Book Review of 'The Yompers' by Ian Gardiner

The Royal Marines Museum stocks a large range of books in its gift shop and from time to time members of staff at the Museum will be reviewing books on this blog. This review is from Jim Tann on Ian Gardiner's book 'The Yompers'

‘Och no, it’s for real-get yerself back into Condor Barracks now!’

Ian Gardiner will always have that message ringing in his ears. His memories of this compelling and at times sad story of his time as CO of X Ray Co, one of 3 Rifle companies  in 45 Commando Group RM, during the Falklands War will go down as one of the most memorable stories ever written of the campaign.

His narrative of The Royal Marines and their banter which they all used during this War is second to none. His story of how he and his Troop of Marines in Zulu company 45 Commando and their part in winning the War is compelling reading. Ian has written this with such feeling and care to ensure this his recollections are as fresh and factual today as they were 30 years ago.

I felt admiration and at times angered by the frustrations which he and his men endured during their time in the South Atlantic, he has managed to convey a sense of feeling in his story with which any person reading it will not fail to be moved by it in some way. I enjoyed Ian’s honest and factual account and of the way in which he has written it.

At the time the Falklands War was being got ready for I was working for the MOD, based at Royal Marines Barracks, Eastney, and was asked to help with the loading of equipment on to the Ships in Portsmouth Dockyard, and I wondered what will happen to the Marines and the kit which was heading South, and now I know. This book is compelling, witty and enjoyable.

If you'd like to buy a copy, please visit our online gift shop, or pop in to the Museum.