Serving with Popskis Private Army

By Leslie R. White and Leslie R White

In 1939, one ordinary, unassuming, quiet, young man of twenty-one was conscripted with hundreds of thousands of others to enlist and do his duty as a soldier. Leslie spent two of his six and a half years serving in the British army in a special service unit that became famous for its exploits: Popski's Private Army. A small, independent motorized force of the British Army, formed by Major Vladimir Peniakoff.
In addition to gathering intelligence, reconnaissance, destroying communication lines, and ambushing convoys, PPA became one of the most colourful, daring units ever established to operate behind enemy lines. This was first in Africa, then Italy where this story takes place.
Like many others, Leslie got on with his life after the war ended, never discussing those years and burying the traumatic war environment somewhere deep within his psyche. In the hope of it being forgotten forever.
In 2006, many years after the end of the war, his daughter-in-law, Anne, assisted Leslie in recalling and writing about his early years as a boy growing up in a children's home in Lavant, Chichester. As a result of hearing of this, another PPA veteran, Ben Owen, requested that he remember and relate his time in PPA too, in the form of a book. This was largely due to the fact that so few PPA veterans had written about their experiences in the special service patrols operating behind enemy lines. Therefore, 'Serving in Popski's Private Army' was written.
The act of war itself should not be glorified. Despite this, those who bravely fought for freedom for themselves and future generations should be remembered and honoured for their courage. Leslie died. Anne emailed the chapters to Major John Campbell of PPA for his perusal and comment. Major Campbell did not request any changes, saying that it was more or less the way he remembered it.
So, here it is...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B08JMQMPBR
• ISBN13: 9798690339173
• Release Date: September 2020
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 156 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.0" x 8.0"