A Beat Around the Bush

In the year of 1953, Alastair Tompkins departed the shores of the United Kingdom, embarking on a journey that would see him land on the rich, red soils of Kenya—a British Colony at the time. He was one among a cadre of young British officers, spirited and determined, charged with bolstering the ranks of the Kenya Police Force. Their mission was as daunting as it was clear: to quell the insurgence of the Mau Mau rebels, whose audacious assaults on European-owned farms had captured the gaze of the world’s media.

Kenya, a land of striking contrasts, was home to a tapestry of ethnicities—Africans, Asians, and Europeans—set against a backdrop of some of the most breathtaking landscapes and wildlife the continent of Africa had to offer. To Alastair, it was a realm of endless intrigue and allure, a vivid escape from the grey austerity of post-war Britain he left behind.

In this vibrant East African dominion, Alastair would soon find himself immersed in the rigours and rewards of police work, facing an array of challenges that tested both mettle and mind. Over a decade of duty, his path wove through the diverse fabric of Kenyan society, landing him squarely in the midst of situations as remarkable as they were unique to a colonial officer’s life.

Balancing the grave with the light-hearted, Alastair recounts his experiences with a deft touch, sharing tales that range from the dramatic to the downright comedic. In doing so, he paints a vivid portrait of this dynamic former colony, a place that, despite its complex history, has lodged itself firmly in the corridors of his heart. His stories resonate with the spirit of a land that remains, in his eyes, forever extraordinary.

Publisher - Woodfield Publishing Ltd

Language - English

Perfect Bound

Contributors

By author

Alastair Tompkins

Published Date - 2003-12-01

ISBN - 9781873203941

Dimensions - 23.4 x 15.6 x 1.5 cm

Page Count - 264