Khaki and Blue: A Soldier's and Police Officer's Life

If you ever thought that Scotsmen ruled the British Empire with a quiet word, an engineering degree and a passion for building bridges, then think again... The author of this memoir, 'Mac' MacDonald, is a Highland soldier turned Police Officer turned administrator. He talks straight, doesn't overdress the issues, and isn't afraid of a 'stoush'. From action with the Argylls on Hill 282 in Korea, to anti-Mau Mau operations in Kenya, to Mataungan riot control in New Guinea and Clan Fighting in the Highlands of PNG, Mac's story is one of single-mindedness, fair-mindedness - and if need be, bloody-mindedness. His Scots thoroughness clearly played a role in his approach to policing, and maybe stymied his promotion prospects. But his vision of the world is broader than many of his colleagues', and I'd challenge anyone not to laugh out loud at his description of Egypt, and the name given to a brother officer's Rottweiler. Did he do a good job? Did we do a good job... Judge for yourself. But you may hear the people he knew well in PNG insisting, 'Bik man? Em i Numba Wun tru.'