Brian Holdich

My National Service (1955-1957): The Making of a Man Brian Holdich

My National Service (1955-1957): The Making of a Man is the story of young man who joined the British Army as an Infantry Soldier and served for two years as part of conscripted National Service. It is a very personal story, giving detailed description about everyday Army life and journeying over 28,000 miles to far off places including the Far East. It will likely bring back many fond memories for National Servicemen from the 1950s.

Brian's heartwarming style takes the reader back to 1955 and helps them to understand (what now seems incredulous) the unusual ventures that occurred during National Service. This includes guard duty and patrolling the borderline between Hong Kong and China in the New Territories.

During his time in the Second Battalion, Essex Regiment, Brian experienced life on three troopships; fell in love with Hong Kong and even had a spell of 'Jankers'. The trials and tribulations of Army life helped form Brian's young mind and made him the man he is today.

This book contains over 40 original photographs and is a 'must read' for those fascinated by recent military and social history.