An author of military history has to research with care, locate suitable illustrations and then write down what happened with equal care, drawing conclusions and providing new perspectives and insights. However, the first, and often most difficult step, is to decide on a person, or campaign, or battle to make the focus of what can become a fresh insight. This new book covers familiar ground, because there have been many books that tell the story of the major North African and Italian campaigns, but it brings forward a unique story that is fascinating, compelling and charming. This is a must read WWII account but it will also appeal for its horse racing connections and the very human story that it tells.