?The peerless musicians of the Royal Marines Band Service are no strangers to war, as the Author, Brian Short, himself a musician, reminds us in his book. Brian Short has an engaging style, and sense of humour, combined with a shrewd assessment of his fellow human beings. His description of his training and early years in the Band Service provide a vivid and necessary prelude to what follows, setting the scene and introducing the reader to aspects of life in the Royal Marines Band Service and the Band's experiences at war. From time to time the future existence of Royal Marines Bands is questioned by politicians. They should read this book; perhaps they will come to appreciate what a splendid contribution the Royal Marines Band Service has made to our country, by land and sea, and will continue to do so.? **- Major General Julian Thompson Royal Marines** The Royal Marines Band Service are well known for their professional musical performances around the world and at all Royal and major high profile public engagements in the UK. Arguably one of the finest military bands, perhaps they are less well known for their military deployments in war zones around the globe, along with their humanitarian work in times of need. These fine musicians, can turn their talented hands to a multitude of non musical taskings, bringing enthusiasm and 'musical intellect' to whatever is asked of them. Held in high regard by Royalty, the Royal Marines and the anyone in the public who has seen them perform; the book 'Royal Marines musicians at war' shows them in a different light as they show their worth in the likes of Afghanistan, Kosovo, The Falklands and many more areas of conflict besides. AUTHOR: Brian Short spent his formative years a musician in the highly regarded Royal Marines band. Along with his musical duties, his service saw him deployed on active service during the Falklands war, sent to Northern Ireland at the height of the troubles and narrowly miss a terrorist bomb at his barracks which killed eleven of his Royal Marines colleagues. Building on award winning book 'The Band That Went To War', his latest work 'Royal Marines Musicians at War' widens his research to include the many other non musical and military deployments of the Royal Marines Band. Frequently asked to appear on TV & radio for interviews surrounding his service, he now lives happily in Deal in Kent, where he divides his time between walking, writing and his main passion playing music. 50 b/w illustrations
