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Viking has landed an authorised history of the Parachute Regiment in the Second World War by Mark Urban.
Daniel Crewe, publishing director, acquired world rights to Red Devils: The Trailblazers of the Parachute Regiment in World War Two: An Authorized History from Jonathan Lloyd at Curtis Brown. The book has been authorised by the Parachute Regiment and will publish on 27th October.
The synopsis says: “On the 80th anniversary of their first crucial campaign, in Operation Torch in North Africa, Urban tells the gripping story of the creation and development of the ‘Red Devils’ – the name given to them by their German enemies – who ranged from circus performers to solicitors, policemen to gravediggers, Christians and Jews to communists.
“Through the fates of six heroes, from recently-widowed Geoffrey Pine-Coffin, who had to leave his little boy to head to the front, to Mike Lewis, whose photographs became iconic images of war, he vividly brings to life these men and their experiences, showing what drove them and covering their daring actions at D-Day, Arnhem and across the Second World War. All six characters would shed blood for their country, two would not survive and one would face disgrace in the regiment.
“Based on deep archival research, British and German sources, and new material from the men’s families, and giving overdue recognition to the North African campaign, this compelling account paints a true and moving picture of the heart of war.”
Crewe said: “Mark’s account is gripping and inspiring from start to finish. He seamlessly interweaves six fascinating characters to paint a compelling, warts-and-all account of what it took to be part of this elite group, with his typical deep research and flair for finding the most telling stories. The Red Devils come to life before your eyes.”