Product Description

The Apache attack helicopter is the British Army's most awesome weapons system. Deployed for the first time in Afghanistan, it has already passed into legend. The only thing more incredible than the Apache itself are the pilots that fly her. For the first time, Apache Dawn tells their story - and their baptism of fire in the unforgiving battle of Helmand province. Their call-sign was 'Ugly' - and there was no better word for the gruelling 100-day deployment they endured. Day after day, four of the Army Air Corps' finest pilots flew right into the heart of the battle, testing their aircraft to the very limit. Apache Dawn takes the reader with them on a series of unrelenting and brutally intense combat missions, from daring, edge-of-the-seat rescues to dramatic close-air support in the white heat of battle. Bestselling author Damien Lewis has been given unprecedented access to these heroic aircrews and to the men on the ground whose lives they saved. It is an astounding story of bravery, skill and resilience in the face of unbelievable odds. And it is the story of the Apache itself - the ultimate fighting machine.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #17219 in Books
• Published on: 2009-02-19
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

Review
'As good as any thriller I have ever read' Freddie Forsyth 'Reveals a true story of British courage and daring' The Sunday Times 'Riveting' Richard & Judy Show 'The most dramatic story of a secret wartime mission ever' News of the World 'Exciting and revelatory' Duncan Falconer 'A tremendous read' Max Arthur

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.

Smurfs flex their biceps
Coming from an Infantry background, I, along with hundreds of callsigns, have suffered at the hands of the AAC when arranged pick up confirmations are met with 'no flying, weathers closed in'. This then involved the heli pilots in sitting off in the crew room, watching a dvd whilst bourboning themselves to death with their brews while the call sign tabs back to base location or invites themselves to another unit's location-which are usually unbearbly cramped to start with.Under these too familiar circumstances,the AAC slagging is in a league of its own.
Enter Damien Lewis. Apache Dawn left me with a complete turnaround of opinion. Infanteers love fire support. Thats why they love Apaches.
Damien gets you in the cockpit with the guys and enables you to live what they live. Through the training for battle, the longing to be tested by battle and to the battle and beyond, there is action and there is hunanity. Do they mix? Moreso than most would understand/believe. DL has opened the eyes of the public to the fact that not only do special forces have hero running through them if broken in half. I wont go into the mechanics of DLs writing other than-if you've read any of his previous outings you'll know the quality the man offers. If you havent,then start.Read, absorb and learn. Everyone needs to understand what our boys are dealing with in the 'stan.Its war yet the masses are ignorantly unaware. DL isnt so much an author as a highly respected lecturer instilling knowledge. Buy this book - the subject matter needs to be known.