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  • Mussolini

  • His Part in My Downfall
  • By: Spike Milligan
  • Narrated by: Spike Milligan
  • Length: 8 hrs and 41 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (299 ratings)

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Mussolini cover art

Mussolini

By: Spike Milligan
Narrated by: Spike Milligan
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Summary

A voice is calling across the land, "Bombardier Milligan."

"Bombadier Milligan is dead," I replied in a disguised voice.

The voice replied, "Then he's going to miss his breakfast."

The fourth volume of Spike Milligan's legendary account of his time in the army during World War Two begins as he and his regiment land in sunny Italy in 1943 ("The ship touched the beach very gently, so gently I suspect it's not insured").

After a bout of sandfly fever, from which he soon recovers ("I'm ready to be killed again"), our plucky hero is piddled on by a farm dog ("Mussolini's revenge?") before forging his way inland towards the enemy and the sound of guns ("We're getting near civilization"), where matters suddenly take a dark turn ("I was not really me any more")....

©2016 Spike Milligan (P)2016 Penguin Audio

What listeners say about Mussolini

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Madness but oh so true

Alas so true to life. Put young men under these circumstances and this is what you get as they struggle to try and make sense of the madness about them.

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Fantastic

Not read Spike's war memoirs since I was about 13. Absolutely fantastic. Read by Spike, is a bonus. His impressions make me howl.

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Funny and moving

Spike tells a good story. I laughed at times and then was dragged back to the realitys of war. Somewhat humbling.

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Great to be in Spike’s company again.

I read this book in my teens (along with the other volumes) and thoroughly enjoyed them. I even purchased them as audio tapes, so I’m obviously a huge fan.
It’s therefore remains a pleasure to listen to Spike, hearing him chuckle at reminisces from all those years ago, even though there were no surprises for me, still plenty of joy.
However, it’s also worth remembering what he and other endured. Therefore these books are also important as social history about the average soldier in WW2. RIP Spike.

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So funny and sad

Spike does all the voices so well. A great insight into army life and the breakdown he had under fire

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Spike Milligan, s war account

Honest account of time served in the war, with the added humour of Spike throw in. Unbelievable what people went through to defend us!

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hilarious & poignant the incredible Spike Milligan

just the most hilarious , moving , sidesplittingly funny & poignant firsthand accounts of WW2 From Gunner Milligan.
No matter your age Spike Milligan bridges all boundaries. As funny as my first read over 30 years ago.

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Spike's homage to the British "Squaddy" !

In this Spike continues to relate his experience of serving in the Royal Artillery during World War Two.
War is Hell, and while Spike never fails to reflect its realities,in this he reveals the 'Secret' weapon that ensured that Britain would prevail,The Indestructible appreciation of the rediculous!
It's not simply 'a sense of humour' (as it's not always 'funny') but a far broader and deeper respect and appreciation of Life and all its joys,challenges,progression and inevitable end.For many 'War' condenses this and brings with it a perspective and experience that never leaves them and often brings about profound changes.
Should anyone wish to understand what kept 'Great Britain' not only taking the blows,but 'Standing it's Ground' and fighting back,its all here in the brilliant series of War diaries that only Spike could have written!

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war memoirs continued

Another instalment from Spike and his memories from WW2.
Spike's humour shows through in the face of adversity.

enjoyable book, Recommended

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brilliant

Spike Milligans accounts of WWII are some of the most humorous and harrowing that I have had the pleasure to enjoy. The fact that it is Spike reading the audio book greatly adds to the experiance

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