In Three Sips of Gin Tim gives a fascinating and humorous insight into the decadent lifestyle that prevailed in East Africa during the author’s childhood and of the realm of the remote boarding school where status amongst schoolboys was determined not by achievements within the classroom, but by more notable deeds worthy of schoolboy lore.
After a brief journey away from Africa, we return with Tim to an African continent at war with itself. We accompany him as a young officer with the Rhodesian Light Infantry into the exclusivity, glamour and frivolity of the Officers Mess then into the cauldron and confusion of some of his more memorable operations. Later, with Tim as a member of the famed Selous Scouts, we follow him into the silence of the shadows to share in the often painful moments of an insurgency fought in the stark and unforgiving harshness of the African bush. Here you will find the significance of three sips of gin finally revealed.
Later with Tim having left the Rhodesian Army, we share in the hilarious absurdity of his service with South Africa’s 5 Reconnaissance Regiment, then in the humour of him stumbling his way through the intrigues, excesses and scandals of the boardroom of a large multi-national company based in South Africa.
But above all, we share with Tim in the laughter, candor, wit and self-deprecating humour of an extraordinary and intriguing adventure.
Lt. Col. Charlie Aust was moved to write……“A fascinating account and an essential read about pre-independent Africa. Although an outstanding officer of extraordinary ability, Tim’s hilarious recollections of war and peace are awash with the light hearted wit and humor for which he will always be remembered. A unique and compelling memoir.”
Lt. Col Jeremy Strong wrote of the book………….“A remarkable book, about a remarkable period, involving a remarkable person. A great read.”
