The Naked Soldier - Tony Sloane

[Boxingmad]

Just finished a book about a British fella in the French Foreign Legion. It's a very good read and sheds some light on how life is in the FFL, in particular 2 REP where the author served. He is honest about his time there saying how tough it can be but enjoyable at the same time. The good thing about it is he shows that life in the FFL is what you make it, and that not everyone likes it, hence the number of desertions that frequently occur.
After the FFL, he returned to the UK and joined the Paras and is now working as a security consultant. I don't know if anyone here knows him but if they do, then tell him it was a most enjoyable book and the most honest account of life in the FFL.

[/i]

[Chas]

Cross reference the book with the Cervens FL forum.
The biggest motor mouth there Eagle Eye claims that
Sloane was deserter. I have not read the book but am
cognizant that EE served in the FFL mainly as a medic
and clerk honouring his contract. The general comment
from former legionnaires is that the book is crap.

[Boxingmad]

Yeah, I've been on that forum and I actually looked for a review of it but couldn't find one.

Well if he was a deserter then the book is a load of lies.

[Mr_Kiwi]

i have read it too, i found it a good read.
obviously with these kind of books no one other than the author and those who were the with him can know the true story so why not just take his word for it.

And no he didnt desert, he finished up his contract then (according to the book) joined the paras then the SAS and now is doing security work.
The only real downfall of the book was it length, far to short for my liking.

[jabcrosshook]

Kiwi, didn't you know that I've been a Seal, Commando, Para, SAS, SBS, FFL, CIA, FBI, MI5, MI6, and now I'm a hired killer.
I wouldn't trust everything you read in a book.

[Chas]

Cerven's BOOK REVIEW page 3. Not much since all the slating is on the
main forum.
On main page use search and log in name and book. Then you will see
all the hate comments.
And to think I nearly joined.

[Mr_Kiwi]

haha, you got around mate? let me bet, you got kicked out of each because you made everyone else in the unit look bad?

I never said I took everything I read for gospel, I just find that I enjoy the books i spend £10 on if i dont try and think its a load of shite

[Chas]

Mr.Kiwi,

No I just strived to attain the very high standards required
within each formation for which I was a volunteer. I then
honoured my contractual time and strangely enough I was
selected for promotions. Unbelievable isn't it ?

[harry hackedoff]

Heyup Chas,
fancy a Kronenbourg 1664
Carlsberg, probably the weakest piss you can buy. three point how much?

[Chas]

Whatcha Harry,

Yep fancy a crate or two. Nearly joined the FFL
but decided agin it. Confess I was very tempted.
At that time I was an Lt. RMFVR.
Crown Agents were looking for colonial coppers
so I resigned my permanent reserve commission
and joined on 3 year renewable contracts. Did all
sorts thereafter and joined Dad's Army HSF.
I was too old to t/f to the Corps and was on the
limit for the CP. 'Titch' Houghton had offered me
a regular commission years earlier. Silly Prat I
did not take it. Now its carpe diem before the river styx.

[harry hackedoff]

Yerrrrs
But I`ll still let you buy me a wet
Mine`s a big`un

[jabcrosshook]

Mine`s a big`un

No need to boast.

[Mr_Kiwi]

okay wow, let me start by setting the record straight, i ment my previous comment as a joke to :
"Kiwi, didn't you know that I've been a Seal, Commando, Para, SAS, SBS, FFL, CIA, FBI, MI5, MI6, and now I'm a hired killer.
I wouldn't trust everything you read in a book" by jabcrosshook, not you chas.

I am really sorry for any confusion mate, I never ment anything to be like that. next time i'll use the 'quote' button to save confusion.

Once again, sorry for making it seem like i was taking a dig at you.

[Chas]

Kiwi,

Your gracious comments noted.
No probs my side- Enjoy life.

Chas.