Charles Ritchie was educated at Wellington College and, despite a childhood desire to act, entered the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1960. Commissioned into The Royal Scots, his 38-year military career took him all over the world and he shares his many often hilarious experiences in this book.
Charles rose to Brigadier, served as Colonel of his Regiment and was decorated with the MBE, OBE and CBE. After retiring, he became Secretary at The New Club, Edinburgh, a Director of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and an officer in The Queen’s Bodyguard for Scotland (Royal Company of Archers). He also served his local community as Chairman of the Black Mount Community Council and Honorary President of the West Linton & District Pipe Band.
He and his wife Araminta have lived in Dolphinton, South Lanarkshire since 1998. Charles’s interests included shooting, tennis, curling, politically incorrect speeches, singing and extreme partying with his many friends. Urged for many years to record his adventures, he delivered his manuscript to Pen & Sword Books on 14 December 2020, two days before his tragic death.