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French Foreign Legion Commando
A link to my website that contains a few pictures and blogs from my military
LEGIO PATRIA NOSTRA -
The Legion is our fatherland.
THE FRENCH FOREIGN LEGION is a legendary
branch of the French army known for its severe
discipline and its recruitment of ex-convicts, misfits and
ruffians from every corner of the globe. Harry was only
eighteen years old when he signed a five-year contract
that would set him on a path from which there was
no turning back. There, he would travel thousands of
miles from home over mountains, through deserts and
into danger. He would meet many good men and fight
alongside some of the best soldiers the French army
has to offer and be tested to his physical and mental
limits. It was the adventure of a lifetime.
'French Foreign Legion Commando' is a memoir written by Harry A. Dobson after his 5-year term of service to the French army. During his time he completed a total of 3 tours of duty in Mali, North Africa. Harry was accepted into one of only two elite commando units within the French army. With the GCM - 'Groupement Commando Montagne' (mountain commandos) Harry served his last 2 tours and fought in a number of high-profile missions, many of which made it to Front-page French newspapers.
The book outlines the many trials life in the French Foreign Legion presents, the highs as well as the lows. Harry describes all the fascinating characters he met along the way and the bonds of friendship he formed with men brought together by a unique institution.
Apart from the conflict of Mali, the book also covers the rigorous training French commando’s undergo and the complications Harry had to face as a non-French speaker and Legionnaire within that elite group.
Finally, the book aims to provide an insight into what life as a Legionnaire is like and the effect that the organisation has on the men serving within it.
You are seldom likely to stumble across such a story twice.
LEGIO PATRIA NOSTRA -
The Legion is our fatherland.
THE FRENCH FOREIGN LEGION is a legendary
branch of the French army known for its severe
discipline and its recruitment of ex-convicts, misfits and
ruffians from every corner of the globe. Harry was only
eighteen years old when he signed a five-year contract
that would set him on a path from which there was
no turning back. There, he would travel thousands of
miles from home over mountains, through deserts and
into danger. He would meet many good men and fight
alongside some of the best soldiers the French army
has to offer and be tested to his physical and mental
limits. It was the adventure of a lifetime.
'French Foreign Legion Commando' is a memoir written by Harry A. Dobson after his 5-year term of service to the French army. During his time he completed a total of 3 tours of duty in Mali, North Africa. Harry was accepted into one of only two elite commando units within the French army. With the GCM - 'Groupement Commando Montagne' (mountain commandos) Harry served his last 2 tours and fought in a number of high-profile missions, many of which made it to Front-page French newspapers.
The book outlines the many trials life in the French Foreign Legion presents, the highs as well as the lows. Harry describes all the fascinating characters he met along the way and the bonds of friendship he formed with men brought together by a unique institution.
Apart from the conflict of Mali, the book also covers the rigorous training French commando’s undergo and the complications Harry had to face as a non-French speaker and Legionnaire within that elite group.
Finally, the book aims to provide an insight into what life as a Legionnaire is like and the effect that the organisation has on the men serving within it.
You are seldom likely to stumble across such a story twice.
- GenresNonfiction
370 pages, Paperback
Published June 13, 2022
152 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 22, 2023
The best yet!
This is by far the best book I have ever read involving an English man who had become a legionnaire. I found it brutally honest with no holds barred. I wish this young man all the success he wishes for himself and I hope he continues to write about himself and his future experiences on life.
This is by far the best book I have ever read involving an English man who had become a legionnaire. I found it brutally honest with no holds barred. I wish this young man all the success he wishes for himself and I hope he continues to write about himself and his future experiences on life.
February 21, 2023
Really enjoyed this book. Well written and easy flow. It was light and described everyday life and training in the French Foreign Legion on French territory and during deployments overseas. Not political, heavy going or macho. Great read if you're interested in finding out about this elite regiment and military life. I found the protagonist relatable and likable.
February 9, 2023
There are dozens of accounts of life in the Legion which have been published over the years but many make pretty dull reading. This book however will join the classic Legion stories, Dobson's work being equal to Simon Murray's or James William Worden's books, offering a new, modern account of what it's like to serve in the Foreign Legion in the 21st century. Dobson writes with an honesty which is direct, he doesn't gloss over the more unpleasant aspects of serving in the Legion but he is also clear that his service moulded him into the man he became, that adversity can be tempered by comradeship. This book deserves to become a new classic and will, I'm sure, be read for years to come.
August 23, 2023
I loved this autobiography of an English man in the French Foreign Legion the late 2010's
I love this book of this English man five years in the French Foreign Legion in the late 2010's as he tell an amazing story of his life as a young 18 years old heading to France to join the Legion.
I enjoyed reading his adventures and his contines training to become a commando. I wonder if he joined the reservist back in the UK?
Overall a great read of a book.
Best wishes Sean ex RE Sapper
I love this book of this English man five years in the French Foreign Legion in the late 2010's as he tell an amazing story of his life as a young 18 years old heading to France to join the Legion.
I enjoyed reading his adventures and his contines training to become a commando. I wonder if he joined the reservist back in the UK?
Overall a great read of a book.
Best wishes Sean ex RE Sapper
December 18, 2024
An extremely well written book by an intelligent young man. Having served in the British Army for 30 years I have met a few ex FFL and they are quite impressive individuals. Harry Dobson was only 18 years old when he joined the legion and to become part of a special forces unit such as the Commandos is no mean great. I’ve read Simon Murray’s book over 15 times and I have no doubt I will read Harry’s story many more times. I have no doubt he will do well in any sphere of life and I wish him well. An excellent read.
July 19, 2022
A gripping account …..
Indeed, Harry Dobson has captured the essence of a combat soldier, specifically as a young French Foreign Legionnaire in recent years .
He captures the sights, sounds and smells in words as he takes us through training, courses and actual combat .
A very good read and incredibly gripping .
Bon Chance Legionnaire , Bon chance .
Indeed, Harry Dobson has captured the essence of a combat soldier, specifically as a young French Foreign Legionnaire in recent years .
He captures the sights, sounds and smells in words as he takes us through training, courses and actual combat .
A very good read and incredibly gripping .
Bon Chance Legionnaire , Bon chance .
April 11, 2023
Really enjoyed this. One man’s telling of his 5 year contract with the legion. He was accepted into one of only two elite commando units in the French army the GCM. He shares stories from his 3 tours of duty in North Africa.
Once he gets into his training for the GCM the pace picked up a bit and for the last half of the book I really couldn’t put it down.
Once he gets into his training for the GCM the pace picked up a bit and for the last half of the book I really couldn’t put it down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2023
Really enjoyed this account of life in the legion have worked and drank with a few and at times when my two mates got together a wee bit pissed they would sing legionaries songs in perfect French, mind you when they were sober had trouble understanding them at times one being a Geordie and the other Irish. Great read and brought back memories of my visit whilst in the navy to Djibouti watching and drinking with legionaries in their uniform.
January 14, 2025
Tour de Force
A great, well written book from Harry. His journey from being an 18 year old to a fully fledged, tough and capable commando in the Legion in 5 years is one of those times he will remember until the day he dies. Ex or current services will recognise the bulls**t and also the cameraderi that builds up into the strongest of bonds. Thanks for a super book Harry.
A great, well written book from Harry. His journey from being an 18 year old to a fully fledged, tough and capable commando in the Legion in 5 years is one of those times he will remember until the day he dies. Ex or current services will recognise the bulls**t and also the cameraderi that builds up into the strongest of bonds. Thanks for a super book Harry.
December 20, 2022
brilliant book!
Absolutely fascinating read. Would recommend to anyone with an interest in real life soldier’s stories. A real adventurer. Can’t wait to read Harry’s other book that he’s wrote since.
Absolutely fascinating read. Would recommend to anyone with an interest in real life soldier’s stories. A real adventurer. Can’t wait to read Harry’s other book that he’s wrote since.
February 18, 2023
A Great read, Harry's account of his 5 years in the FFL was really interesting,my nephew Sam did 5 years and it's very similar to the account of things that he did when he enlisted, I would recommend this book to anyone who anticipates joining as an eye opener.
April 12, 2023
Book was absolutely amazing to read for the adventure seekers. Harry has done phenomenonal job to paint the picture of his journey as a legionnaire and the part of elite GCM commandos, frequently in detail. This book methodically inspire what human can achieve with adequate will power.
April 16, 2023
A realistic tour thru the French Foreign Legion
The name French Foreign Legions often conjure up movies such as the 1939 movie ‘Beau Gest’, often one has the image of deserts battles with Arabs. This book provides a in-depth look into the French Foreign Legion of today. The discipline of today’s Legion has hardly changed, if at all, from the Legion of the early 1900’s. There is no molly coddling, no room for sympathy or empathy as there is no room for any of that on a battlefield. The Legion builds warriors, and has no room for weaklings.
The name French Foreign Legions often conjure up movies such as the 1939 movie ‘Beau Gest’, often one has the image of deserts battles with Arabs. This book provides a in-depth look into the French Foreign Legion of today. The discipline of today’s Legion has hardly changed, if at all, from the Legion of the early 1900’s. There is no molly coddling, no room for sympathy or empathy as there is no room for any of that on a battlefield. The Legion builds warriors, and has no room for weaklings.
September 24, 2023
Authentic Memoirs
Amazing journey that Dobson had. Lessons learned and memories remained. War is pain as always. Lives lost, family broken, heart broken! War killed!
So why causing wars everywhere?
Amazing journey that Dobson had. Lessons learned and memories remained. War is pain as always. Lives lost, family broken, heart broken! War killed!
So why causing wars everywhere?
February 12, 2024
Very insightful
I really enjoyed learning more on what the French Foreign Legion is about as I know 2 youngsters that recently joined.
Lots of details but just enough to keep it interesting.
I really enjoyed learning more on what the French Foreign Legion is about as I know 2 youngsters that recently joined.
Lots of details but just enough to keep it interesting.
July 28, 2022
A very enjoyable read, captures your imagination and you just wonder what will happen next.
What a challenge and what an achievement to progress to Commando at such a young age.
What a challenge and what an achievement to progress to Commando at such a young age.
October 30, 2022
Excellent
Well written and a really interesting book about this young man's career! I really enjoyed it - ..... Highly Recommended...
Well written and a really interesting book about this young man's career! I really enjoyed it - ..... Highly Recommended...
November 17, 2022
Truly fascinating
This is The first book I have read about the French Foreign Legion and I found it compelling and a real eye opener. Absorbing read.
This is The first book I have read about the French Foreign Legion and I found it compelling and a real eye opener. Absorbing read.
November 22, 2022
Okay, interesting but nothing great.
Lots of stuff that took to long to get thru, lots of stuff that was boring, nothing great but did finish it.
Lots of stuff that took to long to get thru, lots of stuff that was boring, nothing great but did finish it.
December 15, 2022
Tough love
Loved his job but could have done that in the British Army rather than nearly get killed for the FRENCH Army ?
Loved his job but could have done that in the British Army rather than nearly get killed for the FRENCH Army ?
December 23, 2022
read it
So well written it takes you on a journey that has you feeling humble and in awe of those that can drive themselves through all the pain. I
So well written it takes you on a journey that has you feeling humble and in awe of those that can drive themselves through all the pain. I
January 10, 2023
Interesting.
A great insight into the mystery of the French Foreign Legion.
A must read for anyone considering joining the armed forces.
A great insight into the mystery of the French Foreign Legion.
A must read for anyone considering joining the armed forces.
January 31, 2023
excellent
A cracking read from start to finish,a real insight into life in the legion.
Highly recommended and I hope he writes a second one.
A cracking read from start to finish,a real insight into life in the legion.
Highly recommended and I hope he writes a second one.
December 4, 2023
good read
Really good read a bit repetitive in parts but I enjoyed it. I wonder what the author is doing now.
Really good read a bit repetitive in parts but I enjoyed it. I wonder what the author is doing now.
December 28, 2023
Exceptional
I couldn't put it down. An excellent read from start to finish. What a journey to take and so young
I couldn't put it down. An excellent read from start to finish. What a journey to take and so young
September 27, 2024
Pretty fun and interesting book. As someone who knew nothing about the Legion, I definitely walked away, knowing a lot more. One thing I appreciate about it is that it wasn’t just a glory story book. It was more about life in the French foreign legion and the effects that has on a person.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews