New Book - Harry Furness Biography: The Solitary War of a Sniper

[Nigel]

I proof read the first drafts of this book over a year ago. The author, Martin Pegler, told me last week that "it bares almost no resemblance to the draft I sent". I've not re-read it yet but I do know that Harry expressed some views about the production of Savage made No.4(T) rifles that are not matched by the facts we now know but nonetheless reflect his beliefs at the time. I knew Harry for almost 30 years and was proud to call him my friend. I read his eulogy at his funeral.

It deserves space on the bookshelves of Sniper historians as it is the first biography of a British WW2 operational sniper and one who is generally recognised as the most successful British Sniper of the war with 117 confirmed kills. Greenhill Books is the publisher. They previously reprinted Shore's book - With British Snipers to the Reich. Shore was an enthusiatic amateur and not in the same class as Harry.

[Roger Payne]

Just getting to grips with my copy, Nige, though not got very far with it yet. Martin does make the point in the preface that 'Many quotations include his (Harry's) personal opinions, which may not always be in accordance with historical fact'. It's Harry's war, as he saw it on the ground at the time, without the benefit of post-war released records, archives research & so on. The point about Savage snipers is minor, & his overall view that some Savage rifles were converted to T's was quite correct, just not his suppositions about how that came about. I think the book looks like it will be a cracking read all the same; an unassuming young man from Manchester who achieved some incredible things........& survived!

[Surpmil]

Useful photo that. He must have been close to the minimum height. Camouflage trousers or is that photo editing? Well used scope scope and rifle, looks like the cheekrest has been set back, JG bracket? Case No.8 strap visible?

[Nigel]

Harry was only 5'5" which made wading ashore on D-Day somewhat problematical - especially when the Battleships let off broadsides as the wash swamped him. He was issued with the windproof smock and trousers towards the end of the war.

[GeeRam]

Harry was only 5'5" which made wading ashore on D-Day somewhat problematical - especially when the Battleships let off broadsides as the wash swamped him. He was issued with the windproof smock and trousers towards the end of the war.

Probably got issued the camo windproof trousers and smock in late autumn '44. I know some of the Recce units got them issued around that time, as did a lot of the units preparing for the attacks on Walcheren Island in Oct/Nov '44.

[painter777]

Nigel,
While looking for the book.....
I came across this video in the link below that the BBC Antique Roadshow did Titled:
The Solitary Soldier.
Would you know the gentleman in the interview?
The volume is a bit low. I plugged in my ear phones.

BBC One - Antiques Roadshow, The Solitary Soldier

[CoatiMundi]

Looking forward to the release!

[Nigel]

Yes - that was me being interviewed. I must have done 15 mins worth but they only used 3 mins.

[painter777]

Yes - that was me being interviewed. I must have done 15 mins worth but they only used 3 mins.

I thought so, when in the video you mention 'The 30 Years' like you did here in this thread.
I wish I could have heard the whole 15 mins and more. Thank You for sharing the Treasures of a long time friendship.
I Pre-Ordered the book and am looking forward to reading it. Can only imagine how he accomplished what he did after the eye/shrapnel injury upon the landing.
You have to understand over here we have to seek out our Allied Heroes.... It's mostly rubbish that grabs the headlines.

Thank You Sir,
Charlie