His name was Julian Frost but most people in the neighborhood referred to him simply as "the old soldier" a title which was as apt as it was affectionate for Julian had seen service in both the Boar War and the Kaisers War. In the latter, thrice decorated he'd been given his commission and his proudest possession had been his old uniform which he'd first worn late in 1916 as second Lieutenant Frost. In 1952 it could still be found in his cupboard in moth balls and just a little frayed at the edges. At the age of 73 the old soldier lived with his son and daughter-in-law in their Wandswoth home in London where he spent the days pottering in the garden and a good part of the evenings relating the details of his various world war exploits to his 10 year old grandson Philip who relished in his heroism. However after a disapproving lecture from his son Julian Frost goes missing from their home.