Product Description

In the summer of 2007 the British Army's 662 Squadron deployed its most potent weapons system in combat for the very first time - the iconic Apache attack helicopter. This is the definitive story of the aircraft and of the crew who fly her, and of their baptism of fire in the battle for Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Under the call-sign Ugly, four of the Army Air Corps' finest pilots flew a relentless series of missions during their 100-day deployment, stretching the aircraft, and themselves, to the limit. Apache Dawn recounts these operations from the perspective of the aircrew, plus the soldiers on the ground who owe their lives to the Apaches' intervention during the white-hot heat of battle. Bestselling author Damien Lewis has been given unprecedented access to the pilots of the Apache Attack Squadrons - an elite band of warriors operating at the very limits of modern warfare. Apache Dawn is their story, and it is one of untold bravery and resilience against all odds.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #191421 in Books
• Published on: 2008-08-21
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 288 pages

About the Author
Damien Lewis has spent twenty years reporting from war and conflict zones around the world. In 2006 he was chosen as one of the 'nation's 20 favourite authors' in the Government's Quick Read initiative. His books have won the Index on Censorship Award, and been nominated for many others.

Customer Reviews

Good but out gunned by Ed Macy's Apache
At any other time, I would have given this 5 stars. It's a geat book, read it in a weekend and it clearly conveys the reality of the action. Unluckily for Lewis, Ed Macy's staggeringly good account raises the bar and in comparison, Apache Dawn can't compete.

It comes second for two reasons.

First, it is largely a combat diary of events and the writer is retelling events as they were told to him. Just as Dan Mills beats Patrick Bishop (Sniper One vs 3 Para), Ed Macy is able to convey his own experiences first hand. This makes the story that much more compelling.

Second, the awe inspiring machine that is the Apache and the skill required to get the most out of it seems to be lacking in Lewis's book. The Apache is like no other weapon out there and I was left disappointed that relatively little time was spent on it. For example, Macy includes full cutaway diagrams and talks about how the pilots train to use their eyes independently. Both are wholly excluded by Lewis.

So whilst it is most definitely worth the read, just make sure you do so before Apache.

A must read
After reading Apache Dawn I felt Damien Lewis has given the public an insight into the excellent work our British Forces are doing in Afghanistan. After hearing about the the battles of last summer on the news it was good to read in to depth about what went on from a pilots point and a soldiers as i was only told a limited story. I would recommend any one to read as soldiers do not get any reconition for what they do out on tours and people can find out alot reading this book.

Apache Dawn Review
The author covers the highlights of a 90 day deployment to Afghanistan of 4 British Army Apache pilots. Action packed, adrenaline soaked, aviation fuelled, cannon shot riddled and Hellfire heavy, the book contains an incredible story - one which the members of Ugly flight were right to contact the author about with a view to documenting their adventures.

The exploits covered are an excellent display of modern battlefield technology and how the Apaches are used to support troops on the ground with their fiercesome array of prey detection equipment and weaponry. They truly were always outnumbered but never outgunned.

5 out of 5 stars.