More About Billy

The day after Chalky receives his calling-up papers for National Service, another set drops through Billy’s letterbox and the two eighteen-year olds begin real-life experiences – courtesy of the army. Thrust into the arena of barrack-room bullying, they endure abject misery, exhaustion and confusion, to emerge a little wiser. It’s the early 1950s. Communist forces are ravaging whole swathes of Malaya. Their boyhood memories soon fade. Pleasures are non-existent as Billy and his men learn to cope with the steaming jungle, searching for an elusive, secretive and utterly brutal enemy. They meet people of many races, some friendly and hospitable, others hostile and murderous. Such a mix proves to be far more than a mere spice to be added to a soldier’s daily diet. Heng, the leader of the notorious 9 Platoon, leaves a chilling prophecy hanging from a tree – one that Billy cannot ignore. The battle of wills and skills weaves in many directions – but who will be victorious?