When Helmand Province erupted in flames in 2006, and the men of 1 Royal Irish were fighting off vicious Taliban attacks, Irishman Patrick Bury was learning to be an infantryman in the Welsh Mountains. Two years later he would be leading these veterans.

As part of Ranger Company, a hand-picked group of 1 Royal Irish soldiers, Patrick deployed to Sangin, Afghanistan's most dangerous town. When he arrived, he was surrounded by men oozing bloody combat experience. This was not Sandhurst. It was real violence and killing. 'Hades Four One' was his callsign. Here, he and his platoon endured over 120 small arms attacks and 110 IED attacks. At least 40 enemy fell under their guns.
This powerful and thoughtful book places the reader in an infantry officer's boots, sharing every thought, ache, smell and taste of life on the frontline. He describes modern warfare in a way that creates an understanding of the myriad complexities soldiers are faced with, the conditions in which they operate and the moral and emotional challenges they endure.

An unforgettable book about combat and a brilliant character study. This is the only book on Afghanistan you will ever need to read.