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14/08/2013 11:34:14
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Pete
CVA Website Archivist
Joined: 23/09/2008 00:08:02
Messages: 4655
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David Armstrong advises us of the release of his new book
At Close Quarters: The true story of SOE pistol instructor Colonel Hector Grant-Taylor
The author adds
"The Special Operations Executive (SOE) was the paramount Allied sabotage force of the Second World War. Its job - in Churchill's words - was to "set Europe ablaze" through the use of sabotage, insurrection and assassination. One of its "shining Stars" and "legends" was the close-combat pistol instructor, Colonel Hector Grant-Taylor. Grant-Taylor taught the commandos, secret agents and irregular soldiers the art of how to kill at close quarters. He taught them how to be ruthless, lethal and covert, and yet his own life was itself a mystery worthy of a John Buchan thriller novel. Misinformation, deception, bravery, murder, and ultimately redemption, all play a part in his story. At Close Quarters finally puts to rest the myths and legends that surrounded his life, and unravels the mysterious truth behind the enigma that was Colonel Hector Grant-Taylor!"
YouTube entry relating to the book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-IzVcMF8pA
The book is available through Amazon.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 14/08/2013 11:35:43
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Pete Rogers, son of LSgt Joe Rogers MM & nephew of TSM Ken McAllister. Both No2 Commando.
God and the Soldier, all men adore, In time of danger and not before.
When the danger is passed and all things righted, God is forgotten, and the Soldier slighted.
**** nb. I no longer monitor the pm facility **** |
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14/08/2013 13:56:20
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Eileen
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Joined: 17/08/2012 13:26:51
Messages: 422
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Thanks for this, Pete.
I've just finished reading 'The Heroines Of SOE - F Section' and will look out for the book you mention on my visit to the library later today - or order it.
Libraries are so helpful - they've acquired quite a few books I've asked for. They couldn't get the Commando Kieffer one due to price but I've just ordered it from eBay.
I look forward to reading 'At Close Quarters'. Who knows, I may even buy it and add it to my own growing library. :)
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 14/08/2013 13:58:27
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If I have praised my comrades too highly I make no apology, for they were beyond all praise.
Lord Lovat - No 4 Commando
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14/08/2013 14:36:50
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David A
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Joined: 12/08/2013 18:18:21
Messages: 11
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Thanks for that Pete
I hope people enjoy At Close Quarters :)
Much appreciated
David
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15/08/2013 00:20:10
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NIC
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Joined: 10/04/2007 22:56:27
Messages: 3322
Location: Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire
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Hi David,
I look forward to reading your book - sounds a fascinating read and it's always great to dispel all the myths & legends and tell the true stories (The truth is always far better then fiction!").
And thank you for following our protocol.
Nick
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Nick Collins,
Commando Association Historical Archivist & Photographer.
Proud son of Cpl Mick Collins, 5 Troop, No5 Cdo
"Truly we may say of them, when shall their glory fade?"
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15/08/2013 10:51:15
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David A
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Joined: 12/08/2013 18:18:21
Messages: 11
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Hi Nick
"The truth is always far better than fiction" - couldn't agree more with that statement. That was one of the main reasons that I wanted to write the book and get it out there.
There has been so much misrepresentation, "woolly" anecdotes and spurious biographies regarding Grant-Taylor, that I felt it was important to dispel the myths that have been propogated and taken as fact by certain parties.
Anyway, I hope people enjoy it.
Cheers
David
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