A Walk Against The Stream

A Walk Against The Stream is a true story that revolves around a young man called up to do his National Service in war torn Rhodesia in the late 1970's. His army posting is to one of the country's premier tourist resorts and it is there that he falls in love with a young croupier from a nearby Casino. The story centres on their relationship and the challenges they face as the war rages around them and the village they live in. It is a passionate embrace of a first love and a lost love. Of wasted youth and blood spilled on the dry African soil. A fascinating insight into the life of two young people brought together by love and war in a truly magnificent Continent.

The experiences of a young soldier on the frontlines of the Rhodesian Bush War are vividly recounted in this personal memoir. In A Walk Against the Stream, Tony Ballinger tells of his eighteen months of compulsory service as a young national service officer in the Rhodesian army. Stationed in Victoria Falls, Rhodesia, he faced down enemy territory just across the Zambezi river in Zambia. Initially allocated to 4th platoon, 4 Independent company Rhodesia Regiment (RR) as a subaltern and later on as a 1st Lieutenant in support company 2RR, the story starts with the author’s training and deployment. The events that unfold contain interesting military encounters, including battles against the Zambian army and revolutionary guerillas. But Ballinger also explores the human side of his time in the service: his love of a country falling apart, the relationship he forms with a local woman; and how their love, hope and dreams are snatched away by unfolding events. This is a riveting personal tale, interspersed with dozens of the author’s personal photographs.

A Walk Against The Stream is a true story that revolves around a young man called up to do his National Service in war torn Rhodesia in the late 1970's. His army posting is to one of the country's premier tourist resorts and it is there that he falls in love with a young croupier from a nearby Casino. The story centres on their relationship and the challenges they face as the war rages around them and the village they live in. It is a passionate embrace of a first love and a lost love. Of wasted youth and blood spilled on the dry African soil. A fascinating insight into the life of two young people brought together by love and war in a truly magnificent Continent.

The accounts in this book are sure to stir, or maintain, the readers interest in the greatest of our National Parks. Our roots are in the country, it separates one town from the next, and we learn it by walking through it. This book provides wonderful accounts of the many walks on offer in the Lake District such as the Western Passes, Ennerdale, Scafell, The Gable, Dunnerdale, Coniston and the South. A must for the shelf of anyone who loves walking.

"A brilliant collection of assorted short stories, written as only William Clark can do! Thought-provoking and intriguing. I could not wait to read the next page! I highly recommend...it speaks to the heart." Joy Charlene Henley, author "This collection of short stories is a genuine treasury of writing wisdom that will enrich anyone who reads them. William Clark is a talented writer with a heart for God." Pastor Gerald Derreberry