Description

In this rollicking memoir, Malcolm Cleverley takes you on a wild ride through the latter days of the Cold War with the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment—affectionately dubbed ‘Third Tanks,’ ‘3RTR,’ and ‘The Armoured Farmers.’ Born and raised on the edge of Dartmoor, Malcolm realized his childhood dream in 1975 by joining the Army. After a year of youthful shenanigans as a ‘boy soldier’ at Bovington, he dove headfirst into adult service, spending the next 14 years inside the hulking beast known as the Chieftain, the British Army’s pride and joy of Main Battle Tanks.

From heart-pounding exercises in the UK, Germany, and Canada to the sun-soaked detachment with the UN in Cyprus, Malcolm’s journey is filled with laughter, camaraderie, and more than a few misadventures. This book isn’t just for the military historians or tank enthusiasts; it’s a hilarious tribute to the absurdity of life as a tank crew member. With a brash and unapologetic tone, Cleverley shares side-splitting stories that will resonate with anyone who’s ever had the pleasure (or misfortune) of serving in these metal monsters.

So, if you’ve ever wondered what it was like to live, eat, and cause merry chaos in a 56-ton armoured colossus, buckle up! This is the book that will take you on a journey through the muddy tracks of military life, complete with all the antics, banter, and tankie spirit that’ll leave you grinning from ear to ear.