Speaker Edward Denmark is the author of two bestselling books: one on his experiences in the British military Not for queen and country, and the other book We spoke in whispers on his experiences growing up in poverty. He has spoken on national television several times and is frequently interviewed on BBC radio regarding military matters.

When alcohol addiction took control of his mother’s life, it became a fight for Edward to survive the hunger, bullying and misery which surrounded him as a child growing up in extreme poverty. Remarkably, he still found moments to laugh and be happy. To escape the past and seek adventure, Edward joined the army, where he did not find escape, but faced a hardship and terror beyond anything he imagined. His military journey took him to the 1982 Falklands war, as well as to Northern Ireland fighting the IRA. His is a journey of contrasts, from utter sorrow and sadness to hilarious escapades, which captivates and inspires audiences. Let the resilience and positivity Edward needed to deal with crisis after crisis inspire you to tackle your own challenges, while teaching you about the reality of war and poverty. The final blow is simply shocking.

War in the Falklands This talk covers Edward’s action in the 1982 Falklands war where he served as an anti-aircraft missile operator. It tells of the bitter filthy conditions in which he and his comrades fought, and what it was like to come under air attack day after day, with vivid descriptions of British ships being bombed and sinking, and men losing their lives, to the desperate fight to survive each day. This talk focuses on the reality of war, it is not a child-friendly description that sugar coats the fear and vulgar attitude needed to live and fight.

Northern Ireland
This talk covers Edward’s time serving as a soldier in Northern Ireland as part of the British government’s response to sectarian violence that erupted in 1969 and only ended in 2007 after the death of many thousands of people. The most viable threat came from the Provisional Irish Republican Army (The IRA) who carried out many ruthless attacks against British soldiers. Edward and his comrades also had to contend with daily petrol bomb and brick attacks from the nationalist community who supported the IRA. The streets of Northern Ireland were some of the most dangerous places on earth for British soldiers and the threat of death was ever present.

We spoke in whispers This talk covers shocking poverty and the desperate need to survive.

Edward Denmark grew up in in a typical council house of the type that can be found up and down the country. There, the similarity with everyday families ends and the recipe for hardship and tragedy begins to unfold. It really is a journey of contrasts from utter sorrow and sadness to hilarious escapades. It is therefore even more surprising to discover where he ended up and the final blow.

Be positive B+ This talk covers the battle and humour in living with terminal blood cancer and the difference a positive mind can make

No one is guaranteed a long happy life. We get what is given and we must do our best with it. That is what Edward Denmark has done. He spent his early years suffering from illness in hospital and his formative years growing up in poverty. His opportunity of an education was lost because of a lack of schooling. He watched as his mother battled alcohol addiction which she ultimately lost. Joining the army offered an escape but like most things in his life this came at a price as he fought for his life in the short but brutal war of the 1982 Falklands war. Patrolling the hostile streets of Northern Ireland facing death and daily abuse was life for a now battle-hardened young man.

Life at last gave Edward a break and after retiring from the army due to injury he settled down with his wife and two children at last having the family he always wanted. That also came at a price and what was the cruelest blow yet when Edward was diagnosed with incurable blood cancer.

Edward Denmark can travel both in the UK and worldwide at short notice. Fees will depend on the location and venue size. Both of Edwards talks are graphic because of the subject, however depending on the audience and wishes of the client they can be toned down and modified.

Reviews of books and talks

Not for Queen and country

G Rae *****Five stars Great inside view of the British Army by a regular citizen. A lot of hard goings on. Gripping story telling. Respect to all who have been in the Army. Hope and pray the Army has learnt lessons from the past. Thank you to the author for sharing this, it must have been difficult and painful to recall and write. Thanks again and respect.

Steve Hartley **** Four stars Fantastic, from the heart and well written. Recognise many aspects of this book and enjoyed reading it ex member of RA and like the author was attached to 12 Regt RA for a tour to NI but that was in the mid-seventies in Co. Tyrone. Thank you for the trip down memory lane.

Paul Rees ***** Five stars Excellent book, well written. Spoken from the heart, this book will enthral the reader. Highs and lows of war and 'peace', well worth reading.

Martin Adams ***** Five stars If you want to get an understanding of what front line soldiering is like, then read this

We spoke in whispers

A story of real life. Hardship and laughter. Well done Edward Denmark a really good read

Thoroughly enjoyed this book brought lots of memories back as a child growing up in the area. Sad and funny parts to the book recommended couldn’t this put book down. Helpful Verified purchaser ***** Five stars A very disturbing true-life book can't imagine the Victorian poverty in this day and age work done. Your first book no for queen and country excellent too.

Annie ***** Five stars What a fantastic read I found it difficult to put this book down once I started to read it. It’s a story full of truth good and bad and a story told from the heart. A story of hardship, Love, and compassion that has made the writer what he has become today. This is the second book I have read by Edward the first being Not for queen and country and I really hope he writes another.

TALKS Subject: North Wirral Rotary Club can recommend this speaker - Edward Denmark Before the talk, members knew nothing of Edward Denmark beyond his name and that he was going to talk on "War in the Falklands".

From the start he had us spellbound (and had not revealed very much over dinner beforehand despite a wide-ranging conversation).

Edward started life in a very poor household in Moreton and sought escape from poverty (and his alcoholic mother) via the British Army - and has returned to Wirral, so is truly local.

After sharing his start he went on to a very engaging talk, with some dramatic imagery, covering his training and progression through the army, how he arrived, pretty ill-prepared, in the Falklands, and what he faced and had to handle when there. Edward described a number of unexpected occurrences and some of the realities of war really came home to us. He went on to what he has done since (which includes, almost unbelievably, campaigning in Argentina for their veterans to receive pensions) and to say he has made the most of his life is an understatement. He revealed something of a bombshell shortly before he finished, and there was a stunned silence before the applause broke out. It was amongst the most memorable and moving talks we have ever had. Had we known more in advance we would have advised other Clubs and opened the occasion up to as many Rotarians as were interested to come.