Born in County Cork and educated in Northern Ireland, Corran Purdon was commisioned into The Royal Ulster Rifles in December 1939. The following year he volunteered for the Commandos and took part in raids on Norway and St. Nazaire where he was wounded, captured and earned the Military Cross.

After escaping from Spangenberg Prisoner-of-War camp he was sent to Colditz where he remained until liberated by US forces in 1945; he then served in the ranks of the US Army until returning home.

In the post-war period he served in Palestine, the Canal Zone, Malaya and Cyprus. During the Indonesian Confrontation he commanded 1st Royal Ulster Rifles in their highly successful campaign in Sarawak.

As a brigadier he commanded the Sultan of Oamn's Armed Forces for three years and was decorated with the Immediare Award for Bravery Medal for "outstanding courage and leadership under intense fire" during the Dhofar War. Further Omani decorations included the Distinguished Service Medal and the Commendation Medal for bravery on operations while he was also appointed CBE on his return to the UK.

Corran Purdon was GOC, North-West District for two years before becoming the last GOC, Near East Lan Forces from which post he retired from thje Army in 1976.

Since 1976 he has been Deupty Commisioner Royal Hong Kong Police Force and was awarded the Colonial Police Medal. He has worked on military projects in various countries and continues to be a specialist military adviser.

Since retirement he has been involved in St John Ambulance, commanding in Wiltshire, and is a Knight of the Order of St John of Jerusalem.

As a soldier, Corran Purdon inspired respect by jis professionalism and his commitment to leading my example. He also cared very much for those with whom he served and this shines through in his account of his service which is told with warmth and compassion.

General Purdon and his wife, Patrica, live in Wiltshire.

ISBN 1 870157 19 2
Price £6