Kill Switch

by Bill Shaw

The incredible true story of Major Bill Shaw, who having survived some of the toughest war zones in the world, was faced with the nightmare of being wrongfully imprisoned in Afghanistan under a corrupt legal system From surviving a horrific terrorist attack in Northern Ireland, to the violence of the Gulf War and an assault course of harrowing experiences in Iraq, Bosnia, and Columbia, Major Bill Shaw had seen it all. But Bill's strength and courage was tested to its absolute limits when he was arrested for a crime he did not commit. Posted in Afghanistan after two years in Iraq, Bill was responsible for the safety of 400 men in a full-scale danger zone in one of the most dangerous countries in the world. The married father and grandfather, who had risen through the ranks to become a commander of men and an MBE, had long accepted that each day could be his last. But he never expected to find his own life at risk under a corrupt legal system. Thrown into prison and forced to share a cramped, vermin-infested cell with sixteen Afghans, among them members of the Taliban and al-Qaeda, Bill had no idea when, or even if, he would see his family again. This is the incredible true story of a brave soldier who survived some of the toughest war zones in the world only to face the nightmare of being wrongfully imprisoned a very long way from home. Gritty and gripping, this powerful military memoir is an eye-opening account of life on the frontline.

Genres: Military Fiction

310 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2011

Reviews

[Trevor]

What a fab book!

This is the story of a former RMP turned Private Security Contractor who is jailed in Afghanistan on "corruption charges" despite being innocent.

The book describes his time in 3 of the most notorious prisons in Afghanistan, as well as his fight to clear his name in a place where justice exists based on bribery and the system moves slower than a sloth.

I found this to be well written, and enjoyed it from start to finish.

People who like this might also be interested in "The Deniable Agent" by Colin Berry.

[Mark christian]

A national treasure.

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Bill in September of 2018 while o a motorcycle tour of southern Spain. Bill is a kind-hearted gentleman, smart as a whip, and loved by all.

[Chris Steeden]

March 2010 and Bill Shaw is imprisoned in Tawqeef prison, Kabul. He had led a life in the military before leaving for a private security job with G4S guarding senior diplomats. After having vehicles and equipment impounded and then having to pay to get them released the company found out that this was not correct practice and informed the authorities who then arrested Shaw. The authorities just claimed that Shaw paid a bribe to get vehicles released so was imprisoned.

The book details Bill's experience of three Afghan prisons and the unbelievable court case. Bill also provides some history of his life up until then which is interesting just on it's own. He is very candid about his experience and mental state which must have been hard to write.

[Kevin]

A fascinating insight into the life and workings of an honourable man, wrongly accused of corruption in Afghanistan. His principles would not allow him to use corruption to secure an early release, preferring to trust in the "legal system" over there, potentially at great cost to both himself and his family, who he dearly loves. A must read for all true life story fans.

[Stuart Galloway]

Cannot recommend Bill's book enough. Interesting, made you feel as if you were sharing his experience.

[Morag Gillespie]

Fantastic account of what clearly was a terrible time, not of his own making. A very personal and touching tale. I'm sure this must remain with the authors family forever.