Sirmooree #80

126 one can only despair at their grossly indulgent and lesser counterparts in today’s Brexit-ridden Parliament. The first essay is a fascinating insight into Enoch Powell who wanted to die in battle and, in the end, was buried in his uniform. Admiral Lord Lewin is a hugely sympathetic and admiring portrait of a great Chief, while Nigel Farage who ends the volume is an intriguing portrait of an influential celebrity politician. I much enjoyed the candid commentaries by John Nott and Douglas Hurd on each other’s character as they sharpened their pens and generously reviewed each other’s biographies in the way that only politicians can. John Nott tells us that he wrote ‘Memorable Encounters’ in July 2018. The abnormal speed of assembly says something about the author and his talents but just occasionally the rush shows. The essay on Lord Bramall is a case in point. Wider consultation would have gleaned the fact that the Field Marshal was never Commander of 1st British Corps yet the suggestion that he held this appointment colours the assessment. But that is a minor carp. The chapter also makes clear the pivotal role that both men played in sending the 7th Gurkhas to the Falklands against Foreign Office advice, thus establishing a valuable and lasting precedent for future Gurkha service in the British Army. For that we should all be grateful. A most engaging volume that deserves a place on your bedside table and then on that of your overnight guests. PRD (Pen & Sword will be publishing Peter Duffell’s own book, ‘Gurkha Odyssey’, later this year – Ed) Essays on Nepal Past and Present by Sam Cowan (published by Himal Books). General Sir Sam Cowan will be familiar to many Sirmooris from personal encounters with him during his long and distinguished Army career and, latterly, his appointments as Colonel Commandant of the Brigade of Gurkhas and Chairman of the Gurkha Welfare Trust. Less well known are his passionate interest in Nepal and his extensive writings about it. He has been on 30 or more treks in Nepal since 1989, and presumably several more before that, providing a rich source of first-hand knowledge. As the title www.2ndGoorkhas.com