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The Commando

The life and death of Cameron Baird, VC, MG
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( 353 ratings, 22 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Commando by Ben Mckelvey is a riveting biography that delves into the life of Australian soldier Damien Thomlinson. It chronicles his journey from elite Commando missions to overcoming life-altering injuries sustained in Afghanistan. The book provides a compelling look at resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are interested in the gripping true stories of resilience and courage, particularly those centred around military service. It offers an immersive look into the life of a commando, capturing the intense experiences and personal challenges faced during operations. Ideal for readers who appreciate detailed, personal accounts of heroism and the human spirit in overcoming adversity.

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From his early life as an up-and coming AFL player to his tours of duty in Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan and his final battle in the dusty Ghawcha village in the Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan - the powerful biography of Cameron Baird, VC, MG, one of Australia's most decorated modern soldiers.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

On 22 June 2013, Corporal Cameron Baird was a 2nd Commando Regiment Special Forces soldier when he led his platoon into a known Taliban stronghold to back up another Australian unit under heavy fire. In the prolonged firefight, Cameron was mortally wounded.

In 2014, Cameron's bravery and courage under fire saw him posthumously awarded the 100th Victoria Cross, our highest award possible for bravery in the presence of the enemy. Cameron Baird died how he lived – at the front, giving it his all, without any indecision. He will forever be remembered by his mates and the soldiers he served with in the 2nd Commando Regiment.

The Commando reveals Cameron's life, from young boy and aspiring AFL player, who only missed out on being drafted because of injury, to exemplary soldier and leader. Cameron's story and that of 4RAR and 2nd Commando personifies the courage and character of the men and women who go to war and will show us the good man we have lost.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Commando by Ben Mckelvey is praised for its detailed research and insights from the protagonist's family and comrades. The book honours a remarkable individual, celebrating his selfless nature and heroism.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780733640803

Publisher: Hachette Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 31 July 2018

Country: Australia

Imprint: Hachette Australia

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 28.0mm

Width: 154.0mm

Height: 232.0mm

Weight: 480g

Pages: 352

About the Author

Ben Mckelvey is an author, journalist and editor. Ben's books have won the Australian Independent Book Award for non-fiction, an Australian Book Industry Award and the Nib Military History Prize and they have been shortlisted in the Victorian and Queensland Premier's Literary Awards and for the Les Carlyon Literary Prize. Ben has been the editor of Mr Jones, Sports&Style and Juice magazines and worked at the Sydney Morning Herald as a Senior Feature Writer. As a freelance writer, Ben has been embedded with the ADF in East Timor and Iraq, and has worked independently in Iran, Syria and Afghanistan.

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    The new book from the bestselling author of The Commando and Mosul. It was Australia's longest war, and also our most secretive. In the craggy mountains, green belts and digital battlefields of Afghanistan, concepts of heroism and decency started to warp, and Australian special forces operators moved apart on the question of how the war should be conducted - with...
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