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Charles Steel had the misfortune to take part in two great military disasters of the Second World War - the Fall of France and the Dunkirk evacuation, and the Fall of Singapore. Shortly before the latter, he married Louise. Within days of being captured by the Japanese, he began writing a weekly letter to his new bride as means of keeping in touch with her in his mind, for the Japanese forbade all writing of letters and diaries. Over the next three years he somehow succeeded in writing and concealing some 180 letters, to which were added a further 20 post-liberation letters. Part love-letter, part diary these unique letters, which were initially intended for Louise's eyes only, describe the horror of working as a slave on the infamous Burma Siam Railway and, in particular, the construction of the famous Bridge over the River Kwai. Given the appalling conditions that Charles and his fellow prisoners endured throughout this period this was the most remarkable feat and a true labour of love; all the more so given the retribution that he would have suffered had their existence come to the attention of his brutal captors.
This extraordinary correspondence is also an uplifting account of how people can maintain their morale under even the most extreme adversity. We learn how he managed to get back at his captors by means of 'creative accounting' using his position of trust to the advantage of his fellow captives. Now, for the first time, readers have the privilege of sharing the appalling and inspiring experiences of this remarkable man.
ISBN: 1 84415 118 2 Special Website Price: £18.00 plus £2.00 p&p
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Hardback Illustrated 192 Pages

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In an age when convention dictated otherwise, Janet Wells (or Sister Janet as she became known) embarked on two perilous ventures. Remarkably she was only 18 years old when decorated for her nursing service during the 1878 Balkan War. Undeterred by the experience, the following year she became the only nurse to serve at the front during the Anglo-Zulu War.

Following a period in Northern Zululand, she arrived at Rorke's Drift shortly after the legendary action. Revered by the soldiers, she worked tirelessly in appalling conditions with minimal medical supplies. Undaunted she refused to bow to either these difficulties or the prejudice that her gender and youthfulness provoked.

On returning to England, she was awarded the Royal Red Cross, the highest nursing accolade and equivalent to the VC, by Queen Victoria.

Janet Wells was spoken of at the time in the same breath as Florence Nightingale. Thus it is extraordinary that her achievements have not been more widely recognized, not least as Sister Janet's example forced the military authorities to recognize the vital importance of medical support in time of war.

Long overdue telling, this is an inspiring story which, hopefully, will give the nursing profession a new heroine of significance. Sister Janet deserves nothing less

Book Jacket Price£19.99

ISBN: 1 84415 425 4 Special Website Price: £18.00 plus £2.00 p&p
(UK only, overseas, please enquire)

Hardback Illustrated 190 Pages

For UK orders, please send payment by cheque made payable to
 B. M. Best

Address:

7 Oakham Road
Exton
Rutland,
LE15 9AX,
United Kingdom
 

N.B. If you wish to send a cheque from outside the UK not made payable in sterling please contact us for details of exchange rate and bank clearance charges. Purchase of a Sterling International Money Order where you live would probably be easier and less expensive.