Dog Stags & NAAFI Growlers

I have just read Dog Stags and Naffi growlers whilst on holiday in Corfu. This is most definitely a book for the Forces or indeed the ex Forces, preferably the Army, as a civilian would struggle to make sense of most of it, that’s not to say that if you are a young lad thinking of a career in the Army or more specifically the Infantry you should give it a read and worry about the abbreviations later. The adventure all starts in Hong Kong with James Mark Ivime and his mates going on the lash and getting into serious trouble scrapping with the Chinese and ending up doing a stretch in a civvie nick. Eventually he gets out and continues his army career in Belize, where more alcohol is consumed in vast quantities, then its on to Northern Ireland, which I found the most interesting part having served their myself. I found it interesting that he referred to civilians watching and reporting on the army as `Clickers` we new them as `Dickers`. If you are looking for a book that goes into depth about the weapons and tactics of a British infantry soldier, then this is not for you, but if you want to read about the more social and personal acount and at times crazy times when squadies are trying to let of steam then this is a good reflection on the humour and comradeship within a Regiment. I could relate to it, as I served in West Germany and like Mark, we tried to drink the country dry. At least everyone calls Naffi pies Growlers. Oh and as I see it he did go to War even if its forgotten about now.