Bootneck Remembers: A Royal Marine's Memoirs

Spanning empire, conflict, and transformation, this compelling memoir traces the life of a formidable Royal Marines officer from his extraordinary lineage to a distinguished 34-year military career and beyond. Born in India in 1934 to a British architect father and a German-American mother with roots stretching from South Pacific missionaries to the Salem Witch Trials, his early years were shaped by war, displacement, and resilience. From a spirited schoolboy to a determined young officer, he served in North Africa, Cyprus, and the Far East. His career placed him at the heart of pivotal post-war conflicts and strategic decisions-from counter-insurgency operations in Aden and Cyprus to high-level policy work in the Ministry of Defence during the Dhofar War. Commanding 40 Commando in Northern Ireland and later serving as Brigade Commander of 3 Commando Brigade (reinforced) during the Falklands War, he combined frontline leadership with strategic influence. His later roles included overseeing Royal Marines training, reserves, and elite counter-terrorism capabilities. Rich with insight, candour, and historical detail, this is the story of a soldier-scholar whose service spanned the last days of empire to the complexities of modern global security. AUTHORS Major General Julian Thompson served in the Royal Marines for 34 years. His service took him around the world, including as Brigade Commander of 3 Commando Brigade during the Falklands War. After retiring he became a Visiting Senior Research Fellow and a Visiting Professor of the Department of War Studies, King's College, London and also undertook work as a consultant advising on security matters for high risk areas and on counter maritime piracy operations. In addition to writing and updating his Sunday Times Bestseller _No Picnic_, he wrote _Ready for Anything, The Parachute Regiment at War 1940 - 82, War Behind Enemy Lines, TheLifeblood of War; Logistics and Armed Conflict_ and numerous other works. Henrietta Lilley is Julian Thompson's daughter and co-writer. She has had an international career in marketing, public relations and also as a copywriter, and now lives on Dartmoor.