This incredible work tells of a Royal Artillery Forward Observer, James Eastwood, who deployed to Afghanistan in support of Arnhem Company of the British Army's Duke of Lancaster's Regiment - the famous 'Arnhem Lions'. Originally from 97 ('Nine-Seven') Battery, Royal Artillery, James was attached to and patrolled directly alongside the soldiers of the 'Arnhem Lions', with the heavy battlefield responsibility of swiftly providing accurate and sustained firepower to support 'Troops in Contact' - that is to say, troops engaged in direct combat with the world's most seasoned and ruthless guerrilla fighters - the Taliban. With the codename 'Witchcraft', James used his unique skills to co-ordinate and vector a range of military sorcery...Mortars, artillery - including guided missiles - attack helicopters, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and fast jets, all of which he expertly used to find, suppress or simply destroy insurgent forces in Southern Afghanistan.
In the crucible of counter-insurgency that is Helmand Province, James worked incessantly to support his fellow comrades-in-arms; infantry soldiers who drew inspiration from their Regiment's epic endeavours during the Battle of Arnhem in 1944. In a series of violent encounters, the 'Arnhem Lions' took the war right into the Taliban's backyard. The book features dozens of James' own photos taken on active service, providing a rare insight into the role of a forward observer in Afghanistan, including incredible action images. / Set against the harsh Afghan landscape and the ever-present threat of IEDs, this is a graphically honest account of the harsh reality of 21st Century warfare and the daily pressures and demands placed upon Britain's young soldiers of today. Read it and be inspired.