And no-one recognised this more than Sergeant James Currie, who was the brains behind the Herald, the 7th Cameronians’ wartime magazine.

A collection of the magazines is now available in a limited-edition hardback book, exclusively available from Low Parks Museum in Hamilton.

Sergeant Currie, nicknamed Stardust, summed the ethos of the magazine up perfectly when he explained in the May 1945 issue: “It is definitely NOT a newspaper, so there won’t be any war worries…it is, essentially, a paper about the boys, for the boys. Humour is the backbone, and we only hope you find the backbone ticklish.”

The magazines contained a variety of amusing articles and reports on issues such as sport, film, music, and general gossip on battalion-life.

South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture Assistant Museums Officer, Barrie Duncan, said: “The Herald was designed to entertain and provide a welcome distraction for the soldiers. There are, however, several thought-provoking pieces on themes such as remembrance, world politics, and the challenges the men might face on their return to civilian life.

“Thankfully, Sergeant Currie regularly posted copies of The Herald home to his mother, preserving this fascinating window into wartime soldiers’ life for posterity.

“These rare magazines were painstakingly digitised by the Currie family, and privately published as Stardust, in memory of Sergeant Currie and all the men of the 7th Cameronians.

“With thanks to the Currie family, and the support of the Army Museums Ogilby Trust, we are delighted to be able to share this wonderful book with you.”

Only 100 copies of the book have been printed and it has been released just in time to be the perfect Christmas gift.

It costs £35 and is A4, hardbound, full colour printed on glossy paper and has 360 pages.

Contact Low Parks Museum on 01698 452382 to order your copy – the cost of UK postage and packaging is an additional £5 (contact the museum for international postage).

Barrie added: “Anyone with any interest in the Cameronians, or indeed the military in general, is sure to love this book, so get your order in soon to give someone a fascinating and unique Christmas present.”