I have been reading George MacDonald Fraser books for fifteen or twenty years, at least, starting with the Flashman books. I have just finished The Complete McAuslan, and am completely happy with the experience.

My military service was brief and undistinguished (four years faithful and honorable in the USMC mustering out as a corporal) and during peacetime . . . but some things are forever, and I'd wager that anyone who's worn the uniform will feel the rythm of the stories ring true.

Fraser appears as a thinly disguised Lt. Dand McNeill, and I've no idea who the "tartan Caliban" was modeled on---but I remember some laddies from my platoons who could have served. Why, there was M------, who ironed his face one day, and J----- who painted the anchors at the Navy barracks red and gold on 10 November, and F---- who ran off with four M16A2 service rifles that the Air Force security police left sitting at their table when they went to get chow, and Master Gunnery Sergeant K------ who was as majestic, ruthless and paternal as the RSM in Fraser's book.

If you've been there, you'll know it, you'll feel it, the tyrannies and the family spirit of a cohesive military unit at its best, the drudgery and excitement, the "mandatory fun evolutions" and all that.

As Dickens said in a different context, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times . . . and I'll put Fraser up against Dickens any day, and give odds. Fraser knows his stuff, he knows how to treat the important things seriously and turn an eye from the unimportant things.

It's a rollicking good read. My only gripe is that I'm done with it now, and will have to wait a while before jumping back in. I'll be sending it off to my (blood) brother Jared, no direct kin mind you, but blood brother all the same, who's wearing SSgt stripes in Iraq now. I know he'll feel the trueness of it.

Gents it is way early yet, but I've poured a wee dram, and lift it now to the 2d Bn, Gordon Highlanders. "Ninety-twa----no deid yet!"