The Outpost

by Gerald Hammond

The illegitimate child of a regimental sergeant major and a NAAFI manageress, Hallelujah Brown named after her Jamaican grandmother grows up with the army, and so develops an intimate understanding of its ways, as well as a very thick skin. Meanwhile, a crisis threatens a small British military post in the tiny African state of Maveria. When Hallelujah, now with Intelligence, is despatched to evaluate the ageing commanding officer's declining mental powers, events overtake the army's plans, and she is forced to relieve him of his command and lead the defence of the post against the Liboonese army. Faced not just with superior numbers, but also with the hurdles the army presents to a mixed-race female, can Hallelujah possibly win through?

208 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2004

About the author

Gerald Hammond, (Gerald Arthur Douglas Hammond) son of Frederick Arthur Lucas (a physician) and Maria Birnie (a nursing sister) Hammond; married Gilda Isobel Watt (a nurse), August 20, 1952; children: Peter, David, Steven. Education: Aberdeen School of Architecture, Dip. Arch., 1952. He served in the British Army, 1944-45. Although born in Bournemouth, Hampshire, England, he worked in and retired to the country he most loved, Scotland.

He also writes under the names of Arthur Douglas and Dalby Holden. He was an architect for thirty years before retiring to write novels full-time in 1982. He has written over 50 novels since the late 1960s.

His novels center around guns, shooting, hunting, fishing, and dog training.

Reviews

[David Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good military fiction. Hal (Hallelujah) Brown is a black girl who is remarkably adaptable, intelligent, and resourceful. "Black girl" is not usually the best beginning for a successful military career, but Hal Brown uses this handicap to her advantage and has a brilliant, thouth brief, career. Hal Brown is easy to like and admire. Novel is altogether too short. I was left wanting more.