A BOY soldier; bullied, injured, punished. His comrades look on. Never seen again, for the three who witnessed this soldier’s treatment their lives will never be the same again.

These are the traumatic scenes that have been circling around Basingstoke author Malcolm Joines’ head ever since witnessing a similar scene 50 years ago.

Malcolm’s inaugural book release The Drying Room centres itself on these events and for the recently retired aviation logistics specialist turned author, the experience was cathartic.

“Getting this story out there probably helped me come to terms with what I saw,” the 72-year-old writer told The Gazette.

“To this day, I don’t know if that lad is alive and I don’t know what happened to him.

“I felt guilty about not stopping what I saw, the bullying and harassment. I could have helped but I was so young at the time.”

The book looks into the life of one man who battles against demons, a deprived upbringing and a childhood sweetheart he yearns to be back with.

The novel also explores what happens next for the bullies and the bullied.

Malcolm was born and bred in Portsmouth, so the majority of the book is set on a 50s south coast – enabling the reader to feel part of this engaging, challenging tale.

For details about the book and to purchase your copy email Malcolm on malcolm.joines@gmail.com or call 07791 537408.