Double Crossed
A Code of Honour, A Complete Betrayal
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4.7 • 66 Ratings
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- £6.99
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- £6.99
Publisher Description
The Sunday Times Bestseller that inspired BBC drama Danny Boy
At the age of 23, Brian Wood was thrust into the front line in Iraq, in the infamous Battle of Danny Boy. Ambushed, he led a charge across open ground with insurgents firing at just five soldiers. On his return, he was awarded the Military Cross.
But Brian's story had only just begun. Struggling to re-integrate into family life, he suffered from PTSD. Then, five years later, a letter arrived: it summoned him to give evidence at the Al-Sweady Inquiry into allegations of war crimes by British soldiers during the Iraq invasion of 2003.
After years of public shame, Brian took the stand and delivered a powerful testimony, and following the tense inquiry room scenes, justice was finally served. Phil Shiner, the lawyer who made the false accusations, was struck off and stripped of an honorary doctorate.
In this compelling memoir, Brian speaks powerfully and movingly about the three battles in his life, from being ambushed with no cover, to the mental battle to adjust at home, to being falsely accused of hideous war crimes. It's a remarkable and dark curve which ends with his honour restored but, as he says, it was too little, too late.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
British soldier Brian Wood’s supreme courage at the Battle of Danny Boy in Iraq in 2004 earned him the Military Cross. His account of that afternoon alone would make this a breathtaking memoir, but the ramifications of the day resonated agonisingly through his life for the next decade. In 2009, as he continued to suffer from PTSD, he was accused of terrible war crimes and human rights abuses. Given the astonishing deceit and misinformation that Cross faced while trying to clear his name, his own honesty and self-reflection here are remarkable. This compelling, unvarnished portrait of a war hero offers fascinating insight into life on the frontline and harrowing battles fought at home.
Customer Reviews
Double Crossed
Interesting and thought provoking , underlining the premise of never giving up or giving in to injustice or the system , Dave Bryant
Humbled.
Brian, thank you for sharing your experiences. I could not put this down. Although completely humbled by reading your story it has left me frustrated with the world in which we live in. The title of the book could not have been more aptly named. For a group of men who are willing to put their life on the line, to protect their fellow comrades, and to help provide the freedom and safety that we all live in today, to be dragged through the shambles that ensued disappoints me beyond belief. The freedom that those pen pushers take for granted. Delving into matters that had no need or purpose, to revisit an unearth such memories. And at such a cost. Reading the words that Fallon said gave me goosebumps. Thanks for your service.. the country is lucky on have such brave people to ensure our liberty. Richard
Amazing story of courage in battle and in the courtroom
The highlight was the description of the battle of Danny Boy. Brian shows how training and leadership helped overcome the odds and turned the battle in his favour from an
Ambush. But his biggest challenges were still to come