Sandy Cavenagh (4 results)

Signed and inscribed by the Author. Octavo, softbound (black and white photo. illustrated stiff wrappers), 207 pp. Very Good, with edgewear. From lower cover: This is an enthralling study of parachute soldiers at war, republished to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Suez affair in 1956. Much of the story concerns the selection, training and personalities who made up 3 PARA at that time. After 9 months active service in Cyprus against General Grivas and the EOKA terrorists, the battalion reckoned themselves to be lucky to be chosen for the only opposed parachute assault since World War II on the heavily defended airfield at Port Said. The short but savage battle which followed is described in detail and at first hand by Dr. Cavenagh until he was wounded and evacuated in a French militaryplane to Cyprus. A postscript describes the operations of 3 PARA in Arabia in 1964. This second edition coincides with the BBC Documentary "The Suez Crisis" which will remain in the last word on this disastrous episode in British Foreign policy. But the parachute soldiers and the traditions they embody have become a permanent bastion of the nation, sent forth again and again to defend our interests, and all profits from sales of this most readable book will be donated to their charities. Military History, British History, Airborne Forces aslic.

Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. 1st Edition.

Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Good. 1st Edition. Cream coloured cloth bound, hardback book, with gilt titles on the spine. Comes with nice dust jacket, a tad worn around the back, please see photos, not price clipped. This lovely, well written book is in good condition, normal wear, marks and tear apply consistent with use and age. First edition published 1965 in the UK. 207 pages, all intact and nice tight binding. All pages, text and illustrations are in good, clean, readable order. This is a splendid account of a medical officer in Cyprus and Suez. In a rash moment, Sandy Cavenagh a recently qualified doctor, volunteered for parachute training; after the usual hair-raising training course, rendered the more horrific by the fact that he was rushed through in half the time allotted to the ordinary trainee, he found himself in Cypress and on active service with 3 PARA against General Grivas and the Eoka terrorists. His description of the Cyprus Emergency is both exciting and interesting, whether he was patching up the military victims of terrorist ambushes of delivering Cypriot babies in remote mountain villages. The book is an enthralling personal adventure story, but is also a fine study of parachute soldiers at war. Dr. Cavenagh has a shrewd, observant eye, and he also held a unique position in the battalion; he has not missed his opportunities in this most readable book.

hardcover. Condition: Good. Photograph available on request.