GERALD BOWLER

Growing up in the North of England in the 1950's was not always easy and the Coal Mines and Steel Works didn't offer any sort of career I had in mind. So, I took a different path joining the Royal Navy; I was just 16 when I left home. The next 11 years were spent, either on the water, or under it, visiting places that I'd only ever dreamed of. With all the travelling, I was left with pathologically 'itchy feet', something I have never been able to tame. I travelled a lot in the Royal Navy, but that was just a beginning.

My first book, ‘The First 9000 Days’, republished in 2022, describes my childhood years and the first nine years in the Royal Navy. These were my irresponsible years, something that seemed to come quite naturally to me.

In the second book, 'Another 9000 Days', I continue where the first book left off, completing my time in the Military and returning to a Civilian life. But my 'itchy feet' seemed to take control, meaning that I travelled even more after leaving the Royal Navy, visiting and working in a lot of different countries.

I now consider myself a writer of sorts, but with only a limited amount of success. I do have several projects and ideas, none of which having reached the completed stage. Now well into my 70's, I'm not sure if I will ever write the Best Seller that would complete my lifetime adventure.

Gerald Bowler

July 2025