1. Bugles and a Tiger
John Masters begins his autobiography with Sandhurst in the 1930s and his return to India as a young officer of the 4th Gurkha Rifles. He describes learning the regiment’s languages, customs and expectations while adapting to garrison life and the demanding relationship between British officers and…
2. The Road Past Mandalay
John Masters’s second memoir carries his military story into the Second World War, from staff and regimental service to the Burma theatre. Serving with Gurkhas and later with the Chindits, he records the physical strain of jungle warfare, the difficulties of command and the complicated relationships…
3. Pilgrim Son
Beginning in the final months of British rule in India, John Masters’s third memoir follows his transition from career soldier to civilian, emigrant and professional writer. After leaving the army he returns briefly to Britain, then takes his family to the United States, where uncertain business…