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We Were Warriors
The rounds were single shot from the same two enemy positions, trying to pick me off. They were kicking up the dirt around me. Then all hell broke loose as the gunship's Gatling vomited ammo right over my head. The sound was deafening. It was now or never. I got up and ran.
A captain in 29 Commando, Johnny Mercer served in the army for twelve years. On his third tour of Afghanistan he was a Joint Fires Controller, with the pressurized job of bringing down artillery and air strikes in close proximity to his own troops. Based in an area of northern Helmand that was riddled with Taliban leaders, he walked into danger with every patrol, determined to protect them. Then one morning, in brutal close quarter combat, everything changed . . .
In We Were Warriors Johnny takes us from his commando training to the heat, blood and chaos of battle. With brutal honesty, he describes what it is like to risk your life every day, pushing through the fear that follows watching your friends die. He took the fight back to the enemy with a relentless efficiency that came at a high personal cost. Back in the UK, seeing the inadequate care available for veterans and their families, he was inspired to run for Parliament in the hope he could improve their plight. Unflinching, action-packed and laced with wry humour, We Were Warriors is a compelling read.
A captain in 29 Commando, Johnny Mercer served in the army for twelve years. On his third tour of Afghanistan he was a Joint Fires Controller, with the pressurized job of bringing down artillery and air strikes in close proximity to his own troops. Based in an area of northern Helmand that was riddled with Taliban leaders, he walked into danger with every patrol, determined to protect them. Then one morning, in brutal close quarter combat, everything changed . . .
In We Were Warriors Johnny takes us from his commando training to the heat, blood and chaos of battle. With brutal honesty, he describes what it is like to risk your life every day, pushing through the fear that follows watching your friends die. He took the fight back to the enemy with a relentless efficiency that came at a high personal cost. Back in the UK, seeing the inadequate care available for veterans and their families, he was inspired to run for Parliament in the hope he could improve their plight. Unflinching, action-packed and laced with wry humour, We Were Warriors is a compelling read.
336 pages, Paperback
First published May 30, 2017
88 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
September 4, 2018
My first foray into the realm of soldier’s memoir. The most gripping part was when he was stranded alone and under heavy fire from the Taliban. But there are some parts which are left unsaid, where the author says he can’t write about. Perhaps because the author is now an MP, and it would not be appropriate for a politician to say those things. However, the harsh realities of combat and losing friends is not spared.
October 18, 2017
A very intereseting and gripping read. The politics of fighting in Afghanistan were very small part of the story it was all about surviving a patrol and the comradeship developed between the members of the patrol as they relied on each other for their survival. Even with some very sophisticated weaponry
they found it very difficult to get the upper hand over the Taliban. This left Johnny Mercer with a feeling that the soldiers were not given due consideration in the tasks they were asked to undertake. Many of them were also not given the support to live successful lives after being discharged from the army which was one of the main reasons for becoming an MP to give voice to these people.
they found it very difficult to get the upper hand over the Taliban. This left Johnny Mercer with a feeling that the soldiers were not given due consideration in the tasks they were asked to undertake. Many of them were also not given the support to live successful lives after being discharged from the army which was one of the main reasons for becoming an MP to give voice to these people.
August 21, 2019
This book was in our accommodation on holiday and looked interesting. It was a name I'd heard of but didn't instantly connect.
It is very well written and I enjoyed reading it. It really concentrates on his relationship with his soldiers and how that linked with his own upbringing connects to mental health. I thought it was an honest and frank discussion which is a positive contribution given the contribution many modern military books are making to the glorification of conflict.
I actually really liked the parts at the end of the book discussing his entry into politics. I imagine his suggestion that the conservative party is dysfunctional when it comes to candidates campaigning won't have gone down well.
A good book. I wanted to give it 4.5 stars as there were one or two very small sections that distracted or seemed irreverent to me.
It is very well written and I enjoyed reading it. It really concentrates on his relationship with his soldiers and how that linked with his own upbringing connects to mental health. I thought it was an honest and frank discussion which is a positive contribution given the contribution many modern military books are making to the glorification of conflict.
I actually really liked the parts at the end of the book discussing his entry into politics. I imagine his suggestion that the conservative party is dysfunctional when it comes to candidates campaigning won't have gone down well.
A good book. I wanted to give it 4.5 stars as there were one or two very small sections that distracted or seemed irreverent to me.
August 5, 2021
One of the best soldier memoirs that I have ever read. The story of Mercer is not just another recount of battles in Afghanistan, but a honest look inside the mind of a frontline soldier in the Afghanistan war. As well as the development of him as a person. He is thorough and honest in his recounts of his youth and deployments without the often seen bravado in soldier memoirs.
Mercer talks a lot about how humbling it is to serve alongside men like Chandler, but reading this book about his life story is humbling on its own. The honesty and train of thoughts written down by Mercer make this book a one of a kind soldier memoir. I would recommend this to anyone.
Mercer talks a lot about how humbling it is to serve alongside men like Chandler, but reading this book about his life story is humbling on its own. The honesty and train of thoughts written down by Mercer make this book a one of a kind soldier memoir. I would recommend this to anyone.
September 1, 2017
Johnny really focuses his account of his tours in Afghanistan on the personal impact of war and how it affected him as a soldier and a person. I finished more than one chapter with tears in my eyes and even struggled to describe what I had read to my wife. I did not know anything about Johnny's post army life, but after reading the depth of his experiences, I completely understand why he made the decision to stand as an MP.
The narrative follows the usual military biographical account, starting with his early life and what led him to the army. We spend a few chapters centred around Johnny's training leading to his career as an officer. Finally we arrive in Afghanistan where Johnny completed 3 tours, witnessing the changing landscape of a drawn out conflict and endured losses that affected him deeply. The book takes a twist toward the end when we spend a few chapters reading about Johnny's attempts to launch his political career.
The book is an interesting read that is defined by a very personal story that is well told.
The narrative follows the usual military biographical account, starting with his early life and what led him to the army. We spend a few chapters centred around Johnny's training leading to his career as an officer. Finally we arrive in Afghanistan where Johnny completed 3 tours, witnessing the changing landscape of a drawn out conflict and endured losses that affected him deeply. The book takes a twist toward the end when we spend a few chapters reading about Johnny's attempts to launch his political career.
The book is an interesting read that is defined by a very personal story that is well told.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2017
Heart-wrenching, heart-warming story of bravery
I saw Jonny Mercer interviewed on This Morning and thought I would read his book, especially as my own son has a desire to join the army as an officer. This book provided a very candid account of daily life for our service personnel and the incredible bravery they demonstrate every time they set foot in hostile territory. This book made me laugh and cry in equal measure. However my overriding feelings were of pride. Proud of the military personnel our great country continues to produce, proud that these brave men and women operate under such pressure and fear, proud that my son wants to continue these traditions.
I saw Jonny Mercer interviewed on This Morning and thought I would read his book, especially as my own son has a desire to join the army as an officer. This book provided a very candid account of daily life for our service personnel and the incredible bravery they demonstrate every time they set foot in hostile territory. This book made me laugh and cry in equal measure. However my overriding feelings were of pride. Proud of the military personnel our great country continues to produce, proud that these brave men and women operate under such pressure and fear, proud that my son wants to continue these traditions.
May 20, 2019
Great up until the point he decided to stand as an mp for the Conservative party, was a good four or five stars until we got to this part
April 12, 2018
Afghanistan was not my war. I spent mine in the jungles of Indochina so I have had little idea of what things might have been like for our more recent veterans. This account provides that insight. No piece of writing can ever present the full sensory experience of being in combat to those who have not had the experience, for those of us who have our own experience fills in the intangibles so we get it!
It is an unpretentious account. Interestingly, Mercer like so many others who seek their place in the services, had a difficult childhood. Such was also the case for me. So, the account of his early days and the impact those experiences had on him resonated with me as did his account of what the army did for him, to help over ride much of that unfortunate inheritance. In my case also the army provided a sense of purpose, competence and belonging that were lacking in my life.
His accounts of combat have been selective, a whole swathe that involved special operations has been omitted, more's the pity. I would have liked to hear about those experiences also. Nonethe less there was enough to get the picture.
There are all sorts of statistics about ptsd around and the devolution of the definition in the DSM has meant that the catchall now gathers up many who, to my mind, though they math be suffering, they are not suffering from combat related ptsd as this man did. Since WW1 there has been argument and discussion of the role of predisposition in determining vulnerability to the stress that leads to ptsd. There have also been many different figures put on the proportion of troops in theater who end up with this disorder. Those estimates vary widely depending on time and criteria. No one though, to me knowledge has ever quantified the correlation between childhood trauma and combat related ptsd. My own instincts would suggest that it is probably very high indeed. Psychological testing prior to enlistment has been a failure in identifying those who might be susceptible, because as the Americans found in the early days of WW2, these tests if rigorously applied would leave too few to fill the ranks. Only the most egregious examples seem to be culled out. Any way this with a difficult past often want to get into the service and are hesitant to disclose anything that might harm their chances to do so.
I suspect from casual observationthat the proportion of frontline soldiers in the arms (infantry, artillery, armor) who have had such a background could be as high as 50%. A substantial pool.
Whatever the case for most, as Mercer found, the system fails them completely on their return. I suppose if governments can't even properly equip troops before they deploy it's a bit much to expect self interested politicians to do anything substantial for them on their return. The same applies in Australia, the US, Canada and the UK and I have no doubt in other countries as well. Unfortuanetly it seems it's all forming into a major problem f]given the length of the Afghanistan and Iraq deployments, the number of tours individual soldiers undertake and the large numbers who cycle through the system. It won't be ignored, common sense would dictate that government services for veterans pull their "finger out" and come to grips with it now instead of their usual political response of mouthing platitudes and kicking the can down the road. We can only hope that the destructive experience we had after Vietnam will not be repeated, the signs so far are not good!
It is an unpretentious account. Interestingly, Mercer like so many others who seek their place in the services, had a difficult childhood. Such was also the case for me. So, the account of his early days and the impact those experiences had on him resonated with me as did his account of what the army did for him, to help over ride much of that unfortunate inheritance. In my case also the army provided a sense of purpose, competence and belonging that were lacking in my life.
His accounts of combat have been selective, a whole swathe that involved special operations has been omitted, more's the pity. I would have liked to hear about those experiences also. Nonethe less there was enough to get the picture.
There are all sorts of statistics about ptsd around and the devolution of the definition in the DSM has meant that the catchall now gathers up many who, to my mind, though they math be suffering, they are not suffering from combat related ptsd as this man did. Since WW1 there has been argument and discussion of the role of predisposition in determining vulnerability to the stress that leads to ptsd. There have also been many different figures put on the proportion of troops in theater who end up with this disorder. Those estimates vary widely depending on time and criteria. No one though, to me knowledge has ever quantified the correlation between childhood trauma and combat related ptsd. My own instincts would suggest that it is probably very high indeed. Psychological testing prior to enlistment has been a failure in identifying those who might be susceptible, because as the Americans found in the early days of WW2, these tests if rigorously applied would leave too few to fill the ranks. Only the most egregious examples seem to be culled out. Any way this with a difficult past often want to get into the service and are hesitant to disclose anything that might harm their chances to do so.
I suspect from casual observationthat the proportion of frontline soldiers in the arms (infantry, artillery, armor) who have had such a background could be as high as 50%. A substantial pool.
Whatever the case for most, as Mercer found, the system fails them completely on their return. I suppose if governments can't even properly equip troops before they deploy it's a bit much to expect self interested politicians to do anything substantial for them on their return. The same applies in Australia, the US, Canada and the UK and I have no doubt in other countries as well. Unfortuanetly it seems it's all forming into a major problem f]given the length of the Afghanistan and Iraq deployments, the number of tours individual soldiers undertake and the large numbers who cycle through the system. It won't be ignored, common sense would dictate that government services for veterans pull their "finger out" and come to grips with it now instead of their usual political response of mouthing platitudes and kicking the can down the road. We can only hope that the destructive experience we had after Vietnam will not be repeated, the signs so far are not good!
November 16, 2018
I've given this 5* as I can't do 4.5*. This is most definitely a harrowing tale to be sure, but the humanity in it, along with one warring with oneself on a daily basis cannot be faulted. The struggles this person went through would test the most mentally healthy person on the planet. I suffer with mental health and I can't even begin to imagine dealing with this guy's life. He is one very brave man and deserves kudos aplenty. To go from Army officer into a whole new career he barely knew anything about? That takes guts, courage and as he said a good partner backing him all the way. I wish him well in his new career and I hope he gets the changes he's after, although, somehow, I can't see that happening.
April 20, 2018
Should be compulsory reading for anyone with an interest in modern British politics or in mental health. Anyone who comes from a heavily militarised area of the UK, or who knows anyone who has toured Afghanistan, will recognise the depiction of the Army life, too. As it happens, I've a mate who survived being blown up by an IED, and I really felt as though I were there while reading Johnny Mercer's descriptions. Given that Mercer is not a professional author, to say this is a job well done is an understatement.
March 13, 2021
Mandatory reading
This book should be read by every man and woman in this country in order to understand the amazing courage being displayed on their behalf by those in our armed services. It should also be mandatory reading for all politicians!
This is a very well written book that was truly unputdownable. I am sure the fog of battle has distorted some chronological sequences but the respect and care the author showed for those working at his side comes across with great clarity. A book I firmly commend to you.
This book should be read by every man and woman in this country in order to understand the amazing courage being displayed on their behalf by those in our armed services. It should also be mandatory reading for all politicians!
This is a very well written book that was truly unputdownable. I am sure the fog of battle has distorted some chronological sequences but the respect and care the author showed for those working at his side comes across with great clarity. A book I firmly commend to you.
November 29, 2017
Absolutely loved it. A very honest book . Has the rare combination of humour and the horrific . On many occasions I had to re read a paragraph to help the seriousness of what happened settle in. I genuinely shed a tear during this book too.
I really do hope we see more being written by Johnny Mercer , until then keep an eye out for him in the capacity of the MP for Plymouth Moor View. A great author and man in the making.
I really do hope we see more being written by Johnny Mercer , until then keep an eye out for him in the capacity of the MP for Plymouth Moor View. A great author and man in the making.
August 7, 2018
Fantastic book, charting Mercer's Strict Baptist background (which has left its mark on him, and not always in a positive way) to public school scholarship, 12 years as an Army officer to member of parliament determined to do better for servicemen and women (fighting Conservative party snobbishness along the way), this is at times a very emotive read. Johnny Mercer MP's maiden speech will bring a tear to the eye.
June 7, 2020
Highly recommended!
Johnny Mercer's story is highly inspirational. From what started out as an oppressively religious childhood he managed to achieve fantastic feats during his military service.
He guides you through the highs and lows of his career, including losing friends, his experience with the mental health disorders related to military service and his eventual exit from the armed forces & beginning of his political career. 4/5
Johnny Mercer's story is highly inspirational. From what started out as an oppressively religious childhood he managed to achieve fantastic feats during his military service.
He guides you through the highs and lows of his career, including losing friends, his experience with the mental health disorders related to military service and his eventual exit from the armed forces & beginning of his political career. 4/5
April 14, 2021
A frank and unapologetic picture of life in Afghanistan as a member of the British Army. Whilst I don’t agree with many of Johnny Mercer’s political stances, and his final two chapters about becoming an MP were not particularly interesting to me, his account of wartime is absolutely required reading for anyone who wishes to understand the plight that 21st century British veterans face today.
October 30, 2022
Very very humbling to read. I have come away with a very different perspective and I hope I will be a better person for it. We - all of us not just politicians- do not help our armed forces personnel anywhere near enough. Equipment, training and continuing aftercare all need attention given what we ask them to do.
November 20, 2022
From deep respect
Thank you Johnny for your blatant honesty and blunt ‘the way it was’ storytelling. I admire and respect your compassion and passion for what you believe in. Thank you for your service past and ongoing and at no time, ever, feel that all the sacrifices were wasted.
Thank you Johnny for your blatant honesty and blunt ‘the way it was’ storytelling. I admire and respect your compassion and passion for what you believe in. Thank you for your service past and ongoing and at no time, ever, feel that all the sacrifices were wasted.
November 14, 2017
A life times journey
An excellent reaD of how not matter what your background d can with determination, courage and a steely resolve of self belief and determination and with the support of a good woman/partner can achieve and make a difference
An excellent reaD of how not matter what your background d can with determination, courage and a steely resolve of self belief and determination and with the support of a good woman/partner can achieve and make a difference
February 13, 2018
I’ve read a LOT of military biographies and by goodness, this is one of the most frank and open first hand accounts of warfare I have ever come across.
Clearly an exceptional solider, writer and, I’m sure, MP!
Bravo Captain!
Clearly an exceptional solider, writer and, I’m sure, MP!
Bravo Captain!
March 20, 2018
A must-read, and I say this as someone who has no particular interest or background in the military. Compelling from start to finish, honest and incredibly thought-provoking. It is a book that will stay with me for some time. Highly recommended.
March 31, 2018
True reality
What an immense change to read an honest account of military life and it’s demands on self and family that the ‘others’ cannot hope to understand least of all the politicians who put service personnel there in the first place.
Something I could never get across.
What an immense change to read an honest account of military life and it’s demands on self and family that the ‘others’ cannot hope to understand least of all the politicians who put service personnel there in the first place.
Something I could never get across.
June 2, 2018
This is a great read. My respect to all who serve their country. This is an incredible read about a life many of us will never know thankfully. The book details the effort in war and after war by a captain. Highly recommend reading.
August 30, 2018
A powerful and descriptive account of the fighting in Afghanistan in this century. At times, tense, frustrating, funny but above all, deeply moving. The book closes with the authors maiden speech in the House of Commons, bringing a tear to my eye.
June 27, 2019
Extraordinarily vivid and heartfelt
I don't have any relevant experience to comment on what it feels like to be under fire but, having read this book, I certainly feel like I have a much better understanding than I did beforehand.
I don't have any relevant experience to comment on what it feels like to be under fire but, having read this book, I certainly feel like I have a much better understanding than I did beforehand.
July 29, 2020
Shaming people that are smart enough not to engage in a war that you very much critique yourself really bothered me.
Author was indoctrinated by his awful parents and seems jealous of those that don’t need as much guidance as him.
Author was indoctrinated by his awful parents and seems jealous of those that don’t need as much guidance as him.
July 30, 2020
a low 4/5, not superb or immersive, but competent and at times, intriguing. Mercer seems to be a good military officer, but the work here is not the 5/5 level of compelling-ness. well-written memoir of combat.
January 14, 2021
I listened to this book as an audiobook. It is a fantastic narrative from a modern soldier in the British Army, and shows the positives and negatives that come from experience on the frontline. Mercer got me thinking about politics from a new perspective.
October 18, 2022
Captivating read.
Johnny gives a spine chillingly accurate description of his time in Afghanistan. His campaign was familiar to me, albeit mine was fought during the aftermath of covid and I didn’t win. Still, there’s always another chance!
Johnny gives a spine chillingly accurate description of his time in Afghanistan. His campaign was familiar to me, albeit mine was fought during the aftermath of covid and I didn’t win. Still, there’s always another chance!
June 1, 2023
A truly remarkable book
A powerful and moving book from someone who I have come to believe is the epitome of who should be our political representatives. Always interesting, utterly compelling and surprisingly moving.
A powerful and moving book from someone who I have come to believe is the epitome of who should be our political representatives. Always interesting, utterly compelling and surprisingly moving.
June 21, 2017
Absolutely fantastic. Fascinating, emotive and addictive. A subject I ashamedly know little about and have read little on, but this enthralling tale of the harsh reality of war brings home what these men and women go through. Brilliant.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews