{"title":"Matt Merritt","description":"\u003cp\u003eMatt Merritt’s works delve deeply into military history, shedding light on pivotal campaigns and the experiences of soldiers in conflict. His detailed accounts, such as those exploring the role of the Royal Engineers, offer readers a vivid understanding of the challenges and strategies of warfare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for enthusiasts of military history, Merritt’s books combine thorough research with engaging storytelling, providing insight into both the broader context and the personal stories behind historic battles.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-royal-engineers-in-korea-by-matt-merritt-9781399044691","title":"The Royal Engineers in Korea","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough never formally diagnosed, Frank Merritt was on the autistic spectrum. He was also dyslexic, and it was rare for him to write anything down. When he was called up for National Service in the 1950s, during the Korean War, he could have deferred, as he was a farmer's son and farming was a reserved occupation. Feeling it was his duty to serve, he joined the Royal Engineers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Frank arrived on the frontline in Korea to join 55 Independent Field Squadron, 28th Field Engineer Regiment, they didn't know what to do with him. Frank was unconventional and rebellious, and upon discovery of his keen interest in photography, he was appointed the unit's photographer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrank took it upon himself to explore Korea, believing in the 'join the army and see the world' motto. He'd frequently wander off alone with his Leotax camera, in an active war zone, oblivious to the danger. The Koreans he encountered were often surprised to see a UN soldier strolling through their villages and farms unarmed and taking photos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrank went into places that were off-limits due to enemy activity, taking candid photographs of ordinary Koreans going about their daily lives despite the war.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Royal Engineers in Korea\u003c\/em\u003e is authored by Matt Merritt, who grew up listening to his father's stories of his time in Korea. Matt currently writes history columns for two Sussex-based magazines. He wrote and directed a short documentary about the history of the North Kent travelling community for BBC South East. Matt's stage play 'Flick To Kick' was produced by Menagerie Theatre Company, and his audio drama 'Teachersaurus' by Frequency Theatre. His short story 'Alan' is published in the \u003cem\u003eSongs For The Elephant Man\u003c\/em\u003e anthology (Mantle Lane Press).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe book includes 300 b\/w illustrations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Bookreps NZ Limited","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47900666855660,"sku":"9781399044691","price":75.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}]}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/matt-merritt.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}