I had to give up work in August of 2007 to become a full time carer for my wife who suffers from acute bi-polar disorder. For many years my family friends and colleagues have tried to persuade me to put pen to paper to down some of the many 'stories' I would tell at social and family occasions. They likened my to Unc in only fools and horses! I remember when . . . . Eyes would roll and at least one would say, "Pull up a Sandbag" or "Swing the Lights". However the stories were always funny and I would usually have them rolling in the aisle.
In April this year I was handed a second hand laptop by my daughters and ordered to 'get on with it'. The result was 'Ricky - The Early Years' and 'Our Lad Ricky'. Which I have both self-published as I search for a literary agent (and the money to pay for one). I have sold more than 250 copies of the books and have received good reviews from those that have purchased copies.
DO READ THE EXTRACTS IN:
'RICKY THE EARLY YEARS' AND 'OUR LAD RICKY'
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I was born in Smethwick, Nr Oldbury, West Midlands, above a corner shop owned by my Grandfather on my mother side. My father was a National Service soldier, but after a brief period in civilian life re-enlisted in the Royal Engineers. He served in many parts of the world and completed two full tours in Korea during that war. I never really met my father until I was seven. It was at Whittington Barracks, Lichfield, he returned from Korea in 1955. The photograph we had on the mantle piece was of a man with a black curly hair Elvis would have been proud of, on his return, there was none!
I joined the Army, as you will find, after several abortive attempts that had been due to my weakness and ill health. Ben existed; he really did attend for my medical at my fifth attempt at enlisting. To Ben, who I have not met since, and have know idea still of where he is, or even whether he is dead or alive, I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude. It was Ben who had given me a new life and the opportunity to travel the world. The opportunity to live a full life. Thank you Ben.
I decided to use the pseudonym ’Ricky Houghton‘, not only to avoid embarrassing myself, but also to avoid the embarrassment of those very real people who feature in my autobiography. I have deliberately avoided specifics, avoiding dates and the naming of specific units. However, the stories in this autobiography true. The period of my training as a Sapper in the Royal Engineers, I look back upon, as one of the most enjoyable periods of my life.
I firmly believe that, when you talk to ex-servicemen, they will substantiate this claim. There is no comparison anywhere in civilian life that can measure up to the friendship and comradeship one experiences in the services, whether it is Navy, Army or Royal Air Force. We all experienced something that you cannot compare or relate with those who have only worked Civvie Street. They have never had the gratification of experiencing the comradeship and friendship that military service brings.
I dedicate this book to my dear wife, Helen, my two daughters Gillianna and Veronica and my wonderful grandchildren, Megan, Connor, Maya, John and Abbey who have provided me with great source of delight in my later years. A particular mention to Gilly who encouraged me to actually put ‘pen to paper’ and finally get the story written. She took the time to actually read it, correcting the spelling mistakes that my word processor made as she did so?
Thank you all!
