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The French Foreign Legion is an army of volunteers
from all over the world who have been at the French frontlines of virtually
every major conflict since it was founded 167 years ago. It is famous
thoughout the world for its rigid discipline, its promise of anonymity,
and the enduring images of stories such as 'Beau Geste'. It's even been
the subject of comedy sketches, with Legionnaires buried up to their
neck in sand quipping with their superiors. But in truth, life in the
Legion is far from a joke. Its discipline is brutal and harsh, and the
death toll in active service has been high.
John Parker's searching interviews with dozens of
legionnaires past and present offer a new perspective on this most extreme
of fighting forces. Stories of the brutal training regime and ruthless,
merciless NCOs have been told by the thousands who have deserted. The
Legion's tortuous demands can stretch a man's mental and physical endurance
to the very limit, and often beyond it. But those who stayed, and survived
the hell, tell a different tale: no regrets.
Starting with classic stories from the early years
based upon original research, Inside the Foreign Legion also includes
the experiences of legionnaires and their participation in major operations
of modern times, from the Allied invasion of Narvik in World War II
through to the Gulf War and Bosnia. For the first time, John Parker
reveals the extraordinary story that one of their number, an Englishman,
was nominated to become the real-life jackal - the man who attempted
to assassinate President Charles de Gaulle.
Sometimes shocking, often brutal, Inside the Foreign
Legion makes compulsive reading for everyone who wants to know the truth
about life inside the world's most infamous army.
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| You can buy Inside The Foriegn Legion online
at Amazon.co.uk
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Published in hardback in 1998 by Piaktus and in
updated paperback 1999 |