Richard - or Dick, as he is more widely known - has proven to be a natural storyteller.

His book is full of human interest and reflects the essential nature of its author: generous, simple-hearted in the best sense, interested in his fellow human beings, ready to appreciate the funny side of life and to take its hard knocks without losing his integrity - a gift he learnt early in life.

Dick wanted to write this book as a memento for his family (including the twins, born after the events in this story). He then discovered that there was widespread interest among his old army acquaintances as soon as they had wind of its existence.

The number of photographs in which he appears was not his choice, but what could he do when opposed by a couple of enthusiastic women? The first on the scene was Alison Black, wormer out of additional anecdotes from a series of fascinating conversations; general proofreader and (unnecessarily, says the second) prepared to carry the can for any defects in the rendering of the Scots dialogue. The second, Alison Shakspeare, combined the roles of editor, designer, typesetter and fascinated reader.

We trust that family and friends alike will find much to enjoy as memories are stirred and perhaps new facets of his life are revealed in these pages.