Intro: Ken the Author

Guys

I am not one of you - I am ex-RGJ - but with Welsh family ties and was introduced to the site by Steve Roberts. I am 58, living with my Aussie partner Helen in North Yorkshire, father of 7 and a weekend skydiver. I am also the author of 'A Long Long War; Voices of the British Army in Northern Ireland, 1969-98'

My next book, another pro-squaddie book is 'Bullets, Bombs and Cups of Tea; Further Voices of the British Army in Northern Ireland' and this is out next April. I desperately need photos from the early days when they were handing us cups of tea, biscuits and sandwiches. This is for the front cover.

I would also welcome photos of NI from other times.

Finally, the third book is now under construction and this one will concentrate on Belfast alone. Any RWF lads who wish to contribute can get in touch with me either through the website of by ken_wharton @hotmail.com

Remembering: Gerald Bristow, Kerry McCarthy, David smith, Alan Coughlan, Andrew Crocker, Steven Kirby and David Wright.

best wishes

Ken Wharton

A very warm welcome Ken. Good luck with the 2nd book.

The 3rd book about Belfast, is perhaps an opportunity for members to get involved. The bn served many tours in the city, and were involved in the Long Kesh riots, the 1975 Loyalist Strike, The Hunger Strikes, and then again in 2001 the riots in the loyalist areas of the city. In addition to the tough tour of 76.

Members must have contributions they would like to make. I would suggest a trip to Waterstones, have a look through Kens first book(even buy it!!) to see what the project is about, and then contribute if you wish.

Founder

Many thanks for the nice words. Although an ex-Jacket, my maternal Grandfather was from the Cardiff area and I have ties with the RRW museum at Brecon (yes, I know; wrong regt) but that's about as Welsh as I can claim. I have a windows movie maker video of the troubles, accented around the Welsh and concludes with a FULL ROH for the RWF, RRW and Welsh Guards. A copy is free to anyone who contacts me; all I would have to charge is £2-00 to cover the CD, postage etc.

In terms of the first book, before anyone buys it or borrows it from the library have a look first at www.helion.co.uk and click on my ugly mug for blurb, other authors comments and 50+ reviews from squaddies including your very own Paul Hughes (1RWF) Read these and get a taste for the book.

Any RWF lads who did Belfast are very, very welcome to contribute to the Belfast book.

Warmest best wishes