I Bought a Star

In this book Thomas Firbank describes his experiences of training and war in the years 1939 to 1945. He went from hill-farmer in Snowdonia (described in 'I bought a Mountain') to Lieutenant-Colonel in the Guards in four years. It begins in Spain from where he drives to London to help the war effort. His account of training in Scotland and North Africa is detailed and realistic, proving his extraordinary physical resourcefulness. He saw active service in Italy. Then, in September 1944, on the Netherland-German border, he descended by glider to Nijmegen. Firbank's rare first-hand account of this famous engagement is told with a wry humour and an engaging lack of melodrama.
The author was awarded the Military Cross and Bar.