Chemical War
On sale
11th February 2027
Price: £12.99
‘A gripping account’ Daily Mail
‘One of my heroes’ Damien Lewis
‘Unlike any account of warfare I’ve read’ Billy Billingham
The scary thing about sarin is it’s odourless and colourless. You’re not even sure if it’s there, but before you know it the gas seeps into your lungs, then your heart. I’ve put my gas mask on, twisted the valves, just like they trained us at Sandhurst, and still nothing. I desperately try to inhale again but no matter what I do, there’s no air.
For thirty years, Hamish de Bretton-Gordon has served in conflict zones around the world. As the army’s foremost chemical weapons expert, he built a unique first-hand understanding of how to prevent and respond to attacks – saving countless lives in the process.
Chemical Warrior is a thrilling look at fighting the invisible enemy, from the frontlines of the Gulf and Syria to the devastating home attack at Salisbury. Now updated to include the new frontier of Ukraine – where Hamish advises the government, NGOs and journalists on chemical defence – this is a soldier’s story of bravery and survival against the odds.
‘One of my heroes’ Damien Lewis
‘Unlike any account of warfare I’ve read’ Billy Billingham
The scary thing about sarin is it’s odourless and colourless. You’re not even sure if it’s there, but before you know it the gas seeps into your lungs, then your heart. I’ve put my gas mask on, twisted the valves, just like they trained us at Sandhurst, and still nothing. I desperately try to inhale again but no matter what I do, there’s no air.
For thirty years, Hamish de Bretton-Gordon has served in conflict zones around the world. As the army’s foremost chemical weapons expert, he built a unique first-hand understanding of how to prevent and respond to attacks – saving countless lives in the process.
Chemical Warrior is a thrilling look at fighting the invisible enemy, from the frontlines of the Gulf and Syria to the devastating home attack at Salisbury. Now updated to include the new frontier of Ukraine – where Hamish advises the government, NGOs and journalists on chemical defence – this is a soldier’s story of bravery and survival against the odds.
Reviews
A gripping account
Gripping
A fascinating memoir
Hamish de Bretton-Gordon has been one of my closest comrades on the front line. Completely fearless, he is one of the leading chemical weapons expert on the globe. His training has saved lives and given hope.
A career at the cutting edge of Britain's chemical weapons defence has bequeathed Hamish a deep and heartfelt mission for protecting the innocent victims of such heinous crimes. The risks he has taken to do so are legion, his commitment beyond belief, his inspiration truly humbling. One of my heroes, a word I do not use lightly.
This book is where theory meets reality. DBG is one of only a handful of highly experienced practitioners in this field. Of course, the science matters - but its application is what requires our full and undivided attention. DBG shines a light into that dark corner.
The international community has generally ignored the plight of the Syrian people, but there are a few bright lights and Hamish is one of the brightest. He is a brilliant humanitarian activist.
Hamish's incredible life story is unlike any account of warfare I've read. His courage on the front line and drive to make a difference in the world is truly inspiring.
Hamish de Bretton-Gordon is an outstanding humanitarian who has fought for justice and accountability for Syrians. He is one of the few heroes in a story of evil, misery and law breaking.
Hamish de Bretton-Gordon's autobiography starts like the opening of a high-octane film
It is a remarkable story of rising above a truly terrifying experience and making a genuine difference in the world... DBG's writing is clear and enjoyable, making the book a pleasure to read
Chemical Warrior reads as a fast-paced thriller, each derring-do tale worthy of a book in itself.
A page-turning read, full of urgent questions, from one of the world's finest chemical and biological weapons experts. Compelling and unforgettable.