The Paras in Afghanistan

The Paras in Afghanistan written by Craig Allen and published by Key Publishing - £15.99 - Softcover - Pages 128

In 2021, the British Army’s 20-year engagement in Afghanistan ended with chaotic

scenes at Kabul International Airport. The Parachute Regiment had been involved

since the earliest days of conflict and was there at the end to provide security for

the final evacuation. The years of conflict saw the Paras endure some of the toughest

operational conditions since World War Two as they confronted Taliban fighters

in their Helmand stronghold. In 2008, 2 and 3 Paras were deployed to Afghanistan,

fighting the Taliban in areas such as Kandahar and Musa Qala. That summer, they

fought the insurgents in the fields and ditches of the Green Zone, always taking the

fight to the enemy.

Written by a former Para and battlefield photographer, this book takes the reader on a visual journey from training for this deployment in Scotland to the desert heat of Afghanistan, showing the soldiers, their equipment, weapons and vehicles. With over 200 colour photographs, it provides a behind-the-scenes look at the Paras both in battle and going about their day-to-day lives at the bases.

The Paras in Afghanistan is written by Craig Allen, a former Para and battlefield photographer who follows 2 3 & 4 Para first through training and then through travel and deployment to Afghanistan. In my opinion, this is an excellent book that has the insight of a former para who would be in the know, so you get the right photographs at the important time, as he covers training, work, play and death. The photographs are supported by interesting text/history relevant to the work and experience. In recent decades we have followed battles and wars from the comfort of our armchairs, this book helps fill in the gaps missed by news reports and programmes, it brings an extra level to what we already know. An excellent little book that brings you the reader the detail through pictures and text you would want. I would happily recommend this book to anyone interested in the Afghanistan campaign.