'An extraordinary account of heroism and sacrifice. An unexpected and
important story, rivetingly told. Rip roaring stuff. Get this into the
paws of the sea dog in your life.' - Griff Rhys Jones
**'A book that had to be written' - Let's Talk
'People ashore don't realise what a grim war we are waging at sea with
the Germans. A cold-blooded war, in a way I think requiring the maximum
of bravery from the men of both sides in the long run, as it is so
ceaseless and intangible. You just don't know whether the next moment
will be your last.'* Robert Hichens, RNVSR
Several years ago, Julia Jones was searching through long-forgotten
items stored at her house and discovered some suitcases of old written
material, which turned out to be accounts by her father of his
experiences in the RNVSR (Royal Naval Volunteer Supplementary Reserve).
She realised that as a child she'd met some of the people mentioned, and
although she was too young to truly know them, these youthful
impressions spurred her on to rediscovery and understanding.
In this absorbing book Julia tells the compelling stories of the
yachtsmen. Some were famous (such as Sir Peter Scott), others were
wealthy (such as August Courtauld, who returned his pay to help with the
war effort) but the majority were just 'ordinary' professionals such as
publishers, lawyers and advertising agents, who signed up because they
loved sailing. Few could ever have dreamed that they would end up acting
in areas that were so far beyond their normal lives, as they found
themselves commanding destroyers and submarines, and undertaking covert
missions of sabotage. Some undertook the dangerous daily drudgery of
minesweeping; others tackled unexploded bombs, engaged the enemy in
high-speed attacks or played key roles in Ian Fleming's famous
intelligence commandos.
This varied crew of men were given tasks vital to the war effort,
requiring endurance, extraordinary bravery, resourcefulness and quick
thinking. Some died in the process, but for the ones who survived, Julia
asks how their experiences changed them. Could their love of sailing and
the sea survive the harsh realities of war?
