Burnett of Borneo

'War at its worst is a grim business, but soldiering does not have to be. Indeed, soldiering without laughter is an inhuman affair. Nor is the soldier's proverbial humour always black. There is more honest laughter in a regiment of confident, professional men than anywhere I know, which often comes as a surprise to those who have never served. Whenever soldiers are portrayed on stage or screen they all too often lack the wit, repartee, and sheer sense of fun of the real thing. Major-General Edward John Sydney 'Bunny' Burnett CB, DSO, OBE, MC was a peerless soldier, as his decorations and the foreword by Britain's senior professional field marshal testify, but what comes over in this affectionate but not uncritical biography is that ready and deep reserve of humour that marks out the true soldier and real commander of distinction. 'Bunny' Burnett was forged in the old Indian Army, in the Gurkhas, at a time when that magnificent corps of men from the Nepalese hills was the size of the entire corps of infantry of today's British Army. And it was forced in distant places, out of sight, where individuality was encouraged and flourish. With the passing of that old army - inevitable, as is the passing of time itself - much has been lost, a great deal of it hard-won and of inestimable value. The army of late years has seen much fighting. It may feel the past has nothing to tell it. But that would be wrong, especially as it moves into a period of what promises to be peace but is really one of uncertainty. There is indeed much for the modern soldier to ponder on in these pages, and also, may I suggest, to emulate.' - Allan Mallinson, author of The Making of the British Army