RED BERET & ANDREW

Andrew’s father was a paratrooper during the Indonesia–Malaysia conflict in the early 60s. Frank was a dedicated military man who’s life was largely defined by his work. During a skirmish in the thick Borneo jungle his leg was blown off. He returned to England when Andrew was just two weeks old. Their relationship was forever coloured by Frank’s trauma, he was withdrawn where he’d been funny and engaged. He struggled with alcoholism but fought it and ultimately recovered. He only retired when his three children had graduated, even after this he continued with his parachute jumps, this time for disabled ex-servicemen. Andrew’s nephews followed their grandfather into the services, one in the paras and one in the marines. Where Andrew’s relationship with his dad was difficult, his nephews’ relationship with their grandfather was good. Andrew generously takes comfort from this. His dad’s red beret is proudly hung in Andrew’s study.

12 Feb 2012