A mischievous and aggressive monkey named Scruffy disrupts the orderly environment of the Rock of Gibraltar, forcing the British military to confront a chaotic threat to their traditions. Scruffy, a Barbary ape, acts as the primary antagonist to the human characters who attempt to maintain discipline and order within the garrison. The narrative follows the escalating conflict between the ape's unpredictable behavior and the rigid, bureaucratic responses of the military personnel tasked with managing the local wildlife. The story utilizes a third-person perspective to observe the absurdity of the situation, highlighting the friction between human expectations of control and the untamable nature of the animal protagonist.

Readers often note the lighthearted and satirical nature of the prose, which pokes fun at the rigid structures of military life. Discussion frequently centers on the effectiveness of the animal protagonist as a vehicle for comedy rather than deep emotional resonance. Critics highlight the author's ability to maintain a consistent tone throughout the various escapades of the monkey. The pacing is generally described as brisk, focusing more on situational humor than complex character development. Many readers appreciate the historical context of the setting, which adds a layer of authenticity to the otherwise whimsical plot.