Thread: Pull Up A Sandbag - the Novel
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25-04-2009, 12:16 #1
Pull Up A Sandbag - the Novel
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We've just been made aware that another couple of ARRSE users have headed down the "Picking Up the Brass" route and published a book:
Any thoughts/reviews or other after reading the book will be more than welcome in this thread.This book is a diverse collection of humorous anecdotes collated by two former Squaddies under the pen-name Jonathan Smiles. They’ve been pulling this particular sandbag for nearly a year, but now it’s finally time to push it!
Pull Up a Sandbag is an invitation to swap a few tales, and hopefully includes something for everyone. It is a patchwork quilt of stories, but forget any mental images of chintz, silk and satin – the material is definitely hessian, DPM and old Goretex, a mixture all squaddies will be comfortable with. The stories are as true as any story remains after successive telling, and as accurate as memory can be after surviving the passing years and occasional alcohol-based filtration.
Help for Heroes will receive £1 from the proceeds for every copy sold.
So here’s the invitation – Pull Up a Sandbag, and if you recognize yourself in any of the anecdotes, either starring or in a supporting role, then accept the appreciation of everyone that smiles, laughs or cries as they read.
Press on the Picture below to go direct to the purchasing page…

Whilst out on the Range “Picking Up the Brass” what better companion than “Pulling Up a Sandbag”Enjoy the site? Received support from us? Why not have a look at some of the ways you can assist us in keeping ARRSE free and online?
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25-04-2009, 12:28 #2
Re: Pull Up A Sandbag - the Novel
i ordered it last weekend & still not arrived so the despatch side of it is not the mae west.
Mr. Chard Sir! Patrol has come back, Zulus have gone, all of 'em. It's a miracle! If it's a miracle Colour Sergeant, it's a short chamber Boxer Henry, point 45 caliber miracle. And a bayonet Sir! With some guts behind it!

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25-04-2009, 12:30 #3
Re: Pull Up A Sandbag - the Novel
Just ordered mine
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25-04-2009, 12:31 #4
Re: Pull Up A Sandbag - the Novel
When did they start collecting the stories for it? I was asked donkeys ago by someone to send in a few daft tales and was wondering if this is the finished article.
''Up 800 - 4 men stood anxiously''
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25-04-2009, 13:01 #5
Re: Pull Up A Sandbag - the Novel
it has a facebook group....
"Pull Up a Sandbag" - Stories as told by Squaddie's for Squaddies!
551 membersMr. Chard Sir! Patrol has come back, Zulus have gone, all of 'em. It's a miracle! If it's a miracle Colour Sergeant, it's a short chamber Boxer Henry, point 45 caliber miracle. And a bayonet Sir! With some guts behind it!

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25-04-2009, 14:06 #6Member
- Join Date
- Apr 2007
- Posts
- 48
Re: Pull Up A Sandbag - the Novel
Knocker - don't know where you got the Facebook link you posted, but it doesn't seem to have anything to do with the book!
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29-04-2009, 22:30 #7
Re: Pull Up A Sandbag - the Novel
Wey Hey! Got my copy today and have soiled some underwear already. I looked at the 'content page'first and was intrigued to see, and rightfully so, that Ancient Mariners caper had made it to the book. I still laughed out loud and probably will forever.
I was was also very pleasantly surprised to see that a tale of mine was included.
(bugger, I should have got a free copy!! Fear not, it's for a good cause and you can donate it to..... something!!
I found myself thinking that a Strawberry would have diificulty in following the lingo..... then I thought, phuck'em.
I have just started to read it properly and in order and I just knew I wouldn't be disappointed.
Well done gentlemen and a full appraisal will follow!
]
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01-05-2009, 09:23 #8
Re: Pull Up A Sandbag - the Novel
Received mine 2 days ago, I'm two thirds through it.
Very funny read.
The missus is pissed off that I've had my nose in the book for the last 2 days.
It does seem that the majority of stories happened to, or involved the Engineers though.
Funny as fcuk though.
ARRSE World Cup 2010 Fantasy World Cup Mode ChampionRunning dogs over since 2002
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02-05-2009, 07:13 #9Senior Member

- Join Date
- Apr 2005
- Location
- In front of the fire, wearing slippers with a brew at hand.
- Posts
- 9,943
Re: Pull Up A Sandbag - the Novel
Got mine yesterday and started it last night. Just like switching off arrse on the 'pooter and starting again in a book!
Great stuff. Should be issued in Phase 1 training to newbies.
Only quibble is the time it took to get from the seller. I had to phone them to chase up. Still, obviously a small business trying their best.
Well worth the pennies."Patience is counting down without blasting off."
Author Unknown
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02-05-2009, 07:15 #10
Re: Pull Up A Sandbag - the Novel
Yes, same here.
Originally Posted by A_Knocker_Till_The_End
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02-05-2009, 07:32 #11
Re: Pull Up A Sandbag - the Novel
Got mine a couple of days ago, and it's in my reading list - after seeing some of the comments here, I'm going to bump it up the list. Delivery turnaround was fine.
Join me on HoboWars!
Originally Posted by Adam Smith - 1776
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02-05-2009, 07:46 #12Senior Member

- Join Date
- Apr 2005
- Location
- In front of the fire, wearing slippers with a brew at hand.
- Posts
- 9,943
Re: Pull Up A Sandbag - the Novel
Worth the wait :D
Originally Posted by archer
Biped. It is not a novel or biog, just a collection of short (but hillarious) stories, so can be pcked up and read without spoiling your current read.
Just love the cruise to Egypt & Isreal from Cyprus
"Patience is counting down without blasting off."
Author Unknown
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02-05-2009, 08:08 #13
Re: Pull Up A Sandbag - the Novel
Ta for that - I'll give it a go.
BumpJoin me on HoboWars!
Originally Posted by Adam Smith - 1776
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02-05-2009, 12:49 #14Member
- Join Date
- Apr 2007
- Posts
- 48
Re: Pull Up A Sandbag - the Novel
Ordered mine evening of 22 April, but as I'm in Bosnia anything under 3 weeks for delivery is a bonus!
Originally Posted by Auld-Yin
Eventually got onto the Facebook reference for the book, after repeatedly being sent to a personal wall (turned out to be that of the last person to post on the PUAS wall). Obviously a kink in the ether, my clockwork computer or my own ineptitude rather than fault with Knocker's post.
Having paid the equivalent of 3 or 4 pints (8 or 10 here in Sarajevo :D ) I was happy to see the positive reviews both here and on Facebook.
Will be joining Gundulph for a beer next week, and hope to be able to show him my copy.
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09-05-2009, 09:59 #15
Re: Pull Up A Sandbag - the Novel
I took this on nights with me and sat laughing like a loon whilst reading it. I recieved some funny looks from the others working with me, but when l showed them some of the stories (the navy one by Ancient Mariner being a good example) they joined me in the laughing.
A really good book. I look forward to the sequal.War Department notice:- If in doubt, brew up!
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