Once a Grunt

Mike Ledingham has been a farmhand, soldier, real estate salesman, small business operator, armed security guard and caregiver. Once a Grunt is an offbeat collection of 10 short stories loosely based on his experiences in the Infantry and the SAS and beyond. They reflect his keen enjoyment of the funny side of life, his total lack of respect for bullies and self-important wallies, and his deep empathy with the underdog.

'Grunt' Mike Ledingham served in the New Zealand Army Infantry and the SAS force. A father, grandfather, caregiver and keen punter, Mike is a shrewd observer of life who has little time for bumptiousness and bullying. In his 60-plus years, he's been a farm worker, soldier, small business operator, real estate agent and a reasonably honest labourer. One of eight siblings from working-class Onehunga, Auckland, Mike has lived and worked throughout New Zealand and Australia, and travelled the world. He now lives in Featherston, Wairarapa. His stories reflect his keen appreciation of the funny side of life, his intolerance of everyday injustices, and an occasional tendency to be downright bloody stubborn.