Author Description

This amazing autobiography encapsulates a period of Ben Reynolds' experiences as a soldier in the desert in North Africa and as a prisoner of war in Italy during the Second World War. It is a candid portrait of survival and survivors. It is written with heart-warming honesty and wit. It shows Ben's courage and initiative under extraordinary pressure and unbearable hardship, and his non defeatist approach to escape. Having been captured in spectacular fashion by the German Afrika Korps in North Africa, Ben is shipped off to a POW camp in Italy. Experiencing horrific conditions, his words, "We were treated like animals so had no alternative but to act the same," brought tears to his eyes, but did not deter him in his quest to survive. Ben Reynolds was born 1st March 1920 in Mistley, Essex, England and died in August 2004. He was the youngest of three children. He had a simple education and by 16 years of of age Ben volunteered with the Territorial Army and had begun his training as a carpenter. On September 2, 1939, the day before war was officially delcared, Ben was embodied into the army to fight in the Second World War. Points of Interest: This book was written by Ben in 1970, as the family doctor had suggested to Ben " to get it off your chest " so he could enjoy a good night's sleep. He never did sleep when he got back from war. Been captured and his experience to survive as a POW. Escaping and his will to survive and get home. Friendship and enemies.