My Babanango trilogy begins with A Rougher Task and follows the fortunes of two young soldiers just like any other of their time or this, who join the army in the hopes of something better, in their case back in the 1870s. I am proud of those who gave their youth, strength and often lives in the service of their country, though often ashamed of what they were called upon to do by their governments in lands far from home. In the same way, between 1967-2000, many brave, dedicated service people signed on to make that same commitment and were penalised for their sexuality and identity. Their story is only just being told, and during LGBTQ+ History Month in February I was fortunate to join some of them at HMS Eaglet in Liverpool, recognising the inequalities and wrongs of the past, recognising service given and service lost, and hoping for better for those serving now and in the future. My Babanango trilogy tells the story of two men who embody those who lived, loved and served and even died unsung. I salute them, and all who served before the ban was lifted in 2000.