Gary Bridson-Daley, a long-time friend of AATA, has announced the launch of the Deluxe Colour Edition of Poetry and Portraits, featuring supplementary content that includes over 120 pages of additional material. This expanded edition is the result of further veteran interviews conducted last year and this year, with Gary traveling to World War II-related sites on the island of Djerba and at Mareth in mainland Tunisia. He has also composed more veteran and Remembrance poetry, adding significant WWII-related material to the collection.
A Continuing Tribute to Veterans
This latest edition follows Gary’s previous works, A Debt of Gratitude to The Last Heroes and The Last Stand - Memories of War, continuing his excellent work to preserve the vital personal histories of brave servicemen and women. The book is forwarded by D-Day veteran Bernard Morgan LDH - Legion d'Honneur MBE.
Structure of the Book
Poetry and Portraits is divided into two main chapters. The first chapter features poetry written by the author over the years, focusing on Remembrance, veterans and their sacrifices, conflict, and peace. The second, larger chapter includes portraits with background information on over 75 WWII military and civilian veterans, the vast majority of whom Gary personally interviewed from 2014 until the release of this version in 2026. These constitute inspirational, never-before-seen content.
Notable Veterans Honored
The book includes narratives from veterans of the Royal and Merchant Navies, Army, Air Force, Special Forces, Intelligence, and civilian backgrounds. It also features 'Tribute Pages' to Sir Winston Churchill, Lieutenant Colonel 'Paddy' Mayne, and Captain Frederic 'Johnnie' Walker. Newly added for this 'Further Expanded Edition' are tributes to first pilot and pioneering aviator Amy Johnson, and Flight Lieutenant John Cruickshank VC, the last WWII Victoria Cross holder, who passed away in 2025 aged 105.
Support the Debt of Gratitude Project
Gary hopes that those who do not already have the book, or who have the first edition and are interested in much more content, will purchase a copy. He also encourages those who know someone with an interest in WWII, social history, UK and world history, or who would enjoy it as a gift, to buy a copy and support his innovative and vital tribute to veterans: the Debt of Gratitude Project.
Available from: Amazon UK
