Armoured Horseman

A veteran with the Queen’s Bays in the British Army recounts service during World War II and his career in horse racing post-war.

New memoirs by combatants in the Second World War are sadly rare today due to the passage of time. Armoured Horsemen will be warmly welcomed as the author, now into his 90s, fought through with The Bays from Alamein to Tunis and then on up Italy until VE Day. As a young tank troop commander his chances of survival were slim and tragically many of his friends were killed.

Peter Willett, a professional journalist and prolific author, is superbly qualified to describe his war and the experiences of his fellow cavalrymen. He tells a moving story with characteristic lightness of touch and modesty.

As well as satisfying the military enthusiast, Armoured Horseman will find a ready audience in the racing fraternity. Peter describes equestrian activities in post-war Austria and goes on to summarise his career as a racing journalist, authority on breeding, membership of the Jockey Club and long association with Goodwood.

Praise for Armoured Horseman

“Overall this is a rather entertaining description of life in a unit at the heart of some of the most significant events of the Desert War.” —History of War

“This new book covers familiar ground, because there have been many books that tell the story of the major North African and Italian campaigns, but it brings forward a unique story that is fascinating, compelling and charming. This is a must read WWII account but it will also appeal for its horse racing connections and the very human story that it tells.” —Firetrench

“What a truly wonderful book! I almost felt I was there and realised that between all the horrors of war there were also some better times and great friendships recounted so brilliantly. It should be made into a film!” —Nicola Howard-Jones