This is a novel, the author's first, published in 1954, not to be confused with a later James Bond film. A very readable book. It tells the story of Tony Allen from his arrival at his tank unit in North Africa in World War Two. The descriptions of death and gore may well be taken from first-hand experience, and all is delivered in a matter-of-fact / never-saw-it-coming, sort of way. The violence of combat followed by humanity and compassion toward the wounded on both sides sound realistic for the time. The author's descriptions of Allen's attitude and reaction on returning to a less warlike life also ring true.