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A Rifleman's Diary: Kicking Against The Pricks

by Eric Fawbert

236 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #07-2411; ISBN 1-4251-5417-4; US$25.15, C$28.93, EUR19.61, £13.00

A ranker's critical account of six years war service in the infantry from 1940 to 1946, including four years front-line service in N.Africa, Italy and NW Europe.

About the Book

In 1940, the author was accepted for RAF flying crew, then changed his mind and opted for the infantry (Why? - see book). As he survived 6 years (4 in the front-lines of N.Africa, Italy and NW Europe) 'without a scratch', he has never regretted the change.

Back in Civvy Street after the war, and having voted Churchill out of office, his diaries were relegated to the attic, and brought out only recently as of interest in his old age, and a change from the boredom of TV etc. They did more than relieve boredom however, as they reminded him that his service, although not overtly recognised, was something to be proud of. He decided that an 'easy reading' book would be of interest to his two children and the family name, as well as an opportunity to dispel a number of fallacies of that time, and to give a true insight into the life and thoughts of a ranker 'in the field'.

The author believes that most war-books are biased to some extent, occasionally unintended, but often intentionally, so he stresses that this book adheres to the diary entries, written on site at the time, occasionally whilst still 'under fire'. His views tend to be confrontational, but have not been challenged in the course of a private issue. This book is intended for a wider readership.

About the Author

Eric Fawbert was born in County Durham in 1915, the 5th of 6 sons, to loving 'working class' parents of Yorkshire stock, Huguenot heritage, and devout Primitive Methodists.

In the mid-20s, the family moved to Dagenham in search of work, and it was at nearby Romford that Eric won a scholarship to a Technical school. He necessarily left early, in the 1930 Depression, to seize an opportunity of a job with the local Council and to help the family finances. His studies for examinations to further his career were interrupted by the war, during which he married his 'one and only', Muriel, on his embarkation leave.

After the war, and whilst waiting for his two daughters to arrive, he studied for and gained two exam qualifications (ACIS, DMA) that enabled him to move up the ladder to 3 other Authorities and to make a reasonable career. Unhappily, Muriel developed Multiple Sclerosis, and he retired early to look after her and she died in January 1986. He has since lived alone and after a 'zombie' period of shock, he has occupied himself with U.K. and world travel, a little Charity work, has given up gardening etc. and has taken-up TV, reading and suchlike - after all, he is 92 yrs old..