Last Round: The Battle of Majar al-Kabir

Delve into the heart of a tragic and controversial incident during the Iraq War with Mark Nicol's gripping account, *Last Round: The Battle of Majar al-Kabir*. This meticulously researched and powerfully written book sheds light on the events of June 24, 2003, when six British Royal Military Police officers were brutally massacred in the small Iraqi town of Majar al-Kabir, while a patrol from the Parachute Regiment fought desperately to break free. *Last Round* transcends a simple retelling of events; it's an incisive exploration of the complex circumstances that led to the tragedy. Nicol skillfully weaves together firsthand accounts from surviving paratroopers, Iraqi civilians, and key military figures to create a multi-faceted narrative that challenges official accounts and exposes the harsh realities of post-invasion Iraq. The book meticulously reconstructs the tense atmosphere in Majar al-Kabir in the weeks following the invasion, highlighting the breakdown of law and order, the growing resentment among the local population, and the communication breakdowns within the British military command. Nicol doesn't shy away from examining the controversial decisions made in the lead-up to the massacre, probing the lack of adequate resources and intelligence that left the Royal Military Police officers vulnerable. Beyond the immediate events of the battle, *Last Round* grapples with profound questions about the nature of modern warfare, the challenges of peacekeeping operations, and the human cost of conflict. It examines the impact of the massacre on the families of the fallen soldiers and the wider British public, exploring the political fallout and the lingering questions that remain unanswered. Mark Nicol, a respected journalist and author known for his insightful reporting on military affairs, brings his expertise and dedication to this compelling investigation. His meticulous attention to detail and his commitment to presenting all sides of the story make *Last Round* a definitive account of a pivotal moment in the Iraq War. Through interviews, official documents, and on-the-ground reporting, Nicol reconstructs the events of that day with stunning clarity, offering a powerful tribute to the fallen and a crucial reminder of the complexities of conflict. This Hardcover edition from Weidenfeld & Nicolson Ltd, published in 2005, with 302 pages, offers a profound and unforgettable reading experience for anyone interested in military history, the Iraq War, or the human drama of conflict. It weighs 643 grams and has the ISBN-13: 9780297846413 and ISBN-10: 0297846418. Get your copy today and understand one of the wars most complex and controversial events.