Dusty Warriors

Celebrated military historian and television presenter Richard Holmes is famous for his BBC series ‘Rebels and Redcoats: The American Revolutionary War’; ‘Wellington: The Iron Duke’; ‘Battlefields’; ‘War Walks’ and ‘The Western Front’. He is the author of many bestselling and widely acclaimed books including ‘Firing Line’, ‘The Western Front’, ‘Redcoat’, ‘Tommy’ and ‘Sahib’. He is general editor of the definitive ‘Oxford Companion to Military History’. He taught military history at Sandhurst for many years and is now Professor of Military and Security Studies at Cranfield University and the Royal Military College of Science. His biography of the Duke of Marlborough is published by HarperCollins in 2008. He lives near Winchester in Hampshire.

‘Richard Holmes’s “Dusty Warriors” is an important study…the book is an invaluable insight into the workings of a modern infantry regiment and a diary of the remarkable events that the men of the 1st PWRR battle group experienced on tour…it also provides a compelling and fast-moving narrative of the courage, restraint and fortitude shown by British soldiers in impossible circumstances…the action is superbly described…gripping…an important milestone for future generations wanting to understand the British Army and the post invasion turbulence of Iraq…essential reading.’ Sunday Times‘Vivid, gripping and, at times, highly emotional reading…If you have any interest in what life is like for the modern British soldier, “Dusty Warriors” is essential reading. Richard Holmes is a first-rate writer and with this exciting, affectionate account of his regiment at war he has set a standard for other military authors to aspire to.’ Daily Mail‘You will not be able to put it down…thought-provoking and profoundly perceptive…it is a piece of contemporary military history written with the author's trademark fluency, pace and wit…This book will open eyes to the stirring realities of life at the tip of the bayonet…Any prime minister in waiting would fail in his duty if he were not to read this book.’ Spectator