Stevens Col Paddy (2 results)

Paperback. Near Fine. 117 Pages. Special Publication No 35. Illustrated with photographs within the text and three Maps. Lying for some years in a dusty attic, this story is a revelation and a highly important addition to Royal Marines history. Although the events happened nearly fifty years ago (before publication) it is one of the rare tales of active service written by its Commanding Officer. Lt Col 'Paddy' Stevens commanded 45 Commando Royal Marines during a particularly active sixteen months from July 1963 to November 1964. During his tour the unit was actively deployed in Aden, called upon to put down the insurrection in Tanganyika (now Tanzania) and, on returning to their Little Aden base, the Commando was soon fighting up country in the rugged and inhospitable mountains of the Redfan region against determind rebels. His style makes for easy reading, giving an indication of the pressures and decisions that Commanding Officers have to make, why he made them and the subsequent results. He brings out the importance of junior leadreship. It is a masterpiece of simplicity, clear thinking and decisive judgements that he made in many complicated situations. The book also shows all aspects of Royal Marines life, basic soldiering, landing by helicopters from an unmodified (front line) aircraft carrier, keeping the peace, dealing with sudden emergencies and finally engage in rugged mountain fighting against a determined and well armed enemy. Colonel Stevens also deals with the social and administrative side of life in a Commando where most marines spent a one-year unaccompanied tour in 'comparative peacetime'. His insight and perspicacity in very difficult circumstances and very hot weather shines through this book and should be compulsive reading for future commanders of all ranks.

8vo., First Edition, with photographs and maps in the text; original photographic wrappers, a near fine copy. Royal Marines Historical Society Special Publications SP35.