Marking Time is an autobiographical account of a life that was mostly devoted to service in the armed forces of Australia and the UK. The author migrated to Australia in the mid-fifties and enlisted in the army at seventeen, serving initially with an infantry battalion and, later, with an airborne unit.

Returning to the UK in 1969, the author joined a parachute unit of the RAF Regiment and served actively in the Oman and Northern Ireland, making a full career that included exchange duties with the Royal Marines.

In recounting his service, active and otherwise, the author seeks to preserve the humour that is the warmth and depth of service experience anywhere.