This novel relates the experiences of a young National Service Army Officer from his
Basic Training days in late 1950 through Cadet Unit and then, in the major part of the
book, his eighteen months as a Second Lieutenant in charge of a Platoon during part of
the First Emergency in Malaya. Names of persons, units and places are fictitious but the
events throughout are clearly authentic.
The Emergency is seen through the eyes and experiences of a junior Infantry Officer
who regarded his Platoon, most of whom were conscripts, with great pride and affection.
How true - and amusing - are the descriptions of Private Gingell, the worst driver in the
world, the mad scamper to escape 'friendly' mortar fire, the Scout Car accidental
collision with a pig, as are accounts of moments of danger when infrequent contact was
made with the enemy, and, of course, week after monotonous week of uneventful
patrolling in primary jungle, undergrowth and rubber estates.
This well written novel is couched in a very descriptive style with an almost total
absence of conversation. Not only will it be of interest to those with experience of the
Malayan First Emergency but also to those who are attracted to British Army history.
|