James Fergusson’s A Million Bullets - The real story of the British Army in Afghanistan, published by Bantam Press, has been named British Army Military Book of the Year 2009.

Six books were shortlisted for the award in May, with the winner being decided by a vote open to all Army personnel. A Million Bullets proved a popular choice, receiving over half of the total votes cast.

The British Army Military Book of the Year Award was launched in 2008 and is organised by the Army’s Library and Information Service. It was won last year by Patrick Bishop’s 3 Para.

A Million Bullets was described by Peter Bergen as ‘a riveting, blistering, deeply reported narrative of the recent British military interventions in Afghanistan’ and Antony Loyd advised that ‘if you read anything on Afghanistan this year, then read this strong, intelligent book of crafted anger and insight’.

James Fergusson was presented with his award at an event at Prince Consort’s Library in Aldershot on 4 November.