Red Sabbath was born of a desire to branch out and write something outside a Second World War theme, for which there still seems an insatiable appetite. Two problems emerged: getting the publisher to agree - they only ever react to financial certainties - and secondly, Americans do not react favourably to foreigners writing about hallowed themes. These include Vietnam and the Native American Indian.

After visiting ‘Big Sky’ Country in Montana conducted by Dr Jerold Brown from the Combat Studies Institute at the US Army Command and Staff College at Fort Leavenworth Kansas, I was convinced this was a story I wanted to tell. Jerold was an acknowledged expert and he inspired me to write an account after assisting in a very successful battlefield tour I mounted from England.

There was nothing at the Little Bighorn apart from a huge sky, the Black Hills and a Native American Indian Reservation. The terrain alone is inspirational and it became a book in the making. A long reconnaissance and battlefield tour conducted over the Rosebud battlefield site as well as driving Custer’s final three-day ride to the Little Bighorn with four-wheel drive vehicles over the original trail provided sufficient atmosphere to realistically tackle the project. The Rosebud battle site is as it was, untouched for over 130 years.

Jerold introduced me to all the recent archaeological forensic finds uncovered by a catastrophic Prairie fire and provided unique insights into the mind of the Native American Indians, who had to form a crucial part to this story. I shared the battlefield tour with all the subordinate commanders who were serving with me at Headquarters Land at Wilton, while I was running the newly formed Army Training Estate, (which includes all the ranges and military training areas in the UK).

Having explained the background, the weaponry, ranges and opposing strengths, a group of highly professional senior British Army officers were soon able to comment upon and share insights and opinions over how this battle was likely fought. Just visiting the Black Hills was in itself a hugely enjoyable trip and preparing for this book was icing on the cake.

Red Sabbath was a totally fulfilling and fascinating book to write. Practical research was conducted in a seemingly timeless zone. Our path crossed with cowboys on horseback herding cattle with no vehicles in sight. It even unexpectedly snowed in the spring, much the same surprise Custer’s troopers experienced on the outward campaign march. I was on my knees forensically examining evidence and determining arcs of fire and vision. Even now hastily dug fire pits are in evidence, which really enabled one to immerse oneself in the history. It is virtually impossible to describe a battle without being able to walk the actual ground.