The Making of Legionnaire: My Life in the French Foreign Legion Parachute Regiment (Cassell)

An excellent memoir, which briefly covers active service in Rwanda and Tchad during the late 80's, early 90's. The only thing I'd bring up is the lack of photographs. I am always a little sceptical when there is no photographic eveidence on show. As a former soldier I know that photos are always taken. Hundreds of them. They may not be of much interest but I can't believe that Parris has none. His active service is very eventful. This contradicts most of the information I have about Rwanda and elsewhere.

Not Bad (0/1 people found this helpful)

I agree with previous comments about this book giving a more upbeat insight than the violent experiences of Christian Jennings and Simon Murray. It's a pity that there isn't more about Bill's experiences after his basic training as the Calvi and active service years are crammed in at the end. One thing I have issue with however is Bill's contention that the RAF Regiment is the Airforce equivalent of the Royal Marines - A ridiculous comparrison and way wide of the mark as the Royal Marines (and Parachute Regiment) stand head and shoulders above any other unit other than the SAS/SBS.

Entertaining!!! (4/4 people found this helpful)

I picked up the book expecting another classic French Foriegn Legion story. Most of the book details the first eights months of Bill Paris's career in the Legion, the following 4 years are summed up in three somewhat suspicious chapters detailing combat experience in Africa. Bisaar that the Rwanda troubles began in 1990 and yet Bill was serving in the early 80's....doesn't make sense, neither the usage of GPS systems that didn't come into service until the 90's, like the American Minimi he was using and where did he find the British 66mm Rocket Launcher that the French have never had. The photographs are all professional...many labled incorrectly....are there not any personal photographs? There is no doubt that Bill spent five years in the Legion, all due respect. However, what did he do there, there seems to be a lot missing?? This is an entertaining book, to be read with a pinch of salt. Still 5 stars, one for each year in the legion! Well done Bill.

Disappointing (5/6 people found this helpful)

I was looking forward to this book, having seen it advertised a few weeks before publication. I've read a few similar books and enjoy reading about men and women who push themselves to the limits. I found the book lacked any feeling of the author, and appeared to be more about the legion's history than about his own experiences. Let me explain. The majority of the book covered from when he entered the Legion's gates in Paris, to his passing out and wearing of the famous kepi. He then quickly covered Rwanda, jungle training, Chad and then out the door and back to Newcastle. I don't know if he was writing to cleanse his soul, although he suggests it is as a memento to his children for when they are older. I would suggest he will be writing another, this can't have cleansed his soul, or satisfied his children's desire to know what Dad did, can it?

A Real Good Read!! (2/2 people found this helpful)

Not normally the type of book that I would read (being a fantasy/horror reader), however, due to the author being a local lad I gave it a go. I'm pleased that I did. The book is well written and is a heartfelt journey through the rigours of Foreign Legion training and beyond. Well done that man!!

The Making of Legionnaire: My Life in the French Foreign Legion Parachute Regiment (Cassell)

Bill Parris

Reader Reviews:

Memorable but... (0/0 people found this helpful)

Not Bad (0/1 people found this helpful)

Entertaining!!! (4/4 people found this helpful)

Disappointing (5/6 people found this helpful)

A Real Good Read!! (2/2 people found this helpful)

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