Brasso, Blanco & Bull Paperback – 17 May 2012

From: 22718201 Bdr WORLEY, R.B. (1952-54). Tony Thorne's hilarious account of his two years' National Service is absolutely brilliant. Both amusing and perceptive. I served my NS in the 'Gunners' but failed my WOSB. My heart sank when I read on Part 1 Orders that 'Gnr Worley will report to 48 Field Regt RA - Colchester - for immediate onward posting to Korea! My brother - who was commissioned during his NS met me at Liverpool Street Stn and said, 'Robert, where are you going with all that kit'? I replied, 'Graham - Korea' - which was still in full swing. He added, 'Who's side are you going to be on'?!! The thought of facing those Chinese hordes sent me immediately to the ablutions! Fortunately, God was on my side as when I reported to Colchester, I found that the Adjutant came from the next road to mine in Dulwich. He said, 'Worley, are you awfully keen on going to Korea - as I could do with a helping hand here'. I took one look at the roaring log fire and replied, 'Well, it's up to you Sir - if you feel I can be of help'.I ended up with a Class 'A' trade and two stripes in Germany - followed by 14 enjoyable years in the TA!

Very humorous and well written book showing the value of National Service through one infantry Officer’s perspective. Found myself chuckling much more than I should have.

In my opinion, this book is rather over-hyped. It does indeed tell the tale, but more from a potential officers viewpoint than a typical "squaddies" rough & tumble account and THEIR unique humour. Reasonable, and with the occasional funny anecdote, but not the hilarious tales I was expecting ; ( I served 25 years as a soldier,the first years alongside National servicemen, and so was hoping for more than this book offered in the way of humorous military experiences). It was OK, but nothing more, hence my slight disappointment. JKW

A terrific story of life in the army while doing National Service. Full of insight into a time gone past that for good or bad reasons we may never again experience. Both insightful and hilarious. Being a military "groupy", never having actually served but often wishing I had, it made me even more nostalgic for this compulsory period in many people's lives. I missed National Service by about 3 years and chose not to do it optionally, but if everyone had had to do it then I would have done it willingly - and hopefully would have enjoyed it as much as this story relates. A great non-fiction read with a level of humour not often found in real life. As a result I have since bought "Picking up the Brass" which was equally if not more hilarious as well as being educational as an insight into life in the military - and am now reading its sequel "The Map of Africa" by the same author, Eddy Nugent. All three are thoroughly recommended for the armchair military fan, with a bloke-ish sense of humour, who wants a laugh a page, if not a laugh a line.

I was a generation later, but involved with Cadets and later in uniform as an adult, so I can relate a little to the book.This book is wonderfully written and witty.True to life, self effacing, modest, a portrait of friendships and with dollops of humour which takes one completely by surprise and left me with tears of laughter, much to the annoyance of others in the room.What a wonderful read!

As a former soldier serving about the same time, my opinion of young officers was that they were often like children playing cowboys and indians. This very funny book confirms that they were just as confused as the rest of us. Some of these incidents could have come from my own experiences, this caused me to burst out laughing several times. Near the end of his story the incident with the armoured truck demolishing the cookhouse reminded me of a similar incident when in a drunken condition, I accidentally demolished a water hydrant which supplied the mains water to the whole camp.I spent 1 week in the cells while the rest of guys carried buckets of water to and fro, all calling out , "Murray you stupid bastard", while I sat there polishing my brasses.

The book is interesting gives you a good understanding of the life in the forces for young innocents and not so innocent boys.brasso and blanco and bull is a good title.the clear and most of the time unclear orders and standing orders caused real problems that only quick thinking and a certain amount of luck solved.

Not as hilarious as advertised or expected but a fun read. I don't have any more words I want to write!!