1942: U.S. Marines Jim Cain and Leland Montgomery are sent to Scotland to undertake the brutal British Commando training course. Before the course is even finished, the commando squad are sent on a secret mission to destroy a German radar station on Nazi-occupied Alderney in support of the Dieppe raid.
Summer 1942. Defeatism hangs in the air. Britain stands alone. Winston Churchill is determined to strike back and has ordered the formation of a special operations force, dubbed "Commandos", with the mission to "set Europe ablaze."
U.S. Marine Captain Jim Cain and his Gunnery Sergeant Leland Montgomery are surprised to receive orders to the British Commando training center in the Scottish Highlands. There they are put through the brutal specialised training that will hone their fighting skills and physical endurance. Pitiless forced marches, dangerous live fire exercises and hazardous assault courses separate the men from the boys, while building a strong sense of brotherhood among the British soldiers and the two Marines. Lucky to be quartered in the spacious home of the Commandos' CO, Cain has the pleasure of meeting Loreena. The stunning auburn-haired daughter of the CO is secretive about her work in London. Before Cain can learn more about her, the training course is interrupted. He and the commando squad are sent on a special mission to destroy a German radar station on a Nazi-held island off the coast of France.
The site is defended by a squad of second-rate garrison soldiers who are no match for the highly trained and motivated commandos. A reaction force of infantry, led by a blooded German combat veteran, joins the fight. The action is fierce and bloody and there are heavy losses on both sides. The surviving raiders are able to withdraw to Royal Navy motor torpedo boats, as a marauding squadron of Schnellboots (E-Boats) lies in wait.
The Commandoes: Set Europe Ablaze is rich in detail and military accuracy which makes the story "come alive" and enables the reader to easily visualise the characters, the settings and the action scenes.
About the Author
Colonel Dick Camp, a Purple Heart recipient, served 26 years in the U.S. Marine Corps before retiring in 1988. Upon retirement he served as the Deputy Director, U.S. Marine Corps History Division and as the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, Vice President for Museum Operations at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Quantico, Virginia. Currently residing in Fredericksburg, Virginia, he is the author of ten books and over 100 magazine articles on various military related subjects.
Industry Reviews
The whole book could be turned into a skirmish game or a TV movie. * The Historical Miniatures Gaming Society 16/08/2021 *
All of this shows in his meticulous attention to relevant detail that brings the action to life with immediacy, emotion, and humour. And humour is necessary to relieve the tension of ongoing, heavy, military and naval action...an exciting tale, masterfully told. * Historical Novels Review *
The exciting and riveting actions of this totally outstanding book are told in a remarkably clear and inspiring fashion... This book has it all! Readers will sweat through difficult training, experience vivid and heroic combat and even smile over a bit of mild romance for 'the skipper.' * MGen M. T. "Ted" Hopgood, Jr. USMC (Ret.) *
This story is a spell-binder that will transport the reader into the time and place: Britain, 1942, commandos and a raid on a German-held island off the French coast. Noted military historian, prolifically published author, and Marine combat veteran, Colonel Richard Camp, USMC, has written a tantalizingly exciting tale in this work of historical fiction ... For those who crave action and drama, couched in authentic history, this book is recommended. One will not be disappointed. * Fred H. Allison, Maj USMC (Ret), PhD *
A really excellent book. Good characters, a great story and a fascinating insight into the lives of our first special-forces soldiers. * Love Reading 02/08/2021 *
