Stella Claridge
Hampshire
Book lover
(Also reviewed on Goodreads)
What a story! and brilliantly told. I hesitate to say I 'enjoyed' it because at times the subject matter is so horrible but it was totalling absorbing and made a very strong impression on me. There are many very moving sections about the camaraderie that existed between the men. It's a real tour de force. I will never forget it.
David Gilding
Southsea
Nephew of Private Reg Gilding
"Yeah, wow, looks like a castle... in the sky," said Gilding, excitedly...
I read those words, and I cried.
Lynne, thank you, you've made Reg come alive, you gave him emotion, feeling, an imagination, even an artistic eye. He was real ... he actually lived. Till I read those words, Reginald A Gilding was a character of family folklore. Someone my father spoke of with fondness but lacked any detail of Reg as a person…
… I know you asked for readers to let you know what they thought of the book once they've read it, but I've got to The Final Three and I know that Reg doesn't have much time left, but already I felt I had to thank you for giving me so much more of Reg's character in these first few chapters that I have found in loads of 'stories' over the past 60 odd years.
So thanks again Lynne, I look forward to reading the rest of your book and please give my love and respect to all those still with us that you may be in touch with.
Brigadier (Retired) Martin Vine OBE, Last Serving Commanding Officer,
1 Glosters
Lynne Lambert’s remarkable book, ‘Nobber’s Boy', focuses on her late uncle, Pte ‘Davy’ Gardiner, then a young National Serviceman serving in A Company, 1 Glosters, and his best friend, Roy Mills. Roy is one of the last 6 surviving Gloster veterans of the Battle of Imjin River. Nobber’s Boy vividly describes the battle, the aftermath, and the harrowing experiences of over 2 years as POWs. Read full review.
Sue Runciman
Farnborough
(Extracts from emails to author. Also reviewed on Goodreads)
In the last couple of days, ‘Nobber’s Boy’ has had me in its steely grip and I have been doing everything else needful with some reluctance. It’s very pacy, which would make it an unusual choice of book for me to read - so I’m grateful to find myself reading this style, as I’m enjoying it very much.
Keith Annis
Gloucestershire
I have sat so many times to write my review of Nobber’s Boy. I found it an emotional insight into a closed part of our Forest of Dean history, so closed that I have never heard any Forester talk openly at length or read any school text that focused upon the Glosters campaign in Korea. Oddly I did know of the Imjin River battle well or so I thought.
Read full review.
Review by
Soldier Magazine
Issue: August 2022, read review here (see page 60)
Ken Sutton, Taunton
(Extract from email to author)
"A magnificent story which you have written up brilliantly.
The Korean War has long interested me. I was 14 when it was happening and I have previously read of the military action… but your following through with the POW experience and return home are new and add an interesting dimension. Davy’s experience in the camp must have been horrific… all in all two years of hardship which are almost unimaginable."
Andrea, St Jean, France
"For me this was a revelation: a moving but gripping account told with love and respect. The descriptions of how ordinary young men fought for their survival, far from home, are detailed and sometimes shocking. An important reminder of what war actually entails, which is especially pertinent when we realise that the conflict has never been officially concluded."
Anne Bridger, Bristol
(Extract from email to author)
"[Nobber’s Boy] held my interest from start to finish, and I am in awe of your literary skills in recreating the circumstances of your uncle’s horrendous experiences, and as a writer capable of enfolding your readers into the realisms of the story. Your book is a masterpiece: never mind that you have not been able to present Nobber’s story as a ‘traditional’ biography, as it is factual, and riveting throughout."
Darren Howlett, Hull
(Extract from email to author)
"I have many books in my library relating to the Korean War, and to the Glosters in particular, but I have to say that you have so realistically brought to life the experiences of your uncle and his comrades in your book. It was lovely to read the more personal side of the war, albeit tragic at times. His story is a reflection of the experiences of all the Glosters who survived the Imjin battle and subsequent captivity. I congratulate you on a well-researched, very captivating and emotion read! You must be very proud of your uncle’s service."
Melissa Simm,
Bishop's Sutton
Artist, Quirky Cow Studio
(Extract from email to author)
"It's been a long time since a book brought me to tears. Incredibly moving and humbling. What an amazing friendship Davy and Roy had. I cannot begin to imagine the amount of suffering they all underwent. The human mind let alone the body is something to behold.
Thank you so much for writing this story."
Roger Deeks, DL Gloucestershire
"Lynne Lambert has written a remarkable story of resilience and courage in the face of extreme adversity. She describes a soldier’s war that began in ferocious combat on the battlefield of the Imjin River and transformed into a psychological war of attrition.
A compelling narrative that is of relevance to everyone interested in Korea, the Battle of the Imjin River, the Cold War or simply understanding how ordinary soldiers coped with the challenges of war and captivity."
Selwyn Ballinger
Cheltenham
"I've just finished your book Nobber’s Boy and as a Cheltenham man, not far from the Forest of Dean, I found this book very emotional especially the last few pages.
Absolutely brilliant."
Graham Lavalle,
Leicester
"This book drew me in from the very beginning and took me on a journey I hadn't expected. A must-read for everyone."
Lisa Wall, South Wales
(Granddaughter of Private Maurice 'Spud' Murphy, Imjin veteran,
Extracts from emails to author)
7 January 2022: "I just wanted to say a big thanks for the book. I can’t believe after almost giving up on finding out more about my grandfather’s story, I now have a book in my hands that will help me understand what he experienced."
14 February 2022: "The book is wonderful. For the first time I have gained insight into what my Grampa had gone through and as I read it, I was ‘living’ it with him. The book is an amazing accomplishment and means so much."
19 February 2022: "My mother has finished the book. She thought it was wonderful! She said it really helped her understand what happened to her father in Korea. Actually, the first time she had gained any meaningful insight into his experiences. Once she had finished the book she cried and cried… She said that she can’t thank you enough for writing the book."
Graham Whitaker, Cinderford
(Extract from email to author)
"I have just finished reading your splendid book. Thank you for bringing such a great story of heroism and endurance to the public domain. It's so much more poignant when you know of the people who lived through such horror and privation."
John Yemm,
Oldham
Retired WO2 1st Battalion the Gloucestershire Regiment 28/61
(Extract from email to author)
"Having spent 22 years in The Gloucestershire Regiment and been brought up on the history the Battle of the Imjin River, and being a proud Forester myself, I loved the read - also the forest slang...
An excellent story of hardship and camaraderie - it's what being a Gloster is all about.
I loved the book and wish you well with the sales. Thank you."
Robin Brown,
Wedmore, Somerset
(Extract from email to author)
I have just finished reading your excellent book on your uncle’s experiences during the Korean War. I found it very easy to read and it portrayed the experiences and thoughts of a young private's baptism of fire. He must have been so far out of his comfort zone. The Forest would have seemed to be in another world.
Thank you for writing and publishing Nobber's Boy.
Lest we forget.