the next book.

[MRS M A RAE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not at all my usual read but once I started I could not put it down! A brilliant insight into the life of a serviceman and written in a very down to earth way.
I would highly recommend this book even if it's not your usual read.

[Rob B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

It doesn't read very well at times. Apart from that, pretty decent story but have to give it 3 for the editing and flow of the book alone.

[Nicola Lodge-Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straight to the point, no fluff, no glamorous Hollywood style depiction of life in the British Army.

[Lewis P · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gritty, detailed, recount of combat operations in the early 000’s. A highly effective soldier and leader of operations.

The problem is it reads more like a diary than a book; and it doesn’t really explore what happened after the war finished, giving too much detail on things that could have been omitted. E.g. I got the bus here, we cleaned up here, the squad went to Pizza Hut we got this.

Worth a read for the insight into Afghan operations alone and the impact it had mentally on those who were brave enough to operate there.