Toby Harnden, Author of First Casualty

“…what has become my specialism, I think is… gritty, granular detail of the reality of war set in the broader context of important national events…”

Having joined the Royal Navy in 1985, Toby managed to pack-in trips round the West Indies, Australia, Hong Kong and Europe during his 10 years of Service.

His thirst for adventure remaining unquenched, he began a successful career as a journalist, becoming a foreign correspondent for The Sunday Times and The Daily Telegraph specialising in terrorism and war, “… as a journalist, generally speaking, you're sort of against authority, you're trying to find out things you shouldn't know, print things people don't want you to print, upset people and you're sort of on the side of the every man or every person...”

Toby’s tenacity and talent for investigation has also led him to write three non-fiction books, the latest ‘First Casualty’, tells the gripping and incredible true story of the six-day battle that began the War in Afghanistan with the response to 9/11, where Toby gained unprecedented access to the CIA, SBS and US Special Forces.

Listen on; and if you like what you hear, tune in our live online event where Toby will talk more about his experiences and he’ll answer as many of your burning questions as we can squeeze in!

Get tickets for Toby's live talk about First Casualty on 4th May 2022 at 1800 GMT

Hosted by Steve Bomford and Mike Davis-Marks.

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This podcast is supported by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.

If you’re a member of the Armed Forces community and need support with your mental health, Op Courage can help.

Or you could phone the Combat Stress Helpline on: 0800 138 1619


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Company of Makers are trying to reach, and better understand, all members of the armed forces community who are also gamers. We’re especially interested in those that have served in Afganistan & Iraq.

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