With the Paras in Helmand: A Photographic Diary

Craig Allen, a 29-year veteran of the Paratroopers, returned to 2 PARA as a reservist and unofficial photographer for the Battlegroups dramatic 2008 Tour in Helmand. He had unparalleled access to the fighting and captured the hardships, courage, fears, and cost suffered by front-line soldiers and the civilian population caught up in the war. His story is told in action photographs and no-nonsense prose, with a ringside seat to a very costly summer tour.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Craig Allen, a veteran paratrooper with 29 years of service, made a remarkable return to 2 PARA as a reservist and unofficial photographer during the captivating 2008 Tour in Helmand. As a respected soldier and talented photographer, he enjoyed unparalleled access to the intense combat, moving from one area to another in pursuit of the action. Every evening, he diligently documented his experiences and those of his fellow soldiers, whom he had earned the trust of as a valued member of the club. His story unfolds through a series of stunning action photographs and straightforward prose, vividly capturing the hardships, courage, fears, and immense cost endured by frontline soldiers over extended periods. Allen's lens captures the vibrant essence of life and death in Afghanistan, encompassing both combatants and the unfortunate civilian population caught in the vicious cycle of war. This unforgettable book possesses a genuine visual allure that will leave a lasting impact on readers.

Weight: 858g
Dimension: 189 x 249 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399020886