The Ulster Tales (9 reviews)
Found in: Post World War II Books
Hardback 224 pages
ISBN: 9781848845244
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A Tribute to those Who Served 1969-2000
General John WilseyFound in: Post World War II Books
Hardback 224 pages
ISBN: 9781848845244
Published: 3 May 2011
£19.99
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The Ulster Tales captures the lives and experiences of ten individuals from mainland Britain who found themselves caught up in the Northern Irish Troubles. Each has a very distinct story to tell according to their role and position.
The first ‘tale’ is that of Simon Hoggart, The Guardian journalist who reported in Belfast and Londonderry from the outset. The military angle is covered by the GOC at a critical moment (General Sir Richard Lawson), a young soldier in The Green Howards from Barnsley and by Anne Blair, who was widowed at Warrenpoint. A member of MI5 and a key source handler represent the Intelligence effort. The political perspective is given by Tom King, the Secretary of State at the time of the Anglo-Irish Agreement, who narrowly avoided assassination. We hear of the role of a top civil servant, Sir John Blelloch closely connected with the 1981 Hunger Strike. The Policeman’s Tale is that of a young Met officer who transferred to the RUC and nearly became Chief Constable.
Through the experiences of these ten, very different individuals, the momentous events in the Province are graphically described. Thanks to the Author’s exceptional knowledge and access, the reader gains a unique and privileged insight into the
political, military and industrial aspects of this troubled period.
As well as being a tribute to those who dedicated their lives to the fight against terrorism, The Ulster Tales is an original and interesting way of gaining a better understanding of the ever complex Northern Ireland situation.
The first ‘tale’ is that of Simon Hoggart, The Guardian journalist who reported in Belfast and Londonderry from the outset. The military angle is covered by the GOC at a critical moment (General Sir Richard Lawson), a young soldier in The Green Howards from Barnsley and by Anne Blair, who was widowed at Warrenpoint. A member of MI5 and a key source handler represent the Intelligence effort. The political perspective is given by Tom King, the Secretary of State at the time of the Anglo-Irish Agreement, who narrowly avoided assassination. We hear of the role of a top civil servant, Sir John Blelloch closely connected with the 1981 Hunger Strike. The Policeman’s Tale is that of a young Met officer who transferred to the RUC and nearly became Chief Constable.
Through the experiences of these ten, very different individuals, the momentous events in the Province are graphically described. Thanks to the Author’s exceptional knowledge and access, the reader gains a unique and privileged insight into the
political, military and industrial aspects of this troubled period.
As well as being a tribute to those who dedicated their lives to the fight against terrorism, The Ulster Tales is an original and interesting way of gaining a better understanding of the ever complex Northern Ireland situation.
John Wilsey has written a highly original account of ’the Troubles’. He is uniquely qualified to do so having endured, and clearly enjoyed, his ten years in the Province on seven separate tours whilst progressing... [read full review]
Journal of the Sultan’s Armed Forces
The book works well, not only as a history, but also, as the subtitle suggests, a tribute. John Wilsey writes with a clear and lucid style and, whether you served there, lived there or... [read full review]Pennant Magazine
The Ulster tales takes a look at the Troubles in Ulster from a variety of different perspectives. It is an important book and a sympathetic account of a campaign that, although so important at... [read full review]Country Life Magazine
This is a book that had to be written because it covers a subject that extends far beyond Ireland and dispels many of the inaccurate assumptions that have been made by others. Ireland has had... [read full review]Firetrench reviews
During his distinguished career in the British Army, John Wilsey served a total of seven tours in Northern Ireland; starting as a young subaltern and ending as the GOC. He uses his experience of The... [read full review]Pennant Magazine
How Northen Ireland Shaped the ArmyA collection of 'Tales from the Troubles' sheds new light on a long and bloody military campaign. Each is moving and revealing, in varying degree, but all are... [read full review]
The Times
Among the Plethora of books that cover this terrible period of Irish History, what makes The Ulster Tales one to be read? It is for the insight into the lives of the people who worked... [read full review]New York Journal of Books - Viv Young
General Wilsey, having served at virtually every level of command right up to that of GOC, is probably the most experienced soldier of the Northern Ireland campaign. His views and experience feature as part of... [read full review]Devon and Dorset Regiment
During the years I was in Downing Street, Northern Ireland was never far from my mind, or off my desk. It intruded at all times and in all circumstances and for good reason: ... [read full review]The RT Hon Sit John Major
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The History of the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC 1922-2001
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About General John Wilsey
General Sir John Wilsey was commissioned into the Devon and Dorset Regiment. During his distinguished career he served in Northern Ireland in every rank bar one, culminating as the GOC from 1990-93. Now retired he wrote the acclaimed biography of Col H Johns VC – The Life and Death of an Unusual Hero (Hutchinson and Arrow (p/b)).
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