- Paperback: 383 pages
- Publisher: Pen & Sword Books; illustrated edition edition (January 2004)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1844150143
- ISBN-13: 978-1844150144
- Product Dimensions: 22.8 x 15.6 x 3.4 cm
- Shipping Weight: 680 g
- Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #2,269,572 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Details |
Product Description
Book Description
Every member of the armed forces who took part in the Falklands Campaign of 1982 can claim that his particular role was unique in that it was experienced by himself alone. But in so far as it is possible for one thing to be more unique than another Ewen Southby-Tailyour's role certainly qualifies for that accolade. In 1977 he was ordered to the Falkland Islands to command the Royal Marines detachment then stationed there and to restructure the defence procedures for the Islands over the following year. During this time he also conducted an exhaustive study of the coastline, carrying out the only detailed survey to be made of many of the beaches and their immediate approaches since the mid-nineteenth century. He returned to England in 1979 and when the Argentinians invaded the Islands three years later he immediately put his unquestionably unique experience and information at the disposal of the Task Force then being rapidly assembled. He added one priviso, that he be allowed to accompany the Force. Brigadier (then) Julian Thompson had no hesitation in accepting both his offer and his terms, and in very short time he was heading south once more. Reasons in Writing tells his story largely through the medium of diaries and letters written during his peacetime tour of duty in the seventies and the war itself. As he explains, his somewhat maverick role did not always met with the approval of some of the more conventionally-minded senior officers, but although modesty restrains him from making such a claim, there can be no doubt that, without his unrivalled knowledge of the Islands, the job which the Task Force so successfully accomplished would have been immeasurably more difficult and takenconsiderably longer. Reasons in Writing, is unlikely to be rivaled for its immediacy, insight and deep and genuine feeling for the Islands themselves, based on experience gained (unlike any other participant civilian or service) before, during and after that austral winter of 1982.
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Most helpful customer reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Book written by a soldier who played a role in historic events.,
By Alex (Earth) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Reasons in Writing: A Commando's View of the Falklands War (Paperback)
Interesting book written by a Royal Marines Commando officer who played a notable role in events during the Falklands War. The author is the son of a Royal Marines General who contributed in some unusual ways to the British victory. The author had close personal contact with many of the key actors in this conflict, and as a result, is able to provide some interesting insights. The author's account is quite detailed, descriptive, and brutually honest. This book is well-written, and avoids a lot of the common military jargon and acronyms that often confuses the reader. I believe most people will find this book easy to read. Good background information on the origins of the conflict is helpfully provided at the beginning of the book. A map would have been useful as this account makes many references to specific locations in the Falklands Islands.Recommended for those interested in the Falklands War and in modern combat.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
3.5 out of 5 stars (4 customer reviews) 3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Well-Chosen Title by A Controversial Author,
By John Bauer - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Reasons in Writing: A Commando's View of the Falklands War (Hardcover)
There are many things to like about this colorful and delightfully personal memoir by one of the most centrally-placed participants in the Falklands Conflict. Southby-Tailyour's role in helping senior British commanders understand their battlefield and ultimately choose their land course of action was pivotal. He describes his contribution in abundant detail, going back to his pre-war posting in Stanley with his wife and children and his rocky, sometimes bitterly frustrating relations with the Falklands civil authorities, to covering how his detailed knowledge of the geography and weather later influenced wartime operational analysis. Most important, however, are the details he provides about his strangely unconventional role during the land campaign itself, specifically during the amphibious assault at Port San Carlos and the catastrophe that befell Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram in the climactic days of the Battle for Stanley. Readers from other armies will be fascinated by the esprit and courage of the British marines as well as the seemingly murky and disorganized mission analysis and situational thinking of both British sea and land commanders. The complexities of British military-political relations is richly illustrated on several levels. In all, this book is an important contribution to our understanding of the Falklands Conflict and is delightful to read thanks to the first-hand knowledge, enthusiasm and eccentricity of its author.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Well-Chosen Title by A Controversial Author,
By John Bauer - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Reasons in Writing: A Commando's View of the Falklands War (Hardcover)
There are many things to like about this colorful and delightfully personal memoir by one of the most centrally-placed participants in the Falklands Conflict. Southby-Tailyour's role in helping senior British commanders understand their battlefield and ultimately choose their land course of action was pivotal. He describes his contribution in abundant detail, going back to his pre-war posting in Stanley with his wife and children and his rocky, sometimes bitterly frustrating relations with the Falklands civil authorities, to covering how his detailed knowledge of the geography and weather later influenced wartime operational analysis. Most important, however, are the details he provides about his strangely unconventional role during the land campaign itself, specifically during the amphibious assault at Port San Carlos and the catastrophe that befell Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram in the climactic days of the Battle for Stanley. Readers from other armies will be fascinated by the esprit and courage of the British marines as well as the seemingly murky and disorganized mission analysis and situational thinking of both British sea and land commanders. The complexities of British military-political relations is richly illustrated on several levels. In all, this book is an important contribution to our understanding of the Falklands Conflict and is delightful to read thanks to the first-hand knowledge, enthusiasm and eccentricity of its author.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome book to learn about amphibious warfare,
By Former Marine and deputy sheriff - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Reasons in Writing: A Commando's View of the Falklands War (Paperback)
I found "Reasons in Writing" to be an awsome book. The main interest for me was the descriptions of life with the Royal Marine detatchment prior to the invasion and how "backwater" posts such as that can be forgotten by the mainstream public and government. Ewen Southby-Tailyour happened to be one of those military men whose niche comes to the forefront during times of crisis. Often throughout history men and women are propelled to the front of a crisis based solely on their experience in subject matter not found among others.I found the day by day description of am apmphibous wafrare group, going in harms way, to be compelling and very easy to read. This is a must for our young officers and non commissioned officers especially of the Marine Corps and Navy. |
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