an artificer’s tale

This book chronicles the military career of Andy Flower B.E.M in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) during the conflicts in Northern Ireland, the Gulf War I, and Bosnia. As an artificer Staff Sergeant, Flower led a fitter section of tradesmen responsible for maintaining and repairing armoured infantry fighting vehicles. Rather than a tale of extraordinary bravery or tactical brilliance, this is an authentic account of twelve skilled tradesmen striving to maintain their professionalism and sanity while managing a fleet of armoured vehicles under the most challenging circumstances. The narrative captures the delicate balance between duty and the human spirit in times of conflict. Throughout the book, moments of levity punctuate the daily routines, showcasing how camaraderie and humour helped the team cope with the stresses of military life. These anecdotes, drawn from contemporaneous notes, offer insight into the author’s thoughts and reactions to a wide range of experiences during some of the most intense periods of his life. Interwoven with these stories are lyrics from songs penned by the author during his global travels, adding a personal and reflective dimension to the narrative.