My book is about joining the Army at sixteen and leaving some twenty-five years later. It is also about how the Junior Soldier ended up as the Regimental Sergeant Major of the UK Bomb Disposal Forces sent to fight in the last Gulf War. It also includes information ranging from pre deployment training in the UK, to being the first Bomb Disposal soldier deployed in Kuwait; from knowing the ins and outs of oilfields, to training with the American Marines; from sharing toilet paper to rounds. It also tells about: the truth about equipment and the help we needed from the American Bomb Disposal units; how I ended up crossing the border with the US Marines and the Joint Helicopter Force; stories of what really happened; from fire fights to being stoned; from exploding ammo compounds to grenades left on the side of roads; from risking my life several times to being awarded the George Medal; and from making friends to losing them killed in action. The book is full of stories that really happened. It discusses the happy times and the sad. I was awarded a Joint Commanders Commendation, the Queens Gallantry Medal and the George Medal for bravery. Read the citations and make up your own mind. Modern day hero or just a bloody good soldier.

Author Biography

I was born in Barnet, Herts. I spent the first few years of my life in Tottenham. My Mum and Dad moved to Borders Lane, Loughton, Essex. We ran the newsagents opposite Lucton Boys School which I attended. I have some really fond memories of the friends I made and my childhood sweethearts. The only bad memory is of being bullied in my last year, which worries me at times as it's the most vivid memory I have of those days. I joined the Corps of Royal Engineers in 1979 aged sixteen. I am married to Sonia, the most loving person I have ever met. With our four sons, Sam, Matthew, Luke and Harry life is never dull. During my time in the Army I travelled the world, deploying on two operational tours to Bosnia and the last Gulf War. I have been awarded a Joint Commanders Commendation, the Queens Gallantry Medal and the George Medal for bravery. This makes me one of the most decorated soldiers since World War 2. Modern Day Hero maybe, but to me I was doing my job, just the same as you. Having left the forces I now teach excluded and autistic children skills for life and general construction. In my spare time I am a member of the Royal British Legion and teach football at the local school. I also give speeches to organisations on what I have achieved and how. Life is so short - never be a passenger.