Book: The Black Jackals

This is a story of what was nearly a costly tactical error by Churchill in WWII. It is 1940 and The Black Jackals, a fictitious unit of the 51st Highland (Infantry) Division left behind to cover the British retreat, are ordered to blow up a bridge as late as possible to stem the German tank pursuit. Although successful, the operation kills desperate refugees fleeing the scene. Who will be made to face the court-martial: the men carrying out the orders or their commanding officer?

This is the first of many dilemmas Peter Lamb and his troops must face. After becoming cut off from the rest of their regiment and assigned a mission that takes them deep into France behind the fast-moving enemy lines, the cracks in the group begin to appear.

In these unexpected, tense circumstances, Lamb's men face internal struggles, taking their focus off both their French allies and the German enemy.

Black Jackals shows how men react to the challenges of war, and gives a fresh and fascinating picture of the frontlines.

Although I don't normally like fictional war stories, this yarn introduces the warmth and speculation that is normally missing from factual accounts. It's a masterly portrayal of World War II heroism, with vivid action and stirring personal journeys.

Title: The Black Jackals

Author: Iain Gale

Publisher: HarperCollins, $40