Contact Charlie: The Canadian Army, the Taliban and the Battle that Saved Afghanistan

by Chris Wattie

In the summer of 2006, Canadian army patrol Charlie Company stumbled into a massive group of Taliban forces. The Canadians found themselves up against opponents who were suicidally brave, cunning at planting mines and roadside bombs, and experienced at disappearing into the scenery. Based on author Chris Wattie’s own experiences in Afghanistan, as well as hundreds of post-tour interviews with the men and women on the ground, Contact Charlie documents the series of battles between Taliban and Canadian forces in a dramatic account of the conflict that made headlines that summer — and continues to do so today.

Genres: Nonfiction, Military Fiction, Canada, History, War

304 pages, Hardcover

First published October 10, 2008

Reviews

[Brentman99 · Rating 4 out of 5]

During my 12 years serving in Edmonton and Calgary, I met more than a few of the officers and some of the NCOs that Chris Wattie identified in this book. I was also a part of the 1 CMBG HQ staff during the pre-deployment training that was referred to in this book. While I didn't get to deploy on this mission as someone else had been promised a position, I was, however, subsequently chosen to go on a nine month tour in Afghanistan with HQ 5-09 from Feb-Nov 2009. I feel honoured to have served with those great people.

Wattie's vivid descriptions take me back to KAF and the really hot days, and I wasn't even running around in my battle rattle meeting with Elders and other stakeholders like the Commander and his TAC group were. I recall watching the Commander and his TAC team heading outside the wire day after day. And I also recall just after Canada Day when Nick Bulger died.

Suffice to say that even 16 years later, I still feel strongly about the Afghanistan mission and proud of what the Canadians who deployed there were able to accomplish. I think that Wattie did a great job of capturing the elements of the campaign and the close-in fighting. I'm amazed and proud of what my infantry brothers persevered and accomplished in the punishing heat and dust.

The only issue I have with the book is other than mentioning Doug Thorlakson, a member of 1 Service Battalion, early on, there is almost no mention of the amazing logistical support that the unit provided in such extreme conditions and high tempo operations. LCol Conrad and many of my fellow 1 Svc Bn colleagues, did an incredible job of supporting a very mobile and active battle group. That was not an easy task. That unit also had it's own losses. But I know where the spotlight needed to be. I'll get over it.

Overall, I thought the book did a great job of laying out the plans and execution of the operations that shaped the early patrols and battles in Kandahar and Panjwayi. In particular, the section that mentioned how the battle group couldn't get an artillery or air support mission captured the challenges of working in a coalition and under the command of another nation very well.

If you have an interest or have served in Afghanistan, or are a Canadian who wondered what the hell Canadian soldiers did there, this is an informative read. It's not often that books tell of combat down to the platoon/section/fire team level and I think that Wattie did it well. Worth the read.

[Bernie Charbonneau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have wanted to read this book for some time now as my son had recommended it to me. Well, I’m glad I did. If you are Canadian and want a taste and feel for what our troops had endured during the Afghanistan campaign, then this is a great read. Mr. Wattie does an exceptional job of covering the 1st Battalion of the PPCLI and Mission Orion. This is in 2006 and the beginning of Canada’s intimate contact with the Taliban. I have read a few books on Canada’s involvement in the NATO coalition against the insurgents and I would list this book near the top. Unfortunately, as you follow the heroism of these boys and develop a liking for their character, war can sometimes be cruel. The situations are so vivid and tense at times that you would believe Mr. Wattie was actually a witness to the event and not just illustrating some facts of the combatants that actually did participate. I am thankful for where I live and proud to be Canadian and having read this book I now have an even bigger appreciation of what our troops had to endure.

[Tina Othberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was lent to me by a cousin of Corporal Chris Reid. I’m generally a bit leery about books written by journalists as sometimes they are great at fact telling rather than storytelling. However Wattie does an exceptional job of putting these details into civilian terms and also telling the human stories of the soldiers involved.

[Swmbt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed is not really the term i would use. The book was interesting and, mostly, well laid out. I could have used a Coles notes to understand the structure of groups. But that could just have been me.
A good read, and somewhat unsettling considering the current state of affairs in Afghanistan.

[Julia | Editing Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A detailed account of Canada’s role in Afghanistan and Charlie Company’s experiences in the face of the enemy. This book immerses the reader in daily life for Afghan civilians as well as the international forces involved in the conflict. It is a close up view of the Canadian military’s function in Afghanistan and the many challenges faced by its soldiers on the ground. The accuracy and attention to detail in the writing make this book a very interesting read. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Canadian military history.

[TheIron Paw · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are many accounts of US and British actions in Afghanistan so it's nice to find a Canadian based book. This recounts the PPCLI's actions, primarily of "C" Company (hence the title). Wattie provides good detail at both the tactical and personal levels. While the author's style does seem to be a little bit on the cheerleader side -i.e. more popular journalistic than militarily analytical - this is well worth reading to gain an understanding of the experience of Canadian troops in Afghanistan.

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent in depth observation by Chris Wattie. As much as you're riding along with the troops. One can't stop attempting to understand why we're there fighting when the ANA* and ANP* turn and run whenever contact with the enemy is encountered!

* ANA - Afghan National Army
* ANP - Afhgan National Police