An Ordinary Boy. An Unexpected Journey. A Life of Duty, Resilience and Reflection.
Bob Sanderson’s compelling new memoir From Boiler Suit to Blue Suit charts an unforgettable journey from a Geordie childhood in post-war Newcastle to a decorated 24-year career in the Royal Air Force—and 48 years in nursing.
Rich in warmth, wit, and working-class candour, this vivid narrative traces the author’s evolution from a teenage apprentice in the steam turbine industry to a Warrant Officer in the RAF. With unflinching honesty, Sanderson shares how factory life, personal loss, and unlikely opportunities led him towards the path of care, compassion, and public service.
Told with the voice of lived experience, the memoir offers a deeply personal yet widely relatable glimpse into British life across six decades—from the streets of Newcastle and the machine shops of Tyneside, to the wards of RAF hospitals during the Cold War and Gulf War.
A Story of Personal Grit and National Legacy
Sanderson’s memoir is more than autobiography; it is a testament to the changing face of Britain. His reflections cover family struggles, mental health, social housing, military life, and NHS nursing. Readers will recognise the threads of their own families and histories woven through each chapter.
With moments of humour, heartbreak and hope, From Boiler Suit to Blue Suit captures the voice of a generation rarely given the stage: those who built, served, and endured.
Quote from the Author:
"I never imagined I would leave the factory floor for the hospital ward, or that I’d end up serving Queen and country for over two decades. This book is for anyone who has ever doubted their path—and for those who’ve been shaped by the places and people that raised them." — Bob Sanderson
A Must-Read for Fans of British Memoir, Military History, and Human Stories
This powerful debut will resonate with readers of This Boy by Alan Johnson and Toast by Nigel Slater. It offers a unique and moving perspective on masculinity, class, resilience and service—all told in a voice that is both authentic and affirming.
Media Contact
Company Name: UK Book Publishing
Contact Person: Bob Sanderson
Email: Send Email
Phone: +44 7412 551167
Country: United Kingdom
Website: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DPDRPZGN
