Initially, I didn't think my review of this book was worthy of publishing, but I felt compelled to do so after reading it. I will try to keep it short.
I was only 9 when these events occurred and oblivious to what the whole war was actually about, this has changed somewhat in recent years.
The book is very well compiled for someone who has never written before, kudos Jimmy. To discover the personal difficulties he has had to go through is truly humbling. A clear lesson for all the pi** and moaners out there who think they have had it tough!
The interviews from all the men involved are fascinating, obviously they live with these horrors on a daily basis, so the fact they are so vivid doesn't surprise me at all.
Most of us now know what PTSD is and its devastating effects and I felt a great amount of empathy while reading their stories which became at times overbearing and a break was needed. The book took me a little longer to read because of this.
It was also interesting to read some quotes from a handful of Argentine perspectives, they came across as honest and in no way disrespectful. Obviously, some of those guys bear very similar physical and psychological scars.
A discovered few facts that are still very difficult for me to comprehend. Primarily their ages, the youngest ones were just 17 years old! Such commendable composure and bravery for young shoulders, obviously the training they receive makes them what they are.
Also, the pi** poor kit they had the time. I don't know if this was unique to the British forces then (or now) but to discover these fellas didn't even have basic adequate helmets was a shock.
This reminded me of the first Gulf War when I heard of similar inadequate kit for the Brits, asking their American allies for spare gear!
The actual battle was so chaotic, the words 'incredulous' and 'surreal' spring to mind. That's how it translated on the page to me, I obviously wasn't present, but It's easy to imagine what sort of Hell was unfolding over those 3 days and beyond.
How even more blokes didn't perish is miraculous given the bedlam that ensued.
I wonder if the outcome of the battle would have made much difference had Cpl. Milne not unfortunately stepped on the mine, which kicked it all off? The Argentinians were just waking up and all was silent. Perhaps a more stealthy attack, given proper night vision?
Obviously I am hypothesizing however, it's curious that the British government of the time didn't think such equipment wasn't needed.
Another ponderous thought springs to my mind. The RAF should have bombed the s**t out of Mount Longdon to destruction and let everyone have a smoke and get a brew on.
I guess that was never going to be a viable option, the enemy were too well dug in. I am definitely not a military strategist!
There is even some (unintentional?) humour in there, too. For instance, Pete Gray's story of a grenade he assumed had detonated in his hand. 'Is my hand still there?', 'Yes, but where is the f***ing grenade?'.
This book is a definitive account of the Falklands War as it happened from the men who were there. It has been meticulously researched, that is obvious.
If you wish to get some idea what battle is like up close and personal, then you will find it here.
To see the enemy up close before you kill them, the screams of blood and guts, is a whole world away to calling in an air strike from afar.
Then to have to collect your dead friends and patch up the wounded in such extreme conditions is truly heartbreaking to read. Remember, some of these lads were barely out of school.
In summary, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Along with The First Casualty, this book would the basis of a great television documentary or film, maybe one day they will if some backers get behind them.
Jimmy has done an outstanding job, I hope other veterans put pen to paper and tell us their version of events.
Your memories will help future generations understand and learn why this part of history happened, and hopefully never will again.
It is sad to read of so many young men and women dying so young for governments who see all of us as merely numbers.
I am not a religious person though I am coming around to the idea that death may not be the end, perhaps what we know as the Pneuma just changes its cosmic address, I sincerely hope so.
I think I speak for every British patriot that all our armed forces, the veterans, those still serving and the ones no longer with us have our upmost respect for all that you have given for Queen and country, and indeed the western world as we know it today.
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Customer reviews
3 Days in June is one of the best books I’ve ever read.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 July 2021
I loved this book. It’s articulate, honest and unfettered in its design and recording of events and recollections during the battle for Mt Longdon by 3 Para during the Falklands War in 1982. It tells a story of war many (thankfully) never experience, in its grim and harsh reality, through the eyes of the men who lived through it. It also tells a story of bravery, courage and tenacity that can only be found on the battlefield. I now know the names of the men who served and died, who they were, and what they did, and for that alone, I am thankful to the author. This book ensures their names, deeds, and acts of bravery are captured and recorded for future generations. I would finally like to congratulate the author for his persistence in collating all the information, over many years, in a manner that allows the reader to immerse themselves (uncomfortably at times) in the moment. It’s that ability to pull a reading into the moment, that takes a good book into an epic. I also enjoyed the black humour that peppered the pages throughout the book, as it shows the true human spirit and its indignation to the brutal reality of warfare. This book is made even more remarkable because the author sustained life-changing injuries on the battlefield during this war and has lived with its physical and mental scars his entire adult life. I served in the Royal Navy and did a tour of duty in the Falklands in 1987 on HMS Diomede and didn’t know what happened to 3 Para at Mt Longdon. I do now.I must also declare that James (Jimmy) O’Connell (The author) is my cousin and I’m immensely proud of him for his sacrifice, service to his country, and for writing this epic book. I must also commend him for all the work and effort he does for his comrades and HM forces veterans.Don’t think because he’s my relative my opinion is swayed, if it was pants, I’d say.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 July 2021
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