Major James Grant Wilson, normally known as Jim, was until very recently a highly capable combat officer in the Royal Engineers. An intelligent and inspiring leader he has always generated intense loyalty from his tough, no nonsense, soldiers. He is also famous in many parts of the British Army for being able to recognise any scotch whisky by taste and smell. A talent that has earned him many savage hangovers as the soldiers of his company have tried to fool him. Tall and well-built, he has a scar across his chin that aches when it is cold and reminds him of Afghanistan. Unusually for an engineering officer, he has a fear of enclosed spaces, which started when he was trapped in a mine accident, while his father was showing him around, although he has managed to control this over the years.  He tried and failed to become an Army pilot, but has recently managed to acquire his private pilot’s licence in Canada.

His first marriage to Janet collapsed due to the numerous combat deployments he was obliged to undertake, although he has now found Megan and retired to be with her, they are expecting their first child very shortly. He is close to his sister, Sandra, although his relationship with her husband is difficult at best, possibly because his beloved Austin Healey 3000 sports car spends most of its time blocking half of their garage.