Publications:
Point of the Spear. A novel of the Malayan Emergency.
Five years after World war II beautiful and exotic Malaya is torn by rebellion. Corporal John Barr and his men are at the point of the spear as they search for the battle-hardened and elusive communist terrorist forces led by Major Goh Chu. Gruelling patrols deep into the jungle-covered mountains of a dangerous land force them to depend on each other for their very lives. Called upon to protect local British interests, John Barr encounters the beautiful, headstrong daughter of a plantation owner. Despite the differences in their backgrounds, romance blossoms. Against the authentic background of a country at war strong men clash and love overcomes all odds.
Danger Close. A novel of the Vietnam War.
It is 1967. The New Zealand Government has allied itself with the USA and committed its armed forces to fight in Vietnam. Infantry companies are drawn from the 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, based in peninsula Malaysia. When the men fly out to war, their wives and children are left behind in the Commonwealth Brigade garrison. Sergeant-Major John Barr deals with the realities of war amongst the villages, padi-fields and jungle of Vietnam. His wife Patricia, and their children, cope with life in a foreign land. Through the eyes of an experienced soldier, we view the triumphs and tragedies, the horror and humour of men at war. As his company fights a cunning and ruthless enemy, we meet both heroes and those who are not. We share their wins and their losses. Through Patricia's eyes, we see the loneliness and the strain imposed upon the women left behind ... the constant dread of the knock on the door. Some cope with it - some do not. The war rips at them all. Will John and Patricia survive? You can be sure that these two strong Kiwis will not give up easily. It will be a fight to the finish.
Redcoat & Korowai. A novel of the New Zealand Wars
In the winter of 1846 the barque, Levant, delivers a company of British soldiers to Port Nicholson in New Ulster. Her Majesty's 65th Regiment of Foot has arrived at the bottom of the world. Within weeks, Sergeant John Barr and his men are fighting for their lives against the savage inhabitants of these south sea's islands - the cannibal Maori. The Queen's Redcoats soon learn that they face a formidable foe. Keen to know more of his enemy, Sergeant Barr attaches himself to a contingent of friendly Maori. In the crucible of battle, John Barr and Rewi Takahe become friends. When the 65th are sent to garrison the town of Petre on the Whanganui River, the friends are thrust into war once again. During a respite from battle, Sergeant John Barr saves Nurse Jane O'Fee from assault. Romance results. Treaties are signed and peace descends upon the land. John and Jane marry and settle in the beautiful Turakina Valley, home to Rewi and Caroline, his Pakeha bride. But Rewi's marriage enrages Tamati, his brother. Murder is attempted. When Jane is kidnapped and held hostage, John and Rewi pursue. Finally, brother battles brother in a fight to the death.
War. A novel of the New Zealand Wars.
Colour-Sergeant John Barr and his son, Mathew, are members of the all-volunteer Wanganui Rifle Corps. When Maori converts to the new religion, Pai Marire or Hauhauism, attempt to drive the Pakeha into the sea, the Rifles are mobilised. John and Mathew go to war. During a hard fought campaign under General Cameron, Matt Barr and Black Bart Hanson, once bitter enemies, become friends. When Matt and Bart are wounded, they are nursed back to health by Matt's mother, Jane, and his sister, Sarah. Sarah sets her cap for Bart, but her initial advances are rejected. At Pipiriki, Matt meets Alice Logan and romance blossoms. In these troubled times, however, the path to true love is beset with obstacles. The two friends survive the siege of Pipiriki and re-join the Rifles in time for a fresh campaign under General Chute. Finally, the brutal 'bush-scouring' tactics of Chute's army overwhelms the Hauhau and peace returns to the land. Together at last, Matt and Alice, Bart and Sarah set forth on a picnic. When they encounter a band of desperate outlaws, however, the four young people must use all their skills to survive.
Horse Soldiers
It is 1899. Britain prepares for war against the South African 'Boer' republics of Transvaal and the Orange Free State. Rallying behind the Mother Country, the small colony of New Zealand prepares to send a unit of mounted infantry and a handful of nurses to South Africa. The Barr family responds to the call - cousins Johnny, Davey, Lachie and Mary volunteer to serve and set sail on a great adventure. Disembarking at Cape Town, men, horses and nurses are hurried to the front. The Boer proves a formidable foe. Fighting on his home ground, well-armed and highly mobile, he inflicts several defeats on British forces. In the harsh climate and rugged terrain of the South African veld, short of everything and living rough, the 'Maorilanders' of the First New Zealand Mounted Rifles learn to survive. Through ambushes, skirmishes and battles, they learn their bloody trade - and earn the respect of both allies and enemies. In more peaceful moments, there is time for romance. Both Mary and Davey fall in love. But love and war are uneasy bedfellows . . .