Bloody Belfast: An Oral History of the British Army's War Against the IRA

by Ken Wharton

Former soldier Ken Wharton witnessed the Troubles in Northern Ireland for himself. Bloody Belfast is a fascinating oral history giving a chilling insight into the killing grounds of Belfast's streets. Wharton's work is base don first-hand accounts from the soldiers. The reader can walk the darkened, dangerous streets of the Lower Falls, the Divis Flats and New Lodge alongside the soldiers who braved the hate-filled mobs on the newer, but no-less violent, streets of the 'Murph, Turf Lodge and Andersontown. The author has interviewed UDR soldier Glen Espie who survived being shot by the IRA not once but twice, and an Army dog handler whose hound Moby tracked an IRA gunman fresh from the murder of a soldier to where he was sitting in a hot bath in the Turf Lodge, desperately trying to wash away the forensic evidence.Wharton's reputation for honesty established from previous works has encouraged more soldiers of Britain's forgotten army to come forward to tell their stories of 'Bloody Belfast'. The book tells the truth about a conflict which has sometimes been underplayed by the Establishment.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

360 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2010

About the author

Ken Wharton is a former British soldier who served in the Royal Green Jackets regiment. Currently, he writes non-fiction books on the violent religious/political conflict in Northern Ireland known as The Troubles.

The books are an oral history based on first-hand accounts by soldiers of all ranks who served in the Operation Banner campaign as well as Wharton's own personal experiences when he did two tours of Northern Ireland.

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting book looking at the soldier's viewpoint of the troubles in Northern Ireland ( Ulster) and in some accounts its harrowing of the constant under pressure of being attacked by the IRA but this book gives an alternative viewpoint.

[Geevee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fine book from an author who not only served in the province, but has recorded the recollections of those who served on the streets during the troubles.

This, and Ken Wharton's other books on the British Army in Northern Ireland, will certainly bring memories back for those who served on Op Banner between 1969-2007 and will help show what it was like for those who genuinely wish to know.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

The longest running conflict in the British armed forces history, told in their own words. This is a book. Written by an author who had been there, he got a collection of others tales and experiences in N Ireland during the troubles. Anyone interested in in the troubles or the armed forces this is a good book for you to read.