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Force Research Unit - Undercover British Army Unit in Ulster
| Author | Rob Lewis |
| Publisher | Hodder & Stoughton |
| ISBN # | 0 340 75073 1 |
| On-line Merchant | Amazon |
| Or Order through the BSW store: |
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| This Book was added by | Peter |
Cover Notes
Fishers of Men is the gripping, true account of secret operations carried out by the British Army's most clandestine unit - the Force Research Unit, an outfit so secret that the rest of the Army was unaware of its existence. It tells the unique story, through Rob Lewis's own extraordinary experiences, of an essential instrument in the fight against terrorism, that of covert intelligence gathering. The men and women who work in this field are a special breed, they undertake hazardous risks with absolute tenacity and professionalism - the price for negligence is high and the need for secrecy must be preserved even at the expense of personal relationships.
The sheer determination and single-mindedness required to achieve selection to this secret world is graphically described as well as how, against seemingly impossible odds, the operatorts of the FRU managed to persuade terrorists and their close associates to turn informer. The methods the unit used to target, recruit and handle their contacts, how they protected their informants, and the terrifying life their agents led are all told by an agent handler, using many of his cases to illustrate the sharpness, intelligence(and sense of humour) essential to the job.
Fishers of men fills the gap that has so far remained in the literature about the secret war against terrorism in Northern Ireland in the most informative, explosive and enetertaining way possible.
Reviews
Rob rated this book Excellent
I read this book many years ago and found it to be of the best gripping stories I have had the pleasure to read. The way Rob Lewis exploits his experiences and how he depicts the dangers and the situation that are played out in the story are bloody brilliant. You are with him step by step as he works his way through selection right up to his job as a handler. His tradecraft skills are excellent. A must read book !
Paul rated this book Excellent
Hasn't Nel LIster been exposed as some sort of loony?
Peter rated this book Excellent
I read this book in about 3 days, I found it really fascinating. I had already read 'The Operators'by James Rennie and 'One Up' by Sarah Ford but found this to be something else. I guess the first thing that made me buy this book was the fact that I had never even heard of the the Force Research Unit
before. I think in the fight against terrorism this unit had to be recognised at some stage. When you read about the conflict in Northern Ireland you immediately think of tragic incidents but you never stop to think of the men AND women behind the scenes preventing countless other tragic incidents that could have been. These people really are the unsung heroes. I thoroughly reccomend this book
Nel Lister rated this book Good
Interesting! I wish the author had contacted me before writing it. I could have given him some of Bob Nairac's notes and letters dated 74-77, and 'shared' information for clarity etc. I note the scathing criticisms in some of the websites/media in the UK & Ireland. Why not come out and say who he is and
just tell it like it is. Some of us are (but then we're just ordinary non-military people!) despite the dirty tricks and threats. Cheers. here's to a Public Inquiry into the lot of them, and justice for Bob Nairac.
sheenagh rated this book Excellent
I also had never heard of the Force Research Unit but found this book to be fascinating. The book is well written and managed to keep my interest from cover to cover. The whole topic of Irish Terrorism is one which stirs strong emotions in people and Rob Lewis manages to portray his own role in Northern Ireland without relying on over dramatisation. Well worth the read if you are looking for a balanced overview of secret operations in the province.
Zippy rated this book Excellent
Got my copy of the book from the author. I was aware of the problems he had getting it past the MOD but was glad to see it get into print - even if it was a year and a half late!! It's a true account of what went on when he was in the unit but the MOD have changed a few details as a security measure. Glad to see they deleted me from the final text too!!! All I can say is read it. It's a fantastic portrayal of the "grey" life in Northern Ireland. Well done the fisherman :-)
Andrew rated this book Excellent
I had never heard of the Force Research Unit, I was aware of alleged actions of the "Black & Tans" and the B Special of the RUC. But not the FRU, I found this book to be fascinating. The book is well written and managed to keep my interest from cover to cover, although Rob may think of firing his proof reader (minor typos). The topic of terrorism is one which stirs strong emotions in people, what is fighting for survival under unjust administration and what is terrorism? Rob Lewis manages to portray his own role in Northern Ireland without relying on over dramatisation. Well worth the read if you are looking for a balanced overview of secret operations in the province.
John rated this book Excellent
Tough jobs for Tough men! True Heroes! I cant thik of a number, that would Mach the Number of Lives Saved By These Unknown Heroes! Hats off To A Job Well Done! Although I have"nt Read This book Yet,The Intro- Reminds Me of "The Nemesis File" Keep It Simple- "True Heroes"
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