The Outpost — Gerald Hammond

The illegitimate child of a regimental sergeant major and a NAAFI manageress, Hallelujah Brown named after her Jamaican grandmother grows up with the army, and so develops an intimate understanding of its ways, as well as a very thick skin. Meanwhile, a crisis threatens a small British military post in the tiny African state of Maveria. When Hallelujah, now with Intelligence, is despatched to evaluate the ageing commanding officer's declining mental powers, events overtake the army's plans, and she is forced to relieve him of his command and lead the defence of the post against the Liboonese army. Faced not just with superior numbers, but also with the hurdles the army presents to a mixed-race female, can Hallelujah possibly win through?