Colin Gee

Colin Gee [b 18/5/57] is a proud Brit, and part-time writer of alternate history and short stories.

32 years as an operational firefighter, and a lifetime of interest in military history, have come together in the shape of the Red Gambit series, covering WW3 from 1945 to 1947. If reader's ratings are to be taken at face value, then the eight books have been favourably received.

Colin has other projects waiting in the wings, but Atlantische presently demands his full attention, following a couple of bad years that have knocked the projects back.

Coilin was fortunate to receive a private education until entering Stoneham Grammar School in Reading, where his claim to fame was being school chess champion for a number of years.

He was once a proficient trombonist and a keen sportsplayer, representing his Brigade at squash, darts, cricket, and table tennis.

Colin was also privileged to be appointed as one of Her Majesty's magistrates and served on the Swindon bench from 1992 to 2005.

In his fire service career, he achieved the rank of Watch Commander, or as he preferred, to be called, Sub Officer. His service was not always kind to him and he attended a number of incidents of note that tested all present.

Because of his prolonged and continuing personal dalliance with PTSD, Colin received training and became a member of the Brigade's Trauma Support group, hopefully helping others to deal with their personal demons.

Married, with five children and step-children, eleven grandchildren and rising, Colin has recently retired from his full-time job with the NHS and has just started a small wargaming terrain printing business.

The writing is done for pleasure in the first instance.

His interest in conflict came about because of the stories of yesteryear he heard from his grandad and his grandad's friends.

Colin started to wargame and continues to do so to this day, having a shared collection of 20mm WW2 figures and vehicles second to none in private hands that he is aware of.

As a result of that interest he became a student of History, and absorbed as much about WW2 as was possible, partially to create an effective set of wargame rules, and partially because of thirst for knowledge about man's 'greatest' game.

He initially intended to write a book about his service years but retirement and the distancing involved in making a successful break undermined his commitment.

Many years ago Colin toyed with the possibility of a book on a subject close to his heart and researched it but failed to follow through.

Now he has created that book and it has grown into the Red Gambit series of eight volumes, with the final biographies containing a few extra stories that compliment the series proper.

Colin has met with a number of WW2 veterans, from both sides of the divide and, with one notable exception, he has always been struck by what ordinary and decent men they were.

In his books, he wrote that there are no bad peoples, just bad people, and Colin truly believes that.

He set out to write books to illustrate that belief, albeit fictionally. Hopefully, in the doing, he will entertain and possibly even inform, for fact rears its ugly head on more than one occasion.

Part of his wish is to give the reader a fuller experience, which is why Colin has created biographies and a web site where we can be interactive, discussing things that the reader brings to the forum, and maybe even steering later books in some way.

Colin hopes that you enjoy the books and the story he presents, taking you on a journey from June 1945 through to October 1947.

Other books are in process, and the new series of 'Atlantisch' is already available with book#1 Crusaders available now.