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Painting the Sand
Kim Hughes is the most highly decorated bomb disposal operator serving in the British Army. He was awarded the George Cross in 2009 following a grueling six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan during which he defused 119 improvised explosive devices, survived numerous Taliban ambushes and endured a close encounter with the Secretary of State for Defence.The back drop to Painting the Sand will be the Afghan War, the conflict where the cold courage of the bomb disposal operator rose to national prominence. No other field of warfare offers the chance of a single individual to come so close to his enemy and fight out a battle of wits where losing can means death. This is one of the best memoirs that will come out of a ten-year struggle to defeat a hidden, and enduring, enemy.
326 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2017
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December 11, 2018
This is a memoir about Staff Sergeant Kim Hughes‘ six month deployment in 2009 as head of the British bomb disposal unit Brimstone 42 in the Helmand province of southern Afghanistan. Hughes is the most highly decorated bomb disposal operator serving in the British Army and was awarded the George Cross following the six-month tour of duty of which he writes in this book. He defused 119 improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
When he began, he was a nobody with little prospects for the future. His six-month tour of duty came to define him as a man with a future and a goal in life.
This book brings home what it is like for those men on the ground in Afghanistan fighting the Taliban, the grueling conditions of their life there, the comradeship that develop between the men and the strain put on their marriages. The author’s vivid and honest depiction puts you there. The jargon used is authentic. This does mean that there is a heavy usage of acronyms. These are explained but not every time. Nevertheless, following the events is not confusing. I would not want the dialogues changed one bit; that which is said felt utterly real.
The audiobook narration by Oliver Hemsbrough Is very well performed. Clear and distinct and easy to follow. It is read at the perfect speed. I have given both the narration and the book itself four stars.
I do not usually tackle a book such as this, but I am very, very glad to have read it Don’t shy away from this book; it is exceptionally good.
When he began, he was a nobody with little prospects for the future. His six-month tour of duty came to define him as a man with a future and a goal in life.
This book brings home what it is like for those men on the ground in Afghanistan fighting the Taliban, the grueling conditions of their life there, the comradeship that develop between the men and the strain put on their marriages. The author’s vivid and honest depiction puts you there. The jargon used is authentic. This does mean that there is a heavy usage of acronyms. These are explained but not every time. Nevertheless, following the events is not confusing. I would not want the dialogues changed one bit; that which is said felt utterly real.
The audiobook narration by Oliver Hemsbrough Is very well performed. Clear and distinct and easy to follow. It is read at the perfect speed. I have given both the narration and the book itself four stars.
I do not usually tackle a book such as this, but I am very, very glad to have read it Don’t shy away from this book; it is exceptionally good.
March 18, 2018
‘Now the British Army were sucking it up {desert dust}, fighting a war that was never meant to happen against an enemy who had no concept of defeat.’
This is an exhilarating account of a British Army bomb disposal expert in Afghanistan from the very first chapter, where a British soldier is hit in the face by a ricocheting bullet, it never stops. Hughes provides an interesting background to his early life and the reason why the army attracted him and how he qualifies to be an Ammunition Technician.
‘Every operator remembers their first bomb, just like you can remember your first proper kiss. It’s a seminal moment, you’ve come of age. No matter what happens in the rest of your life you can call yourself a bomb disposal expert’.
The writing is intelligent. The stories and locations are mesmerizing. There are tense moments especially when he has a whole minefield to clear but this is what he now lives for and he also gets rewarded for. As he says ‘If I had told my team ‘This is what I was made for’ they’d probably think I was a bit of a w*nker’.
The clearing of IEDs is his main objective but there is much more to this book than just one story after another of bomb disposal. You get a real understanding of a soldier’s life. My word it can be a hairy one and boring as he points out in one chapter.
An incredible 6-month tour nicely captured in this riveting book.
This is an exhilarating account of a British Army bomb disposal expert in Afghanistan from the very first chapter, where a British soldier is hit in the face by a ricocheting bullet, it never stops. Hughes provides an interesting background to his early life and the reason why the army attracted him and how he qualifies to be an Ammunition Technician.
‘Every operator remembers their first bomb, just like you can remember your first proper kiss. It’s a seminal moment, you’ve come of age. No matter what happens in the rest of your life you can call yourself a bomb disposal expert’.
The writing is intelligent. The stories and locations are mesmerizing. There are tense moments especially when he has a whole minefield to clear but this is what he now lives for and he also gets rewarded for. As he says ‘If I had told my team ‘This is what I was made for’ they’d probably think I was a bit of a w*nker’.
The clearing of IEDs is his main objective but there is much more to this book than just one story after another of bomb disposal. You get a real understanding of a soldier’s life. My word it can be a hairy one and boring as he points out in one chapter.
An incredible 6-month tour nicely captured in this riveting book.
June 8, 2020
119 Improvised Explosive Devices ("IED"); 119 trysts with death; 119 deeds of valour; 119 instances of innumerable lives saved! Painting the Sand is an autobiographical account of heroics, horror and horripilation. Kim Hughes QC is one of the most decorated military professionals in the United Kingdom. Deployed in the harsh and unforgiving terrains of Afghanistan following the War on Terror declaration of George W Bush in the aftermath of the heinous World Trade Centre attacks, Kim Hughes was part of the EOD team tasked with taking care of the innumerable IEDs littering the Afghan landscape.
Kim Hughes in recounting his six months of military engagement which made him scour the barren Helmand province in search of deadly IEDs which killed or incapacitated innumerable soldiers provides a no holds barred, spine chilling and ghastly overview of the theatre of operations. Pulling absolutely no punches, Hughes describes in nerve tingling detail the entire process which an Am munitions Technical Officer ("ATO") engages in neutralising a buried IED. The painstakingly deadly process involving myriad tools ranging from an innocuous paintbrush to an intricate collection of incendiaries and explosives makes the hair at the nape of the reader's neck to bristle with both apprehension and anticipation. The ingenuity of the enemy countered by the innovation of Hughes' team makes for some riveting reading. Even though bereft of every kind of sophisticated technology on account of zero access to the requisite materials, the Taliban prove themselves to be adept improvisers as they scour the earth for every piece of scrap, metal and casing and from the motley collection assemble rude, crude and dangerous IEDs packed with 20 kilograms of Home Made Explosives ("HME"). Hughes says that the objective of the battle hardy extremists is to maim the NATO forces if not to kill them outright.
Using a refreshingly frank and forthright approach, Hughes details out his academic failures, a tempestuous relationship with an aggressive step father, and a marriage that from the outset was doomed to fail before highlighting his hazardous assignment in the mountainous landscape of Afghanistan. Triumph intermingles with tragedy as the successful completion of a mission is tarnished by the loss of a close friend. By the time Hughes finished his assignment, he had chalked up a stupendous record of identifying and neutralising a staggering 119 IEDs a feat unmatched before or since. However there is neither haughtiness nor pride in the narration of Hughes. It is just the culmination of a duty and a noble service which led to the preservation of a great many number of precious lives.
"Painting the Sand" is an unforgettable canvas of pain, perseverance, patience and pleasure!
Kim Hughes in recounting his six months of military engagement which made him scour the barren Helmand province in search of deadly IEDs which killed or incapacitated innumerable soldiers provides a no holds barred, spine chilling and ghastly overview of the theatre of operations. Pulling absolutely no punches, Hughes describes in nerve tingling detail the entire process which an Am munitions Technical Officer ("ATO") engages in neutralising a buried IED. The painstakingly deadly process involving myriad tools ranging from an innocuous paintbrush to an intricate collection of incendiaries and explosives makes the hair at the nape of the reader's neck to bristle with both apprehension and anticipation. The ingenuity of the enemy countered by the innovation of Hughes' team makes for some riveting reading. Even though bereft of every kind of sophisticated technology on account of zero access to the requisite materials, the Taliban prove themselves to be adept improvisers as they scour the earth for every piece of scrap, metal and casing and from the motley collection assemble rude, crude and dangerous IEDs packed with 20 kilograms of Home Made Explosives ("HME"). Hughes says that the objective of the battle hardy extremists is to maim the NATO forces if not to kill them outright.
Using a refreshingly frank and forthright approach, Hughes details out his academic failures, a tempestuous relationship with an aggressive step father, and a marriage that from the outset was doomed to fail before highlighting his hazardous assignment in the mountainous landscape of Afghanistan. Triumph intermingles with tragedy as the successful completion of a mission is tarnished by the loss of a close friend. By the time Hughes finished his assignment, he had chalked up a stupendous record of identifying and neutralising a staggering 119 IEDs a feat unmatched before or since. However there is neither haughtiness nor pride in the narration of Hughes. It is just the culmination of a duty and a noble service which led to the preservation of a great many number of precious lives.
"Painting the Sand" is an unforgettable canvas of pain, perseverance, patience and pleasure!
May 3, 2023
Loved it. Brought back memories.
August 8, 2019
Courage, Skill, Trust in your comrades and more than a little luck combine to make the difference between “Initial Success or Total Failure” as one brave British Army EOD Technician, Staff Sergeant Kim Hughes, embarks on the most harrowing and defining moment of his life and career as an Ammunition Technical Officer (ATO). Enter the gripping and emotionally-charged military memoir “Painting the Sand.” The title might sound deceptive for a book chronicling one man’s time in the reclusive realm of bomb disposal, but it actually serves a very important purpose. “Painting the Sand” is an ATO’s euphemism when he’s downrange uncovering buried Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
The memoir introduces us to Senior Ammunition Technical Officer Kim Hughes as he reflects on his turbulent childhood, forced to endure relentless abuse from bullies at school compounded by the heartbreaking turmoil of an abusive father and battered mother. Desperate for a reprieve from his tumultuous youth, Kim Hughes takes it upon himself to enlist in the British Army. Following Basic Training, he becomes a driver for the Royal Logistics Corps (RLC) which is also home to the elite Felix Unit: England’s Bomb Squad. Following a short stint with an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Regiment, Hughes is instantly enamored with the role of the bomb disposal man. This triggers the most defining chapter of his life as he takes the courageous step to become one of the most elite and sought after soldiers on the frontline: an Ammunition Technical Officer (ATO).
Walking through the halls of the renowned Felix Centre, it was here that Kim Hughes would find his permanent niche in life. Upon completion of the rigorous six month course, his sights are set on an even bigger prize: the six-week High Threat Operator Course at Kineton. An ATO earns the right to bear the coveted rank of High Threat Operator, these operators are the cream of the crop of bomb disposal; tasked with the most dangerous and demanding missions on the battlefield. When the mission exceeds the capabilities of the bravest bomb techs, that’s when the venerable High Threat Operators of the Felix Unit step forward to defuse danger.
It isn’t long before the expertise of Staff Sergeant Kim Hughes is put to the ultimate test when he is deployed to one of the most dangerous places on Earth, Afghanistan for a six month tour of duty in 2009. Initially posted to Helmand Province for Counter-IED Operations, Staff Sergeant Hughes is just getting the lay of the land and melding with his teammates within the walls of Camp Bastian when he is posted to Sangin for one of the most daunting missions of his career. When reports of casualties in a minefield come in to the Ops Room, Staff Sergeant Hughes and his squad of High Threat Operators scramble into action. Once on-scene, they quickly discover that this isn’t your average minefield but rather an ingeniously-devised IED-Brain consisting of numerous landmines operating independently, all wired to a central circuit. It’s up to the courage and steadfast skill of one brave bomb technician to turn the tide and neutralize the situation. Staff Sergeant Hughes’ valiant actions would not go unnoticed. In 2010, he would receive the second highest military honor, the coveted George Cross. Awarded only to those who have displayed extreme bravery on the battlefield; the George Cross is the United Kingdom’s equivalent of the Silver Star. Created in 1940, the George Cross has been awarded to 406 Recipients including 86 posthumously to brave souls who have given their lives in service to his Majesty’s Government.
This memoir paints a visceral, honest and human portrait of life as one of the world’s top bomb disposal technicians. It also highlights the very extreme demands placed upon one’s personal life at home and how the demands of EOD can leave your family in complete disarray whether dealing with an impatient spouse or struggling to reconnect with a young child who doesn’t understand the trials and tribulations of military service; all he longs for is his Daddy to come home and play with him. Having read Air Force EOD Tech Brian Castner’s memoir “The Long Walk” and Chris Hunter’s memoirs: “Eight Lives Down” and “Extreme Risk,” GC Kim Hughes’ “Painting the Sand” is another engaging and thought provoking glimpse into the mindset of an EOD Technician and the length he or she is willing to go to ensure the survival of complete strangers be it domestically on the home front or in the heat of the battle downrange.
The memoir introduces us to Senior Ammunition Technical Officer Kim Hughes as he reflects on his turbulent childhood, forced to endure relentless abuse from bullies at school compounded by the heartbreaking turmoil of an abusive father and battered mother. Desperate for a reprieve from his tumultuous youth, Kim Hughes takes it upon himself to enlist in the British Army. Following Basic Training, he becomes a driver for the Royal Logistics Corps (RLC) which is also home to the elite Felix Unit: England’s Bomb Squad. Following a short stint with an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Regiment, Hughes is instantly enamored with the role of the bomb disposal man. This triggers the most defining chapter of his life as he takes the courageous step to become one of the most elite and sought after soldiers on the frontline: an Ammunition Technical Officer (ATO).
Walking through the halls of the renowned Felix Centre, it was here that Kim Hughes would find his permanent niche in life. Upon completion of the rigorous six month course, his sights are set on an even bigger prize: the six-week High Threat Operator Course at Kineton. An ATO earns the right to bear the coveted rank of High Threat Operator, these operators are the cream of the crop of bomb disposal; tasked with the most dangerous and demanding missions on the battlefield. When the mission exceeds the capabilities of the bravest bomb techs, that’s when the venerable High Threat Operators of the Felix Unit step forward to defuse danger.
It isn’t long before the expertise of Staff Sergeant Kim Hughes is put to the ultimate test when he is deployed to one of the most dangerous places on Earth, Afghanistan for a six month tour of duty in 2009. Initially posted to Helmand Province for Counter-IED Operations, Staff Sergeant Hughes is just getting the lay of the land and melding with his teammates within the walls of Camp Bastian when he is posted to Sangin for one of the most daunting missions of his career. When reports of casualties in a minefield come in to the Ops Room, Staff Sergeant Hughes and his squad of High Threat Operators scramble into action. Once on-scene, they quickly discover that this isn’t your average minefield but rather an ingeniously-devised IED-Brain consisting of numerous landmines operating independently, all wired to a central circuit. It’s up to the courage and steadfast skill of one brave bomb technician to turn the tide and neutralize the situation. Staff Sergeant Hughes’ valiant actions would not go unnoticed. In 2010, he would receive the second highest military honor, the coveted George Cross. Awarded only to those who have displayed extreme bravery on the battlefield; the George Cross is the United Kingdom’s equivalent of the Silver Star. Created in 1940, the George Cross has been awarded to 406 Recipients including 86 posthumously to brave souls who have given their lives in service to his Majesty’s Government.
This memoir paints a visceral, honest and human portrait of life as one of the world’s top bomb disposal technicians. It also highlights the very extreme demands placed upon one’s personal life at home and how the demands of EOD can leave your family in complete disarray whether dealing with an impatient spouse or struggling to reconnect with a young child who doesn’t understand the trials and tribulations of military service; all he longs for is his Daddy to come home and play with him. Having read Air Force EOD Tech Brian Castner’s memoir “The Long Walk” and Chris Hunter’s memoirs: “Eight Lives Down” and “Extreme Risk,” GC Kim Hughes’ “Painting the Sand” is another engaging and thought provoking glimpse into the mindset of an EOD Technician and the length he or she is willing to go to ensure the survival of complete strangers be it domestically on the home front or in the heat of the battle downrange.
June 28, 2018
Clear and concise. An exciting and informative read.
March 19, 2018
I find myself at a quandary.
I hear and appreciate this mans personal journey and his experiences in a theatre of modern war with the British forces as a frontline bomb disposal expert (ATO in British military terms). However I find myself asking if he could not also have looked more also at the other front line troops deployed around him and the pressures that they were under daily, as opposed to seemingly giving them little recognition and focusing on just himself. Even in his interactions with others.
His description of his deployment to Sangin being a case in point. Infantry, and infantry replacements, were loosing life and limb daily, the death and injury toll at that point were amoungst the worst during the British engagement at Sangin. The pressure on those who were there was immense, often for months at a time with little respite. The authors focus however, whilst on the death around him during his engagement, came back fundamentally to how exhausted he and his team were after circa a weeks deployment. A week.
I am not saying he did poor work, to the contrary, the documented work saved lives, however a thought spared, a recognition of those in that situation for months, would have added further credibility to the author as a team memebr of the British forces and opposed to leading an ATO team.
This is an a times harrowing story. So too does it protray the inginuity of those staged against the Western collolition forces. Those who know the ground, were fighting for their own country and who effectively retained the tradition of Afganistan never being fully and successfully conquered by outsiders, despite the assistance of some Afganis themselves.
The futility of the lastest war in Afganistan has been documented in many works over the recent years, with this book standing amoungst the better I have read in an attempt to understand why the West became involved, what the reality was for those we sent, what it may have been for those lost and also too for those who have thankfully returned home and continue to warrant our support and respect.
I hear and appreciate this mans personal journey and his experiences in a theatre of modern war with the British forces as a frontline bomb disposal expert (ATO in British military terms). However I find myself asking if he could not also have looked more also at the other front line troops deployed around him and the pressures that they were under daily, as opposed to seemingly giving them little recognition and focusing on just himself. Even in his interactions with others.
His description of his deployment to Sangin being a case in point. Infantry, and infantry replacements, were loosing life and limb daily, the death and injury toll at that point were amoungst the worst during the British engagement at Sangin. The pressure on those who were there was immense, often for months at a time with little respite. The authors focus however, whilst on the death around him during his engagement, came back fundamentally to how exhausted he and his team were after circa a weeks deployment. A week.
I am not saying he did poor work, to the contrary, the documented work saved lives, however a thought spared, a recognition of those in that situation for months, would have added further credibility to the author as a team memebr of the British forces and opposed to leading an ATO team.
This is an a times harrowing story. So too does it protray the inginuity of those staged against the Western collolition forces. Those who know the ground, were fighting for their own country and who effectively retained the tradition of Afganistan never being fully and successfully conquered by outsiders, despite the assistance of some Afganis themselves.
The futility of the lastest war in Afganistan has been documented in many works over the recent years, with this book standing amoungst the better I have read in an attempt to understand why the West became involved, what the reality was for those we sent, what it may have been for those lost and also too for those who have thankfully returned home and continue to warrant our support and respect.
January 18, 2019
Strangely, I was attracted to this book because of its arty title for a book on war; but just that was the clue. Contrary to the norm, this book is not about the war, but about the lives involved therein, and Hughes indeed very successfully brings to light the humaneness that exists in the wild raw war lands of Afghanistan. This is the story of a real war seen at ground level by a soldier. Hugh openly talks of failures, weaknesses, frustrations, misjudged priorities and lost battles in a maybe winning war. There were bits that amused me, bits that made my heart wrench, bits that made me laugh and smile and bits that made me angry; but all the while I was left with wanting for more. For a story of a real battle, the non-violent peace-wanting me was rather surprised at how disappointed I was when the book ended! but looking back on it, despite all war setting of the book, this book is really about determination to go on despite all odds and in the worst of circumstances, standing true to yourself and your nation, surpassing your own expectations, having a family away from family and having each others back. This book is an excellent testament to the service of our armed forces and the values it supports. A bow to Hughes for living and surviving this life.
November 1, 2020
Amongst the many military biographies is this gem by British soldier Kim Hughes GC, who was awarded a George Cross for "the single most outstanding act of explosive ordnance disposal ever recorded in Afghanistan". Unlike other biographies that tell of brave gun battles and daring deeds he tells of a team of soldiers who spent long hours of delicate work and concentration making bombs safe whilst others stood nearby watching and waiting.
In April 2009 the author flew into Helmand, soldiers were getting killed and injured regularly by the multiple IEDs the Taliban had buried. The men of his team, bomb disposal unit Brimstone 42 were tasked with dealing with them.
Theres a realism about the tone of this book, not only does the author tell of the teams successes, the friendships and the humour he also tells of the periods of frustration, poor conditions and when things went horribly wrong, accepting that mistakes were made on both a professional and personal level
Definitely a thought provoking read, my utmost respect to all of those brave soldiers who go out paintbrushes in hand clearing the ground and making it safe for others.
In April 2009 the author flew into Helmand, soldiers were getting killed and injured regularly by the multiple IEDs the Taliban had buried. The men of his team, bomb disposal unit Brimstone 42 were tasked with dealing with them.
Theres a realism about the tone of this book, not only does the author tell of the teams successes, the friendships and the humour he also tells of the periods of frustration, poor conditions and when things went horribly wrong, accepting that mistakes were made on both a professional and personal level
Definitely a thought provoking read, my utmost respect to all of those brave soldiers who go out paintbrushes in hand clearing the ground and making it safe for others.
July 25, 2018
Starting to really enjoy reading military accounts from those in the front-line. Firstly, I have a huge amount of respect for them. Secondly, it's an exhilarating read, which kept me gripped throughout.
Granted, some of it was too technical but it also gave him a lot of credibility. What I would say, is he didn't ramble.
Even though I'll never know what it's like to be on the front-line, books like these give me a profound appreciation of the work these men and women do on a daily basis while putting their lives on the line.
Things I learned: Appreciation of those on the front-line, the desensitization to violence and death in war-zones, the importance placed upon "working the problem" with limited information.
Granted, some of it was too technical but it also gave him a lot of credibility. What I would say, is he didn't ramble.
Even though I'll never know what it's like to be on the front-line, books like these give me a profound appreciation of the work these men and women do on a daily basis while putting their lives on the line.
Things I learned: Appreciation of those on the front-line, the desensitization to violence and death in war-zones, the importance placed upon "working the problem" with limited information.
July 3, 2019
A gripping account of the war in Afghanistan and what it's really like for the men on the ground. This was one book I knew I'd want to read all the way through and it didn't disappoint.
Kim also deals with the fact that even though the soldier often knows the futility of the conflict, there's no way they'd want to be doing anything else.
That might seem crazy to the rest of Humanity, but when you train so long to do a job, and finally the opportunity comes, you just don't think of the danger. You just want to get in there and do what you've been trained to do!
This was a great read and anyone who really wants to know what makes the soldier 'tick' should read this book.
Kim also deals with the fact that even though the soldier often knows the futility of the conflict, there's no way they'd want to be doing anything else.
That might seem crazy to the rest of Humanity, but when you train so long to do a job, and finally the opportunity comes, you just don't think of the danger. You just want to get in there and do what you've been trained to do!
This was a great read and anyone who really wants to know what makes the soldier 'tick' should read this book.
July 29, 2022
One of the better memorials I've read (or more accurately listened to) from the early 2000s operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Kim Hughes served as a bomb disposal technician and relates his background prior to joining the armed forces, as well as his experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The book is quite well written and manages to balance effectively between giving the reader enough background information and not bogging down in too much detail. My bomb disposal expertise is limited to watching the Hurt Locker and I was able to keep up just fine. And I would also say that Painting the Sand makes for a better and more balanced story than the Hurt Locker.
The book is quite well written and manages to balance effectively between giving the reader enough background information and not bogging down in too much detail. My bomb disposal expertise is limited to watching the Hurt Locker and I was able to keep up just fine. And I would also say that Painting the Sand makes for a better and more balanced story than the Hurt Locker.
January 17, 2019
A very humbling read that puts life into perspective
This book is one of the best books of its kind I have read. It is explained in simple understandable words and the tension, fear, exhilaration and monotony of a tour of duty is captured well. I take my hat off to bomb disposal and all soldiers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and thank everyone for their commitment and professionalism. It's a pity the politicians don't think before they act.
Kim Hughes - you're a legend, thank you.
This book is one of the best books of its kind I have read. It is explained in simple understandable words and the tension, fear, exhilaration and monotony of a tour of duty is captured well. I take my hat off to bomb disposal and all soldiers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and thank everyone for their commitment and professionalism. It's a pity the politicians don't think before they act.
Kim Hughes - you're a legend, thank you.
January 20, 2019
Excellent
A view of the war from a soldier on the ground (literally as he and his men crawled along the ground to defuse bombs) My personal view is that good men (and women) were sent to fight in a pointless battle by career politicians. The soldiers are given little support while there or afterwards when they leave.
Soldiers also risk pursued for ‘crimes’ against a set of people whose sole aim in life is to destroy them in the worst possible way (although this is not something mentioned in the book)
Thank you for being such a brave man.
A view of the war from a soldier on the ground (literally as he and his men crawled along the ground to defuse bombs) My personal view is that good men (and women) were sent to fight in a pointless battle by career politicians. The soldiers are given little support while there or afterwards when they leave.
Soldiers also risk pursued for ‘crimes’ against a set of people whose sole aim in life is to destroy them in the worst possible way (although this is not something mentioned in the book)
Thank you for being such a brave man.
February 1, 2019
Foolish, Arrogant or Brave. Kim Hughes fits all these adjectives and more. A fascinating true story of one mans fight to find his niche in life from a difficult start. The British army, often criticised by the media, made Kim Hughes the hero he is today. Politicians should read this book and meet men like Kim Hughes before they decide to go to war. Perhaps then they will realise how futile war is particularly when fighters like the Taliban have no respect for life.
Anyone would be proud to have Kim Hughes as a son, father or husband.
Anyone would be proud to have Kim Hughes as a son, father or husband.
May 24, 2021
Wow that was amazing!
This is the biography of Kim Hughes GC who is the most highly decorated bomb disposal opera serving in the British Armed Forces. He was awarded the George Cross in 2010 following a gruelling six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan, during which he defused 119 improvised explosive devices and survived numerous Taliban ambushes.
This was incredible to read a no holds barred account. It was so well written and had everything!
I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did.
5 stars - amazing read!
This is the biography of Kim Hughes GC who is the most highly decorated bomb disposal opera serving in the British Armed Forces. He was awarded the George Cross in 2010 following a gruelling six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan, during which he defused 119 improvised explosive devices and survived numerous Taliban ambushes.
This was incredible to read a no holds barred account. It was so well written and had everything!
I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did.
5 stars - amazing read!
June 23, 2021
A job that is a calling.
Hughes paints a picture of a horrific war. A war that killed and maimed many. The message I took from this intensive, mesmerising story is that we are “blessed” that men like him exist.
Afghanistan is a world away from the world we live in. High tech modern soldiers against primitive warriors who hate you. Hughes tells us how innovative and tireless the Taliban are. A stressful tiring environment where they never stop tiring to kill you.
Four stars.
Hughes paints a picture of a horrific war. A war that killed and maimed many. The message I took from this intensive, mesmerising story is that we are “blessed” that men like him exist.
Afghanistan is a world away from the world we live in. High tech modern soldiers against primitive warriors who hate you. Hughes tells us how innovative and tireless the Taliban are. A stressful tiring environment where they never stop tiring to kill you.
Four stars.
July 16, 2022
Some great fighters, boxers chose their careers because it’s the only way out of the barrio. Fighting is better than where they came from and what they can expect if left to wallow in the misery of their beginnings.
The author of Painting The Sand is of this ilk. The title refers to a standard operating procedure of the demarcation of safe and unsafe areas by bomb disposal units.
Kim Hughes is not a professional writer, in fact he barely survived a grammar school education, nevertheless writes with the sincerity of gritty reality and truth.
A sound and interesting book.
The author of Painting The Sand is of this ilk. The title refers to a standard operating procedure of the demarcation of safe and unsafe areas by bomb disposal units.
Kim Hughes is not a professional writer, in fact he barely survived a grammar school education, nevertheless writes with the sincerity of gritty reality and truth.
A sound and interesting book.
June 28, 2017
Typically brisk, no nonsense account, written in what I imagine to be a squaddie's tone of voice that communicates well why the army can be a haven for a certain type of person. Being a bomb disposal expert, that's a bit more difficult to explain. Almost as difficult to explain as to why young men and women were being blown to smithereens in Afghanistan in the first place, but the author doesn't go there. He's there to do a job, and that's what he does.
June 21, 2018
I bought this book after listening to the author Kim Hughes on Radio 2 shortly after it was published. What a brilliant read it is, very honest and gritty. For the average civilian, which I am, it is an insight to a world most of us will never comprehend.i
It demonstrates the futility of a war no-one wanted and was the UK's Vietnam, paid for in the lives of brave young men and women. I
I honestly struggled to put the book down as it was such a fascinating read, well worth it!
It demonstrates the futility of a war no-one wanted and was the UK's Vietnam, paid for in the lives of brave young men and women. I
I honestly struggled to put the book down as it was such a fascinating read, well worth it!
August 2, 2018
This book was extremely informative and as realistic as I can imagine. Well writen by now WO Kim Hughes (was SSgt @ the beginning of the book). Without offence i felt the highs and lows of his experiences in Afgan..you know sat on my safe & comfy couch. Im glad I read this book but sad the likes of Dan, Oz & countless others didnt make it back. Honoured to have people like WO kim hughes, his A-team in this world.
May 3, 2019
I wanted to read about the war in Afghanistan and of the work of the bomb disposal units. This book is a gripping read of what it was like to face death and destruction from Taliban IED devices. I felt I was there and with Kim and his team. The book is very graphic and the language is as it would be in an army setting so if you are going to read this be prepared for bad language and don’t be offended because this would be exactly as it was. It was certainly a very good book.
November 8, 2019
Brilliant
This is a must read book, brilliantly written. I am a veteran of 24 years and have been in many ICPs and cordens watching as ATO cleared IEDs. These men and their teams save lives daily they are unsong hero's. This book illustrates just what they have to do in graphic detail to keep us safe. Death and injury, PTSD and broken marriages are all part of the life of a soldier GOD BLESS THEM.
This is a must read book, brilliantly written. I am a veteran of 24 years and have been in many ICPs and cordens watching as ATO cleared IEDs. These men and their teams save lives daily they are unsong hero's. This book illustrates just what they have to do in graphic detail to keep us safe. Death and injury, PTSD and broken marriages are all part of the life of a soldier GOD BLESS THEM.
August 11, 2020
Eye opener.
Very emotional. This was raw and pulled no punches . The cost of it all on these men, women, friends and family is nothing you could imagine. The mental and physical costs are heartbreaking . Very detailed and extremely well written , it's hard to put this book into words , it needs to be read then anyone who bitched about the war will see just a tiny fraction of what our and the allied troops endured. My utmost respect and gratitude to you all .
Very emotional. This was raw and pulled no punches . The cost of it all on these men, women, friends and family is nothing you could imagine. The mental and physical costs are heartbreaking . Very detailed and extremely well written , it's hard to put this book into words , it needs to be read then anyone who bitched about the war will see just a tiny fraction of what our and the allied troops endured. My utmost respect and gratitude to you all .
July 13, 2021
4.5 stars
“The Taliban were often quoted as saying, ‘You have the watches but we have the time.’ So I’m left asking myself the question: was it worth it? It’s a very difficult question to answer and soldiers who served in Helmand, who killed and watched their mates being killed, will have their own opinions…But I will say this: I enjoyed almost every minute of the challenge and the reward. I got to do what I’d been trained to do in one of the most dangerous countries in the world. But I was lucky. I survived six months of pulling bombs out of the ground almost without a scratch. But for those who were killed and injured - it’s probably a different story.” Pg 318.
Painting the Sand is the memoir of Kim Hughes GC, the most highly decorated bomb disposal operator serving in the British Army, who defused one hundred and nineteen IED bombs in Helmand, Afghanistan during six gruelling months. Whilst he may have been awarded the George Cross for his efforts, his life and particularly his time in Afghanistan was certainly not all sunshine and rainbows.
This is a gritty and raw memoir and I couldn’t put it down. Hughes is not only highly skilled at defusing bombs, but also at writing; for Painting the Sand hand me engaged right from the start. It covers not only his time on deployment, but his life prior to the Army, his early days as a solider, the cost of his career on his marriage and family; and combines this with the emotion and mental strength it takes to continue to function in one of the most dangerous places on earth as tragedy unfolds on a near daily basis. Like many soldiers and emergency first responders, Hughes doesn’t boast of his exploits or seek the reader’s gratification; instead he merely talks about his work and recounts his memories as you or I would when talking about our day at work. There is no modesty here, just the story of a man who is doing his job the best way he knows how.
Painting the Sand is a must read book, especially for fans of memoirs, the military and history genres. Just as I highly recommend Hughes’ first fiction book, Operation Certain Death; in April 2021, so too do I say read this! It’s explosive and worthy of 4.5 stars.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram.
“The Taliban were often quoted as saying, ‘You have the watches but we have the time.’ So I’m left asking myself the question: was it worth it? It’s a very difficult question to answer and soldiers who served in Helmand, who killed and watched their mates being killed, will have their own opinions…But I will say this: I enjoyed almost every minute of the challenge and the reward. I got to do what I’d been trained to do in one of the most dangerous countries in the world. But I was lucky. I survived six months of pulling bombs out of the ground almost without a scratch. But for those who were killed and injured - it’s probably a different story.” Pg 318.
Painting the Sand is the memoir of Kim Hughes GC, the most highly decorated bomb disposal operator serving in the British Army, who defused one hundred and nineteen IED bombs in Helmand, Afghanistan during six gruelling months. Whilst he may have been awarded the George Cross for his efforts, his life and particularly his time in Afghanistan was certainly not all sunshine and rainbows.
This is a gritty and raw memoir and I couldn’t put it down. Hughes is not only highly skilled at defusing bombs, but also at writing; for Painting the Sand hand me engaged right from the start. It covers not only his time on deployment, but his life prior to the Army, his early days as a solider, the cost of his career on his marriage and family; and combines this with the emotion and mental strength it takes to continue to function in one of the most dangerous places on earth as tragedy unfolds on a near daily basis. Like many soldiers and emergency first responders, Hughes doesn’t boast of his exploits or seek the reader’s gratification; instead he merely talks about his work and recounts his memories as you or I would when talking about our day at work. There is no modesty here, just the story of a man who is doing his job the best way he knows how.
Painting the Sand is a must read book, especially for fans of memoirs, the military and history genres. Just as I highly recommend Hughes’ first fiction book, Operation Certain Death; in April 2021, so too do I say read this! It’s explosive and worthy of 4.5 stars.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram.
December 30, 2022
Hughes‘ memoir has been an interesting read on various levels: it illustrates how he manages to move from nothing to a high ranking position in the British army; it gives readers an insight into the Afghan war; it portrays the life and risks of an ATO (Ammunition Technician Operator) whose job consists in detecting and defusing improvised explosive devices that killed or mutilated thousands of soldiers. Readers get a full account of what it means to do one of the most dangerous jobs.
January 3, 2018
A good read from a man with a very good story to tell. Knowing NCO's in the army the language in places I thought was from an editor and not him, but that's OK. If anything I would have liked a chapter at the end about what happened next from a family and career point of view. Did the experience just wash over him? How did he cope with coming back to his son? I enjoyed it.
January 25, 2018
Honest!
Kim Hughes doesn't pull any punches. This is the story of his tour in Afghan. It's not heroic or melodramatic; it doesn't need to be. It's the unexpurgated truth about the wars we as the individuals in the armed forces to fight on our behalf. Don't read this if you are squeamish.
Kim Hughes doesn't pull any punches. This is the story of his tour in Afghan. It's not heroic or melodramatic; it doesn't need to be. It's the unexpurgated truth about the wars we as the individuals in the armed forces to fight on our behalf. Don't read this if you are squeamish.
January 3, 2019
Pain ting the sand with sweat tears and blood.
An excellent account of EOD work for unsung hero's who are just doing their job. Like all servicemen who just d o what they are trained to do in adverse environments and challenging circumstances.
Just another role that is called upon during conflict and your blessed that they are on your side.
An excellent account of EOD work for unsung hero's who are just doing their job. Like all servicemen who just d o what they are trained to do in adverse environments and challenging circumstances.
Just another role that is called upon during conflict and your blessed that they are on your side.
August 12, 2021
Read this a long time ago - pre GoodReads.
The bomb disposal technicians use paintbrushes to brush / sweep the sand off the buried IED......hence painting the sand.
Additionally, the site of a suspected IED is marked with circle of spray paint around the suspected object --- for later investigation and disposal ---- another painting the sand.
Top long read . 5 stars
The bomb disposal technicians use paintbrushes to brush / sweep the sand off the buried IED......hence painting the sand.
Additionally, the site of a suspected IED is marked with circle of spray paint around the suspected object --- for later investigation and disposal ---- another painting the sand.
Top long read . 5 stars
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