Читать книгу Notes From a Small Military - I Commanded and Fought with 2 Para at the Battle of Goose Green. I was Head of Counter Terrorism for the M.O.D. This is my True Story - Major-General Chip Chapman - Страница 4

I have served with so many people. All have, in one manner or another, contributed to this book. The greatest privilege is to be given command of paratroopers. I was lucky to command (among others) the best soldiers possible in 6 Platoon, B Company 2 PARA; the Medium Machine Gun Platoon of 2 PARA; D Company 2 PARA; 3 Commando of The Canadian Airborne Regiment – and the greatest privilege of all – commanding 2 PARA. All have shaped who I am and what I believe. Far too many have now ridden off to the Valkyries, either through death in combat or through the curse of cancer, or because they could not cope with what life threw at them after their military service. In particular, RSM Jack Lemmon, who was a legend, ‘Louis’ Lewis, and the recent sad addition of Hank Hood to their number. They have all ‘gone to Hell to regroup’ as the Toms would say.

Those looking for a unified theory of the military within this book will not find it. There are contradictions. This is deliberate, because it is a story of people and how they react. And of how I reacted at various times in my career. I had a fourfold intention in writing this book: to make you laugh, to make you cry, to inform you and, occasionally, to make you think.

I give special thanks to those who were platoon commanders with me in the Falklands: John Shaw, Guy Wallis and Mark Coe of A Company; Geoff Weighell and Ernie Hocking of B Company, and Shaun Webster, Jacko Page, and Chris Waddington of D Company. And to Jim Barry, who did not come back.

There have been those from whom I have picked up traits, habits or even ‘education’ during my career; those who I truly admired. These include John Crosland, Phil Neame, David Chaundler, Adrian Freer, David Benest, ‘Cedric’, Tim Granville-Chapman, Nick Parker and Graeme Lamb. One of these told me always to rebel against ‘gnomes’. He will know who he is. There are some gnomes within the following pages. Gnomes need to be slayed. More recently, I thank General Jim Mattis of US Central Command – the finest warrior leader I have encountered. I wish him a happy retirement after all he has contributed to the USA.

My professional thoughts have been influenced by various military thinkers. On the 25th anniversary of the Falklands campaign, I included Field Marshal Slim and T E Lawrence in my list of six favourite military books for The Times Books section (Saturday 21 April 2007.) I also admire Field Marshal Wavell and Liddell Hart greatly. You will see this during the book.

I thank Peter Russell, that great photographer friend of the Airborne, for his permission to use a number of his magnificent P Company and parachuting pictures (www.peterrussellphotography.com).

The army is going through a time of change. While it is in the hands of General Peter Wall, as Chief of the General Staff, it will have a chance of pragmatic sense being spoken. If Richard Barrons or Nick Carter (or both?) are part of the future succession, that will continue. I hope my personal endorsement of these two fine officers has not ruined their chances!

Finally, I give special thanks to Rosie and Tom Chapman who were disruptively dragged around the world when they were growing up, living in far too many places for their own good. They have been the most brilliant kids: they also served!