Frederick John Kingdom’s memoir, "Looking Back Over Time," recounts his journey from a working-class childhood in Wales through his formative years during World War II and into post-war service across Europe and North Africa. Through nine vivid chapters, he reflects on personal experiences, the hardships of war, enduring friendships, and the resilience of both himself and his community. His story is one of duty, survival, and the profound impact of global conflict on an ordinary young man’s life.

Chapter Summaries:

 1. My Early Years: upbrinign in Briton Ferry, enjoying a happy if modest childhood marked by strong family ties and early exposure to hardship.2. Leaving School and Starting Work: leaving school at 14, works in a clothing shop, and later joins the railway as an engine cleaner and eventually a clerk.3. My Life During WW2 – Call-Up and Training: Age 18, conscripted into the army, undergoes harsh training, and joins the Royal Armoured Corps as a tank operator.4. 1st Posting Overseas to North Africa: shipping out to Algeria, facing illness, poor conditions, and difficult camp life before being transferred onward.5. Transfer to Italy and Battle of Monte Cassino: joining the Italian campaign, supporting frontline operations in Sherman tanks during the Battle of Monte Cassino.6. Moving Up the Liri Valley: advanicing though Italy, engaging in fierce combat, enduring extreme fatigue, and surviving a near-death tank incident.7. Reaching Florence: rests in Florence, alternating frontline mountain duty with brief reprieves and facing harsh winter conditions.8. Moving Back to the Front Lines: In spring 1945, participating in the final push at the Battle of the Argenta Gap, witnessing fierce fighting and German surrender.9. The End of the War: fter WWII ends, seving in Austria, Italy, Egypt, and Libya. Rising to Gunnery Sergeant before returning home in 1947, reflecting on the war's deep personal impact.