British forces have had a presence in British Honduras, Belize, or the wider Caribbean since the mid-17th century. This presence has included Royal Navy, Royal Marine, Army and, more recently, the RAF. Over the years, force levels increased and decreased depending on the political situation with Guatemala at the time, and the inherent threat of a possible Guatemalan border confrontation. At times, force levels reached roughly Brigade strength with additional RAF and RN support. Serving in Belize during this time was an exciting experience for most young men. On the one hand you had relatively poor living conditions in some of the camps nearer the Guatemalan border; the harsh and inhospitable jungle when carrying out patrols; the routine task of manning isolated observation posts on the tops of the Maya and Toledo mountains overlooking the Guatemalan border. Once away from the duties of securing the border you had the opportunity to see the gentler side of Belize. From the Jungle to the Deep Blue Sea is a down to earth book about individual memories and experiences of servicemen in Belize.
