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Broken By War: A Powerful Story of Death, Trauma and Recovery
Broken By War is a true story of my life which saw me grow up in a broken home with nothing but the sheer willingness to make something of my life. I lost my brother at a young age, who was just two years younger than me. After his death I suffered at the hands of bullies who laughed and taunted me over his death. I hated my life and the people around me. I wanted out of my city to build a new life with a fresh start but the death of my brother and the impact it had on me, caused me to fail my education. How could I leave the city I hated now?
I joined the Armed Forces at the age of 17 and served almost 12 years in a career that saw me lose nine friends. I was blown up twice and after the first IED I continued to lead by example on the frontline unknowingly suffering from a broken neck and surviving on just pain killers. The second IED just over a month later almost killed me, I died in the air above Helmond Province onboard a Military Helicopter and became the first British Soldier serving in Afghanistan to be surgically operated on whilst in the air. I suffered serious life changing injuries which has also left me suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and severe depression.
I wrote the book because I became so fed up with my pain and depression made worse by the lack of help and support that I hated waking up every morning and breathing the air. 2018 saw a large rise in Veteran PTSD related suicides – which has continued to spiral into 2019 and I could have been another. The book will take you on a journey through my eyes and show you what it’s like to be “Broken By War” The book is a powerful read and will take you on a ride full of emotion – from laughter to tears – as you read about friendship, leadership, survival and recovery.
It's not about blame or regret - it's about CHANGE.
About the Author
Anthony witnessed a number of traumatic events in his life as well as suffering life changing injuries. Anthony openly suffers with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and his book is helping Veterans to reach out. With his own lack of support from the Government, the Military, The Charity's and his own city, Anthony is now devoted to spreading the Awareness of his own failings to help others now in his shoes.
Follow Anthony on twitter @Broken_By_War
I joined the Armed Forces at the age of 17 and served almost 12 years in a career that saw me lose nine friends. I was blown up twice and after the first IED I continued to lead by example on the frontline unknowingly suffering from a broken neck and surviving on just pain killers. The second IED just over a month later almost killed me, I died in the air above Helmond Province onboard a Military Helicopter and became the first British Soldier serving in Afghanistan to be surgically operated on whilst in the air. I suffered serious life changing injuries which has also left me suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and severe depression.
I wrote the book because I became so fed up with my pain and depression made worse by the lack of help and support that I hated waking up every morning and breathing the air. 2018 saw a large rise in Veteran PTSD related suicides – which has continued to spiral into 2019 and I could have been another. The book will take you on a journey through my eyes and show you what it’s like to be “Broken By War” The book is a powerful read and will take you on a ride full of emotion – from laughter to tears – as you read about friendship, leadership, survival and recovery.
It's not about blame or regret - it's about CHANGE.
About the Author
Anthony witnessed a number of traumatic events in his life as well as suffering life changing injuries. Anthony openly suffers with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and his book is helping Veterans to reach out. With his own lack of support from the Government, the Military, The Charity's and his own city, Anthony is now devoted to spreading the Awareness of his own failings to help others now in his shoes.
Follow Anthony on twitter @Broken_By_War
- GenresMilitary History
325 pages, Paperback
Published March 16, 2019
34 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 28, 2019
What goes on tour stays on tour? Well in this case no it doesn't and I'm so glad this guy has written about it as it highlights the need for change.
Gobsmacked whilst reading this book about the events that happened and what soldiers have to go through when serving in the armed forces and how they are let down by the very country they are protecting!
This book is gripping, at times comical, emotional and difficult to put down, it just left me wanting to carry on reading all night long and I couldn't wait to pick it up from where I left off.
It shows his journey through hell - life before, during and after the armed forces and shows the struggles and devastation that he went through - things he has seen and experienced that the majority of us will hopefully never have to see or experience and this book highlights the lack of support for serving and ex-serving members of the armed forces.
Where's the help and support for those who put their lives on the line in the name of this country? - too many suffer with PTSD in silence, this needs to change, we need help and support for serving and ex-serving members of the armed forces ASAP because as this author highlights, PTSD is a silent killer.
Gobsmacked whilst reading this book about the events that happened and what soldiers have to go through when serving in the armed forces and how they are let down by the very country they are protecting!
This book is gripping, at times comical, emotional and difficult to put down, it just left me wanting to carry on reading all night long and I couldn't wait to pick it up from where I left off.
It shows his journey through hell - life before, during and after the armed forces and shows the struggles and devastation that he went through - things he has seen and experienced that the majority of us will hopefully never have to see or experience and this book highlights the lack of support for serving and ex-serving members of the armed forces.
Where's the help and support for those who put their lives on the line in the name of this country? - too many suffer with PTSD in silence, this needs to change, we need help and support for serving and ex-serving members of the armed forces ASAP because as this author highlights, PTSD is a silent killer.
August 15, 2019
WHAT A POWERFUL STORY!
"Broken by War" is a brilliant account of the Military life of Anthony Lock. From his childhood to becoming an Army soldier - he doesn't hold anything back.
The deaths of his lads is heartbreaking and traumatic. Their deaths will stay with him for the rest of his life.
During his time in the Army, Anthony suffered a traumatic brain injury and diagnosed with PTSD. He, like so many other soldiers were abandoned by a failed system. The Army had a duty to prepare Anthony for life outside the military; especially being seriously wounded on the frontline with a broken neck.
He returned to the UK and was in an induced coma - he awoke in the hospital - not knowing where he was and hallucinating.
Anthony, thank you for sharing your life with your readers - thank you for your service, honesty and courage. The way the Military of Defence and Government treated you as well as the charities that were supposed to help ALL soldiers is appalling and disgraceful.
Broken by War is an emotional and powerful story! Anthony's attention to detail is vivid and dramatic - you can envision the scenes in your mind's eye.
This is a must-read! If I could give it 10 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 - I would!
"Broken by War" is a brilliant account of the Military life of Anthony Lock. From his childhood to becoming an Army soldier - he doesn't hold anything back.
The deaths of his lads is heartbreaking and traumatic. Their deaths will stay with him for the rest of his life.
During his time in the Army, Anthony suffered a traumatic brain injury and diagnosed with PTSD. He, like so many other soldiers were abandoned by a failed system. The Army had a duty to prepare Anthony for life outside the military; especially being seriously wounded on the frontline with a broken neck.
He returned to the UK and was in an induced coma - he awoke in the hospital - not knowing where he was and hallucinating.
Anthony, thank you for sharing your life with your readers - thank you for your service, honesty and courage. The way the Military of Defence and Government treated you as well as the charities that were supposed to help ALL soldiers is appalling and disgraceful.
Broken by War is an emotional and powerful story! Anthony's attention to detail is vivid and dramatic - you can envision the scenes in your mind's eye.
This is a must-read! If I could give it 10 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 - I would!
October 14, 2020
Found Anthony’s book to be so emotional and an insight into things we could never possibly understand.
The ups and downs of what soldiers go through emotionally and physically, the danger, the thrill and what I can only imagine to be great satisfaction of serving your country.
This book will have you laughing, crying and is written in a language we all understand, straight from the heart and mind.
I follow the author on Twitter which in turn led me to read his book, I’m so glad I have and would highly recommend others to read too.
I’m so sad to learn from Anthony’s experience that our injured veterans are not looked after sufficiently, this is a major downfall of the government and the MOD.
The ups and downs of what soldiers go through emotionally and physically, the danger, the thrill and what I can only imagine to be great satisfaction of serving your country.
This book will have you laughing, crying and is written in a language we all understand, straight from the heart and mind.
I follow the author on Twitter which in turn led me to read his book, I’m so glad I have and would highly recommend others to read too.
I’m so sad to learn from Anthony’s experience that our injured veterans are not looked after sufficiently, this is a major downfall of the government and the MOD.
July 31, 2019
Eye opening
What Anthony has been through is unbelievable & not having the support he deserves is criminal. Reading his story has certainly opened my eyes to what our army goes through on a daily basis. So much more needs to be done for sufferers of PTSD.
I wish Anthony every happiness for his future & I may even make him a quiche for when I see him again. (He’ll understand!) Best wishes from us all.
What Anthony has been through is unbelievable & not having the support he deserves is criminal. Reading his story has certainly opened my eyes to what our army goes through on a daily basis. So much more needs to be done for sufferers of PTSD.
I wish Anthony every happiness for his future & I may even make him a quiche for when I see him again. (He’ll understand!) Best wishes from us all.
May 1, 2020
Excellent read
Very moving account of modern warfare and the challenges faced by our soldiers who risk their lives to keep the rest of us safe. It further describes the personal cost of this in terms of physical and mental injuries and the lack of support afforded to our veteran heroes.
Very moving account of modern warfare and the challenges faced by our soldiers who risk their lives to keep the rest of us safe. It further describes the personal cost of this in terms of physical and mental injuries and the lack of support afforded to our veteran heroes.
May 25, 2020
Excellent read
I enjoyed the pace of the book and the jargon free way it was written. My heart goes out to all the brave service men and women who put their lives on the line, and I cannot express deeply enough my disgust at the Military for the callous treatment many people suffer after catastrophic life changing injuries.
I enjoyed the pace of the book and the jargon free way it was written. My heart goes out to all the brave service men and women who put their lives on the line, and I cannot express deeply enough my disgust at the Military for the callous treatment many people suffer after catastrophic life changing injuries.
September 16, 2020
Great read. Enjoyed every page.
I have enjoyed the book very much . It made me laugh, made me cry , but most of all it made me aware of the trauma our very brave British Army suffered and continue to suffer long after the war has ended. It may never be over for them. Thank you so much for my freedom and you service.
I have enjoyed the book very much . It made me laugh, made me cry , but most of all it made me aware of the trauma our very brave British Army suffered and continue to suffer long after the war has ended. It may never be over for them. Thank you so much for my freedom and you service.
June 23, 2021
Shame on our government,
Every service member or ex service member and there family's and friends should read this, I feel so angry at the way this hero was treated, we are fast enough to send our young men and women to hell, do we really expect them to come back without mental scars , our country needs to help and stop with the lies and excuses
Every service member or ex service member and there family's and friends should read this, I feel so angry at the way this hero was treated, we are fast enough to send our young men and women to hell, do we really expect them to come back without mental scars , our country needs to help and stop with the lies and excuses
January 9, 2023
Powerful insight into the life of a hero & the criminal abandonment of veterans by govt. Anthony Lock's writing takes you through a gamut of emotions. The sense of outrage over the treatment of our servicemen & servicewomen remains with you.Through his book Anthony Lock has done his fellow vets proud.
October 24, 2020
Broken warrior
An honest account of why many join the army and the interaction between the ranks and officers.
The tale of being an army number and forgotten about when injured during serving your country.
An honest account of why many join the army and the interaction between the ranks and officers.
The tale of being an army number and forgotten about when injured during serving your country.
October 30, 2020
Shocking Realism
The stark, full in your face revelations of the sickening mistreatment and neglect suffered by serving soldiers. Our MOD has a lot to be ashamed of.
Descriptive well written.
The stark, full in your face revelations of the sickening mistreatment and neglect suffered by serving soldiers. Our MOD has a lot to be ashamed of.
Descriptive well written.
November 2, 2020
Great believable Book
Loved this book,I could understand and feel the authors struggles . I would highly recommend this book to anime .
Loved this book,I could understand and feel the authors struggles . I would highly recommend this book to anime .
May 5, 2021
Fantastic read, really interesting and insightful. Horrifying as to the outcome but we'll explained. Not sure why some are under reviewing this guys shared experience, really sad to see.
May 5, 2021
Outstanding read, had me gripped from early on. Really hope the Author has received the support he sadly missed out on.
May 6, 2021
Great insight. Powerful and well written. Everyone should give this some time.
May 6, 2021
Very cross with the way this young man was supported after everything he went through. Really upsetting to know just how dangerous our heroes are placed in. They deserve better support.
March 20, 2019
Locky, I need to applaud you on your braveness to relive your army career by writing this book....the good, the bad and the downright ugly. I’ve been the partner on the other end of the phone for 14 years now. While reading your book I laughed out loud while shaking my head and cried hot tears of anger, disappointment and sadness over the young lives which were lost while reliving Telic 10 and Herrick 10 through your eyes and remembering how my husband’s deployment affected our life. You defo got the description of my husband to a T. I loved every page.
Thanks for your service and for being an awesome warrior commander. Gollum’s wife
Thanks for your service and for being an awesome warrior commander. Gollum’s wife
July 12, 2021
Very moving account of a soldiers life in the military. Then his battle with the military and establishment,after life altering injuries sustained during his last tour of duty. Questions here need to be answered. Wrongs need to be put right.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews