George MacDonald Fraser, R.I.P.

By Lt Col P

The prolific author, 14th Army rifleman, and creator of the Flashman novels, has died. Our favorite beefy Afrikaner has a post and links.

I am a big Flashman fan, and above and beyond that a Fraser fan. His Steel Bonnets is a superb piece of real history, and Quartered Safe Out Here remains the rifleman's memoir of World War II.

Let us commemorate his passing appropriately, as good old Flashy might have, although he wasn't prone to that sort of thing. Still, pass a cigar and the brandy bottle, as Flashy demanded of Otto von Bismarck in Royal Flash. If you have a bearer or any other kind of servant, thrash him soundly. If you have a wench or dancing girl, give her a good solid rogering.

Godspeed to you, G.M. Fraser-- how many millions have you entertained and educated!

January 4, 2008 06:00 PM History