The war in the Aegean heats up as Raiding Forces has completed its transition from gun jeeps to small boats. The SAS LRDG and the Greek Sacred Squadron are being transferred to Raiding Forces. A major reorganization is underway. Raiding Forces continues its anti-diamond smuggling activities in the Belgian Congo. The invasion of Salerno runs into trouble. Raiding Forces Ranger Task Force conducts a night drop behind enemy lines at Benevento, Italy. Meanwhile, Nazi Brandenburger Commandos have conducted a raid on Advanced Based Castelrozzo (ABC).
Phil Ward is a decorated combat veteran commissioned at age nineteen. A former instructor at the Army Ranger School, he has had a lifelong interest in small unit tactics and special operations. He lives in Texas on a mountain overlooking Lake Austin.
I became a big fan of Phil Ward’s and his “Raiding Forces” series not that long ago. Luckily for me Books 1-13 were already out, and I was able to read all 13 books over two + weeks.
The exploits of COL John Randall and his “Raiding Forces” Company gives the readers of this series an excellent perspective of W.W. II. The planning, personnel and the implementation of actions taken against the Italian and German makes the reader feel like he’s right there next to COL Randall.
If you’ve never read a book chronicling W.W. II, the “Raiding Forces” is a great way to start. I’ve already gotten many of my friends and relatives - both male & female - hooked on COL John Randall and the “Raiding Forces” series.
This is #14 in an educational and very interesting series. The book picks up speed and interest in its last chapters. The pleasure of this series is real.
Despite the labor of reading 14 books in a series, this book could easily merit four stars. However, 14 volumes of repeating tropes (?), is probably 11 too many. Two word paragraphs: Jack Cool. So many meetings. Almost all meetings are introduced with a list of fully named attendees and most of those lists include the various military decorations awarded to each of the listed. If there were half star ratings, this volume would get 3.5 stars.
Having stated the above gripes and the very real and repetitious drags on the narrative presented by each, I am pleased and pulled to proceed with #15, released less than three weeks ago.
This book had some disturbing parts. One that comes to mind is that the brass calling the shots on the Salerno landing seemed clueless. Then the massive airdrop of all those patatroopers. Why the pilots of those planes did not have navigators is a mystery, but when it is found out that the paratroopers were dumped far away from the DZ, it makes me feel for the jumpers who had to deal with whatever and wherever they landed, some 100 miles from where they were supposed to have landed. Mind boggling! This should have been a disaster! Im looking forward to the next book, so I can find out!
Another book in a long line of very solid books. If you have enjoyed raiding forces so far ( let’s be honest this is book 14 so of course) then you will truly enjoy this one as well. Middles a tad draggy but the books fast paced so it isn’t too painful. Love the ending, can’t wait for the next one.
This series is the most enjoyable I have ever read. The characters are real. Each is different and their stories are great follow. Phil Ward not only writes a great book but teaches many well known tactics as you read each chapter. Easy to see the Ranger come out in his writting. Extremely well done and I cannot wait for the next book!
Phil continues in his raiders series with another outstanding book. Got it today and finished it today. People who love history and great story telling read this series Great job Phil
I have been waiting forever for this to continue on man was it worth it. I could not put this dow. My only complaint... Over too soon. Can't wait to see where you go with several of these plot lines. Liked seeing Mr. King open up a little bit more please.
I have read all 14 of Phil Ward's Raiding Forces books. They bring an accurate behind the sends look at Worked War II from the men who made it happen, foot workers and officers alike. Can't wait for Book 15.
The raiding forces are switching from desert fighting to island hopping along with trying to support an incompetent command structure in the 5th Army. Two new Generals are added to the mix so great adventure and fast paced
This book is #14 in the series and is excellent as expected. Now to watch for #15. Phil Ward is excellent at historical fiction. Try him out, he may become you favorite author.
This was an excellent read. Couldn't put it down.has humor, intriguing, and drama. Interesting characters and historical events. I would highly recommend. Wow😀
Excellent story on WW II and of the brave and fearless fighters of the USA and the UK!!
Each book is filled with excitement, humor, friendship and camaraderie!! I'd tell my family and friends about this WWII story!! Can't wait till the next book is published!!
Excellent writing an storyline Keeping the bar set hi as with all the rest of the series Can't wait for the next book. Introduction of new characters was done flawlessly.
I’ve read all 14. Each one is better than the last. I absolutely hate it when I come to the end of one of these. It just takes too long for the next one to come out.