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Flawed Hero
- Narrated by: David Tredinnick
- Length: 18 hrs and 53 mins
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Flawed Hero
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Publisher's Summary
The shocking story of the case against Australia's most highly decorated soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith VC MG, and the defamation trial of the century.
With a Victoria Cross and Medal for Gallantry, Ben Roberts-Smith was the most highly decorated Australian soldier, the best of the best. When he returned to civilian life, he became a poster boy for a nation hungry for warrior heroes. He embodied the myth of the classic Anzac, seven-foot-tall and bulletproof. But as his public reputation continued to grow, inside the army rumours were circulating.
Gold Walkley Award winning journalist Chris Masters was the first to investigate the rumours of summary executions, bloodings and bullying, and began to examine more closely the man we wanted to hero-worship. When the stories hit the headlines, and with a billionaire media baron's backing, Ben Roberts-Smith sued. So commenced the defamation trial of the century, a courtroom contest of tightrope tactics and fierce wit.
Chris Masters tells the extraordinary story of Ben Roberts-Smith, the man at the centre of this de facto war crimes trial, from the battlegrounds of Afghanistan to the front lines of the Federal Court.
‘After 40 years of producing landmark journalism, Masters is still doing it. And he's still obsessive about the truth, relentless and fearless.' Nick McKenzie
'If there was a Victoria Cross for bravery in journalism, Chris Masters deserves to receive it.' Phillip Adams
'There's seriously no one else in Australia with the knowledge that Chris Masters has in relation to Australian Special Forces in Afghanistan.' Former Commando Major
What listeners say about Flawed Hero
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Stewart Bailey
- 12-01-2024
Brilliant, thoughtfully written.
The Author focussed on accuracy, but he showed sadness that it all happened the way it did
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Isabel
- 31-08-2023
Such an interesting book
This was really well written and beautifully narrated - so good to hear the result of the court case. Highly recommended
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 20-04-2024
Flawed Hero - Compelling listening from start to finish
Absolutely loved the grit and determination of Chris Masters and Nick McKenzie in accurately capturing and reporting of one of the most unsavoury events in our history.
The unwavering commitment of Masters and McKenzie is inspirational and an absolute credit to all involved.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 02-01-2024
Outstanding Yarn. Great Tenacity.
Important and true story, told very well. Well done Chris. I look forward to more of your work.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Kindle Customer
- 25-10-2024
Captivating. Relentless. Unbelievable.
This is truly an expose worth listening to. Brutally honest and widely researched, it is truly an eye-opener.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 25-09-2023
Thank you Chris Masters
Your dedication to seeking the truth & telling it fairly is again evident. You never take the easy road. Thank you for your bravery for the soldiers who needed to be heard & the Afghan families. A brilliantly written & read book.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymon
- 13-09-2023
A courageous book
Thanks Chris Masters and Nick McKenzie (I read and valued his book as well), for so courageously investigating this soldier and the postion he held. You had to face much hatred and criticism.
Was BRS a good soldier you ask? No, in my view he was not. Did he intentionally choose this profession where he could “legitimately” and “lawfully” get away with bullying and giving in to his narcissistic tendencies?
I doubt if these characteristics were new, and imagine his parents were quietly aware of the likely outcome of the trial.
It was Providence and not Chance which changed the date of the trial to a better one, where you were in a stronger position. Nothing happens by chance.
I am thankful with you for this result for TRUTH and JUSTICE in Australia. Amazing that ANZAC day followed hard on the heels of this trial. Other countries need to note that justice prevails in our forces.
Regarding BRS’s medals. When so much is in doubt, they might as well be plastic, since they are useless.
When honesty and moral courage do not match bravery, medals need to be witheld and actually withdrawn.
That would be the better outcome.
I’m proud of you two Investigative Journalists, and Justice Anthony Besanko.
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- Anonymous User
- 18-01-2024
Documentary & witness statements provided both context & support for the account.
Completely compelling. The manipulation explored was remarkable. Rather like a “fly on the wall” account of the trial. Like a number of WWII stories, bravery, kudos & money are terrible bedfellows.
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- paul south
- 30-08-2023
another Masters Master .
the best book out of the 3 . If the upper brass does not make major structural change, Australia may find is name sullied in international courts . it is sad when no one can read the writting on the wall . The sargent could of pulled Roberts into line yet faiked . 1st hand Vidio evidence was deleated by upper comand .. no one had the back bone to stand up and pull these boys into line .
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- Anonymous User
- 24-10-2023
Enthralled from start to finish
An honour to listen such well researched, thoughtful and committed writing. I enjoyed every minute of this book despite having no previous interest in war stories or war history. Fab narration too!
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