I wrote this book to inform and entertain people about a most misunderstood profession. I wanted to convey the fact that I am not some superhuman or a supercool character out of a movie but just some guy trying to make a living in a hard and dangerous profession.

The author was born in Blaenavon, Monmouthshire, but now resides in Atherton, Greater Manchester, with his wife Jean. Most of his working life was spent as a college lecturer whereas in his spare time he spent 25 years in uniformed service, firstly with the TAVR (REME) followed by the RAFVR (T) and finally with the RNR (SCC). Nowadays when not caring for his wife he writes, reads books and builds model aircraft. He also has a craving for Brass Bands and is notorious for having his head in the clouds.