In March 2016 I presented a couple of cheques to Byng House for monies raised at my book signings. - teh presentation was broadcast on BFBS Radio and a film was also made and broadcast. My Father a Burma veteran, features in the film made by BFBS Radio and Forces TV and Jesse Aru-Phillips.
I spent my last five weeks of freedom working in an ice-cream shop and realising there was nothing for me in Southport, and so at the age of 16, I went and signed on the dotted line to earn the Queen’s shilling.
On 12 September 1978, I joined Junior Leaders Regiment Royal Artillery in Nuneaton. This was the proudest day of my life. The transition into this ‘hard’ life was quite easy for me as I felt I had trained for it; not only in cadets, but in my life so far, thus I could not understand why so many new soldiers were getting upset about leaving home. I was thinking, this is what it’s all about, away from dad, living a cushy life. I was wrong!
I left Junior Leaders after one year and joined my regiment in Gutersloh, West Germany, where I served for a further two years before being posted to Colchester, Essex. Throughout my next years, we were sent to some far off and exotic places and some real dumps.
Then, at twenty years old my crew and our gun battery deployed to Belize, Central America, where I achieved the rank of bombardier and carried out the role of a gun commander, these duties normally held for a sergeant. Had it not been for my service in the army I dread to think how I may have ended up as I was so easily led, but after over a decade of service, I left feeling very proud of my achievements but also proud of what the British Army had done for me as a person.
My military service record reads as exemplary, although sometimes I wonder how!
It was announced in July 2011 that my regiment (The Lowland Gunners) would disband along with some of the Brigade that it supports. June 22 2012 would see the end of one of the finest regiments in the British Army.
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth sent a letter to the regiment and its contents were read during a farewell function at Murrayfield on the evening of June 23 2012. She expressed her sincere thanks to all who had served in the regiment.
B.A.O.R. is about real life in the Army, warts and all - good and bad. If it is a humourous account that is simply because like many soldiers I could see the funny side of life. You had to, as for many that life was far too short. I think it is peculiar to the British Army that while being one of the most professional and well trained Armies in the World we still know how to laugh at ourselves. It is with pride and honour that I write this book for all the soldiers from my regiment who did or did not make it, and indeed for all the troops I had the privilege to serve with.
‘Ubique’ (Everywhere).
‘Quo Fas Et Gloria Ducunt’ (Where Right and Glory Lead)
From 1st January 2015 the chosen Charity of Army Novels will be The Royal British Legion, Byng House. A percentage of proceed from book sales will go to this very deserving charity which cares for ex servicemen & women in need of respite.
http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/can-we-help/care-and-support/breaks/byng-house
Sean on a tour of British Supermarkets where he was signing copies of his books with a percentage of the proceeds is going to The British Legion - See ‘Events’ on menu bar for full details.
