U.K.: War Veteran Has Novel Approach to Old Age

GLASGOW, Scotland (Daily Record) May 1, 2007: A World War II veteran is publishing his first novel at the age of 88. Gray Laidlaw began writing the adventure tale years ago. But he stopped at the first chapter after the death of his wife. It was only when he moved to the Erskine Home for ex-servicemen and women in Renfrewshire that he was able to write again. The grandfather-of-four dedicated his book, Past But Very Present, to wife Margaret after she inspired him to write. He said: "After I retired in 1981, we took to travelling. "We visited all the European countries at least once. "We eventually settled down and one day, she said to me that I was really lazy because I never did anything but play golf. "She suggested I should write a book. "Since I went to St Andrews University in 1936, I'd never written down a word. My handwriting was so awful that I decided to buy a typewriter. "So I got started but then Margaret unfortunately died in 1998 and I never got past the first chapter. It wasn't until I moved to Erskine that I started thinking about the book again. "There were so many people with interesting stories that I couldn't really help it." His youngest son, Charlie, thought it was good and started trying to get the tale published. Gray said: "I left him to it, thinking nothing would come out of it. I am not surprised my book is being published, I am absolutely astonished." The novel begins in World War II with Flying Officer Henry Burton witnessing a murder and the theft of priceless jewels after his plane is shot down in France. Sixty years later, Burton's grandson retraces his steps in a bid to solve the mystery. The book is described as a "fast-moving tale of love, betrayal and murder" - and Gray admitted it was helped by his own experiences of the war. He belonged to RAF Fighter Command and was responsible for radar on night fighters. He said: "I suppose there is a bit of me in it. However, it really is a modern day mystery." Past But Very Present is published by Trafford Publishing. All proceeds go to Erskine Home.