By Craig Wilson, Ret., NZGD

$39.99 David Bateman Publishing

Supporting the New Zealand Fallen Heros Trust 

Bravo is more than just a book.  It is a sentinel tool that will help ensure we will not forget what work New Zealand’s military have done in Afghanistan during New Zealand’s deadliest tour since Vietnam.  Major Craig Wilson, RET, NZGD wrote this book highlighting the realities of service whilst recovering from being shot and planning his new life with a disability.  

Despite the rigorous training and meticulous preparation the significant risk our soldiers experienced in the harsh and unforgiving big Afghan terrain could not be more clearly presented than in Craig’s notes and reflections.   Threats, battles, boredom and dodgy bowels all played a part in the soldier’s deployments.

Photographs make the book come alive as the reader can gain an appreciation of the power of IED strikes and the risks foot patrol soldiers took on trying to keep themselves and others safe. 

Diagrams of The Battle of Bagdad transposed onto satellite imagery highlight the undeniable heroic efforts of New Zealand Soldiers against insurgents. 

About the Author

Major Wilson joined the New Zealand Army in 1998. He has deployed to East Timor, The Solomon Islands and Afghanistan on operations during his career with the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment and the New Zealand Special Air Service. Major Wilson was awarded the New Zealand Gallantry Decoration for his leadership during the same operation in which Corporal Willie Apiata won the Victoria Cross. Major Wilson was seriously wounded while deployed to Afghanistan in 2012, and is continuing his recovery while serving in the New Zealand Defence Force.  He has recently competed in www.invictusgames2018.org