Small town life as seen through the eyes of a schoolboy during World War II when he experienced the German bombing raids first hand and he describes the period and people of the era in great detail. His following mechanical apprenticeship and mandatory National Service in the Royal Air Force led to a four-year period as a Service Engineer covering the Midlands and South Wales before the motorways were constructed. This was followed by a thirty-two year career spent in various parts of Africa and the Middle East where the author was involved in mining and road construction projects involving heavy earthmoving equipment. This expatriate life is interwoven with his experiences during this period and the resultant effect on family life. Early retirement and the experiences of family and relations are covered up to the year 2013 when he attained the age of 82.