Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #130951 in Books
• Published on: 2009-05-21
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 224 pages

Customer Reviews

Boys' Own Stuff
I'd read Ben Cowburn's book several years ago in its original form; I was impressed then, as I am now, with the wonderfully descriptive and self-deprecating style he possessed. In particular, I loved the description of when Cowburn was cycling along, his panniers packed with high-explosive, when two members of the Feldgendarmarie leapt out at him; the only reason for them doing so, was to test the efficiency of the bicycle's brakes! But I think this latest version benefits from MRD Foot's introduction in which he laments the fact that despite Cowburn's heroic and breathtakingly dangerous exploits as an operative from SOE's `F' Section in wartime, occupied France, he was `fobbed-off' with a military cross; sentiments with which I happen to agree.

If there is a criticism, it's a slight one; I wish Cowburn had given a fuller description of how he adjusted to life in the post-war years and since the original book was written in 1960, there's no reason why he shouldn't have done.

But that criticism shouldn't detract from the book - it's the wartime memoirs of a very brave and resourceful man and worth every penny.