Naval forces and warfare Books

Book SynopsisGerman submarine operations in the First World War had an inauspicious start, with the Uboats having apparently no role to play in the war at sea. However by February 1915 their task was clear: a blockade of the United KingdomThis important book contains a complete history of the German Uboat campaign throughout the First World War and shows in great detail how great the threat to the Atlantic logistics and, later, personnel traffic was. The British Admiralty failed to appreciate this threat, and the Germans took full advantage of this, until the convoy system was finally applied in 1917, on the insistence of British Prime Minister Lloyd George.Importantly the book gives details of both overall strategy and individual boat tactics, and is one of the few such books generally available. In addition appendices look at the success of the convoy system and give a history of German submarine design 1904-1914. There are also details of German submarine construction and losses, German ''Aces'' and merchant ship sinkings, together with details of Austro-Hungarian and Turkish submarines.This is an essential book for naval historians, and is well illustrated with naval charts and photographs.

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Book SynopsisShows how the political turmoil of the Spanish American Wars of Independence allowed an upsurge in prize-taking activity by navies, privateers and pirates. Private maritime predation was integral to the Spanish American Wars of Independence. When colonists rebelled against Spanish rule in 1810 they deployed privateers - los corsarios insurgentes - to prosecute their revolutionary struggle at sea. Spain responded by commissioning privateers of its own, while the disintegration of Spanish authority in the New World created conditions in which unauthorised prize-taking - piracy - also flourished. This upsurge in privateering and piracy has been neglected by historians yet it posed a significant threat to British interests. As numerous vessels were captured and plundered, the British government - endeavouring to remain neutral in the Spanish American conflict - faced a dilemma. An insufficient response might hinder Britain's commercial expansion but an overly aggressive approach risked plunging the nation into another war. Privateering, Piracy and British Policy in Spanish America assesses the varied and flexible ways the British government responded to prize-taking activity in order to safeguard and enhance its wider commercial and political objectives. This analysis marks a significant and original contribution to the study of privateering and piracy, and informs key debates about the development of international law and the character of British imperialism in the nineteenth century. Matthew McCarthy is Research Officer at the Maritime Historical Studies Centre, University of Hull. He was awarded his PhD by the University of Hull in 2011 and won the British Commission for Maritime History/Boydell & Brewer prize for best doctoral thesis in maritime history.Trade ReviewMcCarthy's book is a major addition to our understanding of the issue [of privateering in Spanish America], and a recasting of the context in which such campaigns must be read. * THE AMERICAS *Raises important new questions about British intentions versus contingency at this crucial, post-Napoleonic juncture. * INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MARITIME HISTORY *A groundbreaking study. * COLONIAL LATIN AMERICAN HISTORICAL REVIEW *Table of ContentsIntroduction British Interests in Spanish America Privateering & Piracy Traders' Ghastly Wounds Response to Insurgent Privateering Response to Spanish Privateering The Anglo-Spanish Claims Commission Response to Cuban-based Piracy Conclusion: Maritime Predation, Legal Posturing & Power

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Book SynopsisFrom the steam-powered models introduced in World War I to today's nuclear-powered, multiweaponed technological wonders, submarines have revolutionized warfare on the world's seas. This volume follows the extraordinary development of this key component of the world's navies. Submarines: An Illustrated History of Their Impact reveals how underwater warships evolved to become major threats to battle fleets and merchant shipping, as well as primary platforms for deterrent forces and crucial symbols of military power. In a series of chronological chapters, Submarines describes key developments in diving ability, underwater endurance, and weapons capabilities in specific periods, while highlighting strategic and operational innovations; the role of technological research; famous submarine events, battles, and commanders; and the impact of submarine services on naval society. The book also includes an illustrated reference section covering every submarine class worldwide since 1900. This coverage plus additional reference features make Submarines an essential introduction to a weapons system that has long held the public's imagination.Trade ReviewRecommended. Reference collections or those concerned with military technology and its impact upon society; upper-level undergraduates and above. * Choice *Best suited for specialized history collections at special and large academic and public libraries. * Library Journal *This work is highly recommended for those libraries with large military affairs collections. * ARBA *

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Book Synopsis“Vividly drawn and emotionally gripping.—Daniel James Brown, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Boys in the BoatFrom the author of The Ghost Ships of Archangel, one of the last unheralded heroic stories of World War II: the U-boat assault off the American coast against the men of the U.S. Merchant Marine who were supplying the European war, and one community’s monumental contribution to that effortMathews County, Virginia, is a remote outpost on the Chesapeake Bay with little to offer except unspoiled scenery—but it sent an unusually large concentration of sea captains to fight in World War II. The Mathews Men tells that heroic story through the experiences of one extraordinary family whose seven sons (and their neighbors), U.S. merchant mariners all, suddenly found themselves squarely in the cross-hairs of the U-boats bearing down on the coastal United States in 1942.From the late 1930s to

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Book SynopsisFrom bestselling author of The Admirals and Polk, a deeply personal portrait of America's darkest day

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Book SynopsisFrom bestselling author of The Admirals and Polk, a deeply personal portrait of America's darkest day

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Book Synopsis"[An] awesomely scholarly study. . . . The importance of this book is not only in its intrinsic interest, or its usefulness as a superb resource, but its demonstration that [Britain's] story cannot be told without a thorough knowledge of what happened at sea."—Alan Judd, Sunday Times [London]

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Book SynopsisHere is the true story of how HMS Petard attacked and captured U-559 in the darkness of a Mediterranean night. It describes how members of her crew swam across to the slowly sinking U-boat and captured vital German Enigma codebooks.

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Book SynopsisNelson’s Lost Jewel tells the remarkable story of one of the most famous jewels in British history for the first time, and traces its journey from Constantinople to London. Secured for the nation by public appeal, it passed to the National Maritime Museum at Greenwich from where it was sensationally stolen in 1951, never to be seen again.Trade ReviewA part of history recreated in all its glory.

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Book SynopsisThe Royal Navy at the start of the twenty-first century had undergone the most remarkable transformation. The Fleet is today the smallest since the start of the Napoleonic wars as surface vessels are no longer viable as a principal line of defence. That preserve is now in the hands of Britain''s nuclear-armed submarine fleet, well chronicled in THE SILENT SERVICE and the Air Force, as outlined in STRIKE COMMAND. This book will complete the triangle of our essential military might, telling the story of today''s sea-going ultra-mobile, rapid reaction, missile- and aircraft-carrying task force. John Parker includes personal interviews from the men and women who have served in the Senior Service to bring his story vividly to life.

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Book SynopsisFrom renowned author and naval historian Angus Konstam, this is a gripping account of one of the Royal Navy''s bloodiest and most dramatic mutinies.Mutiny on the Spanish Main tells the dramatic story of HMS Hermione, a British frigate which, in 1797, was the site of the bloodiest mutiny in British naval history, which saw the death of her captain and many of her officers. Though her crew handed her over to the Spanish, Hermione was subsequently recaptured in a daring raid on a Caribbean port two years later. Drawing on letters, reports, ship''s logs, and memoirs of the period, as well as previously unpublished Spanish sources, Angus Konstam intertwines extensive research with a fast-paced but balanced account of the mutiny and its consequences.Illustrated with maps and diagrams tracing the events as they unfolded, and supported by informative inserts on the technical and tactical nuances of seamanship and naval warfare in the periodTrade ReviewA vivid account of a forgotten chapter of British naval history. * Dan Snow, Historian, TV Presenter and Broadcaster *Angus Konstam is a master of meticulous maritime research and has brilliantly reignited this stirring tale of mutiny, savage murder, treason and subsequent Royal Navy daring and gallant retaliation and retribution. It is a cracking good read. * Admiral Sir Jock Slater, Royal Navy (rtd.), former First Sea Lord *Angus Konstam has delivered a masterful work. Fast moving, fascinating intrigue, incredible action, and heroic retribution by the Royal Navy. Meticulous research includes a surprising impact on US history. Patrick O’Brian would love this book. I couldn’t put it down! * Admiral Jay L. Johnson U.S. Navy (rtd.), former Chief of Naval Operations *Mutiny on the Spanish Main has everything such a history should have: a story which no novelist would dare put before his readers, an exploration of the depths to which unconfined humans can sink… [and] a graphic style which places the reader in the action – and there is action aplenty. What more could any reader want? * Peter Padfield, Author of Nelson’s War *Konstam’s detective work in archives across the world reveals the astonishing story of what really happened, the characters of the men involved and the convoluted mixture of geopolitics and personality which led to one of the bloodiest chapters in British naval history. * Siân Rees, Author of The Floating Brothel *Angus Konstam starts in the homely surroundings of a pub in Greenwich with two lamented and larger-than-life characters, and takes us to the Caribbean in one of the navy’s worst-run ships, in a period of great unrest. He provided a moving and terrifying picture of mutiny and its aftermath in one of the Royal Navy’s darkest hours, combined with a thorough understanding of the customs and techniques of the navy of the day. * Brian Lavery, Curator Emeritus, National Museum, Greenwich and author of Nelson's Navy *Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Maps Preface 1: The Hermione 2: Crisis in the Caribbean 3: The Seeds of Mutiny 4: The Fortunate Son 5: The Caribbean Honeymoon 6: The Floating Powderkeg 7: Murder in the Night 8: The Evil that Men Do 9: The Spanish Main 10: The Manhunt 11: An International Incident 12: The Surprise 13: The Cutting Out 14: Retribution Notes Bibliography HMS Hermione – Ship’s Specifications Index

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Book SynopsisThis book presents a theory of spacepower and considers the implications of space technology on strategy and international relations.Trade Review"War in Space is unquestionably a must-read book." - Augusto C. Dall'Agnol, E-International Relations. "Dr Bowen is a leading spacepower thinker and this book is the culmination of 8 year's work. It is an impressive and comprehensive study which makes a significant contribution to spacepower theory and will undoubtedly take its place on the essential reading lists of universities and defence academies around the world." - Andy Netherwood, Wavell Room. "War in Space delivers groundbreaking insights using traditional continental sea power theory as a template for strengthening space power theory. The largest contribution to space power thought in a generation, Bowen's seminal ideas are destined to inform wide audiences and guide our way ahead as space becomes increasingly contested and the USA stands up its Space Force." - Peter L. Hays, Space Policy Institute, George Washington University.

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Book SynopsisWorld War I is one of the iconic conflicts of the modern era. For many years the war at sea has been largely overlooked; yet, at the outbreak of that war, the British Government had expected and intended its military contribution to be largely naval. This was a war of ideologies fought by and for empires. Britain was not defending simply an island; it was defending a far flung empire. Without the navy such an undertaking would have been impossible. In many respects the Royal Navy fought along the longest 'front' of any fighting force of the Great War, and it acted as the leader of a large alliance of navies. The Royal Navy fought in the North and South Atlantic, in the North and South Pacific, its ships traversed the globe from Australia to England, and its presence extended the war to every continent except Antarctica. Because of the Royal Navy, Britain could finance and resource not only its own war effort, but that of its allies. Following the naval arms race in the early 20th century, both Britain and Germany were equipped with the latest naval technology, including revolutionary new vessels such as dreadnoughts and diesel-powered submarines. Although the Royal Navy's operations in World War I were global, a significant proportion of the fleet's strength was concentrated in the Grand Fleet, which confronted the German High Seas Fleet across the North Sea. At the Battle of Jutland in 1916 the Royal Navy, under the command of Admiral Jellicoe, fought an iconic, if inconclusive battle for control of shipping routes. The navy might not have been able to win the war, but, as Winston Churchill put it, she 'could lose it in an afternoon'. The Royal Navy was British power and prestige. 43,244 British navy personnel would lose their lives fighting on the seas in World War I. This book tells their story and places the Royal Navy back at the heart of the British war effort, showing that without the naval dimension the First World War would not have been a truly global conflictTable of ContentsIntroduction The Action and Inaction of the Surface Fleet Amphibious Operations Supporting Roles Underwater Warfare Economic Warfare at Sea The Naval War on Land and in the Air Women and the Royal Navy Appendix: Chronology

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Book Synopsis“A date which will live in infamy.”—US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt Sunday, December 7, 1941, was supposed to be a day of rest for the military personnel at Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor naval base on the island of Oahu. But at 7:55 a.m., Japanese carrier-based planes launched a surprise attack on the US Pacific Fleet moored in the harbour. Thousands of lives were lost that day, drawing the United States into World War II and beginning a new phase of the war in East Asia. In Pearl Harbor, our expert author offers a concise photographic guide to this key turning point in World War II. The book is divided into chapters covering the origins and military strength of the naval station; Japanese plans and dispositions; the attack itself; the damage caused; the clean-up operation and aftermath; and the life of the base today. See rare photographs of Japanese airplanes taking off to launch the attack; aerial views of the US naval base before and during the air attack; the destruction wrought; the key figures involved on both sides; and the memorials that have been erected, especially to the sunken battleship USS Arizona. Pearl Harbor provides a photographic exploration of this momentous event and its aftermath in 160 dramatic photos.Table of ContentsIntroduction War between Japan and the United States had been a possibility that each nation had been aware of, and planned for, since the 1920s. Japan had been wary of American territorial and military expansion in the Pacific and Asia since the late 1890s, followed by the annexation of islands, such as Hawaii and the Philippines, which they felt were close to or within their sphere of influence. 1: Naval Station Pearl Harbor Following the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, the United States Navy established a base on the island in 1899. In 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the Pacific Fleet from San Diego to Hawaii. The U.S. Pacific Fleet had been stationed at Pearl Harbor since April 1940. In addition to nearly 100 naval vessels, including eight battleships, there were substantial military and air forces. FEATURE: Admiral Husband Edward Kimmel 2: Japanese Preparations The Japanese intended the attack as a preventive action to keep the United States Pacific Fleet from interfering with its planned military actions in Southeast Asia against overseas territories of the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the United States. On November 26, 1941, a Japanese task force (the Striking Force) of six aircraft carriers—Akagi, Kaga, Sōryū, Hiryū, Shōkaku, and Zuikaku—departed Hittokapu Bay on Kasatka (now Iterup) Island in the Kuril Islands, en route to a position northwest of Hawaii, intending to launch its 408 aircraft to attack Pearl Harbor: 360 for the two attack waves and 48 on defensive combat air patrol (CAP), including nine fighters from the first wave. Fleet submarines I-16, I-18, I-20, I-22, and I-24 each embarked a Type A midget submarine for transport to the waters off Oahu. On December 6, they came to within 10 nmi (19 km; 12 mi) of the mouth of Pearl Harbor and launched their midget subs at about 01:00 local time on December 7. FEATURE: Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto 3: The Attack The attack commenced at 7:48 a.m. Hawaiian Time (18:18 GMT). The base was attacked by 353 Imperial Japanese aircraft (including fighters, level and dive bombers, and torpedo bombers) in two waves, launched from six aircraft carriers. Of the eight U.S. Navy battleships present, all were damaged, with four sunk. A total of 188 U.S. aircraft were destroyed; 2,403 Americans were killed and 1,178 others were wounded. FEATURE: Mitsubishi A6M Zero 4: The Damage The Pearl Harbor attack severely crippled US naval and air strength in the Pacific. However, of the eight battleships, all but the Arizona and Oklahoma were eventually repaired and returned to service, and the Japanese failed to destroy the important oil storage facilities on the island. As a result of the dispositions made by Admiral Kimmel, two US aircraft carriers were not in the harbour, however. The USS Enterprise, under Adm. William F. Halsey, was on a mission to reinforce the Wake Island garrison with marine planes and aviators. The USS Lexington was undertaking a similar mission to ferry marine dive-bombers to Midway. 5: Aftermath The success of the attack on Pearl Harbor was primarily due to the Americans’ false estimate of the enemy’s capabilities and intentions. In 1946 a full-scale congressional investigation took place. Prior to the September 11, 2001, attacks, probably no episode in U.S. military history was so thoroughly examined, and on none has a wider divergence of opinion been expressed. 6: Pearl Harbor Today In 2010, Pearl Harbor was combined with Hickam Air Force Base to create Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The base is home to over 18,000 service members. It serves 24,000 family members each year with schools, hospitals, stores, and recreational opportunities. Today, it is home to the USS Arizona Memorial, the Battleship Missouri, the Pacific Aviation Museum, and other must-see places. Index

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Book SynopsisImages of WWI in the popular consciousness normally involve the bloody attrition of trench warfare, the miles of mud, the shattered earth, the tangled miles of barbed wire. However there was another significant arena of war - the battle for control of the sea. In 1914 at the beginning of the war, Britain's maritime supremacy had remained unchallenged for around a hundred years. Many expected another Battle of Trafalgar but advances in technology saw a very different kind of warfare with the widespread use of mines, submarines and torpedoes. This book examines the events that led to war and the naval arms race between Britain and Germany. It traces the events of the war at sea looking at the major battles as well as the effects of unrestricted submarine warfare and the sinking of the Lusitania. It also profiles key figures such as Fisher, Beatty, Tirpitz and Graf von Spee.Trade ReviewThis A5-sized hardback book traces the naval arms race between Britain and Germany prior to World War 1, * Ships Monthly *

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Book SynopsisAnglo-German naval rivalry before 1914 had been expected to culminate in a cataclysmic fleet action in the North Sea once war was declared, a battle upon which the outcome of the war would depend: yet the two fleets met only once, at Jutland in 1916, and the battle was far from conclusive. In his own account of the war in the North Sea, first published in 1920, Admiral Scheer, the German commander at Jutland, gives his own explanation for the failure of either fleet to achieve the decisive victory expected of it, particularly the failure of his own operation plans that resulted in the battle of Jutland. This book is an invaluable account of one of the most important theatres of the First World War, written by one of its most senior commanders.

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Book SynopsisSon of a scientifically-minded Scottish aristocrat, Basil Hall joined the Royal Navy at the age of 13 in 1802. His first naval engagements in America and Spain during the Peninsular War are described, as are his travels in India and the Far East. His renowned interview with Napoleon, while still a prisoner on St. Helena is featured. He was a confidante of Sir Walter Scott, Dickens and many other distinguished authors of his day. Renowned for his curiosity and energy, he became a popular writer himself based on his world-wide travels and adventures, including his involvement in the liberation of Peru and friendship with General San Martin. He embarked on an epic, 10,000-mile journey with his family in North America and twice journeyed across the sub-continent of India under the patronage of the Admiral Sir Samuel Hood, providing delightful vignettes of Indian life of the time. Subsequent travels in Europe introduce personalities such as Lord Byron and the eccentric Countess Purgstall. Although the narrative of his journey in the United States earned him great opprobrium from Americans for his conservative attitudes, his support in Edinburgh to the great American bird painter, John James Audubon, was greatly appreciated by the artist. As an amateur scientist, Hall made important contributions to nautical astronomy, geology and naval technology, being a Fellow of both the Royal Society and the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Among his scientific friends were Sir John Herschel, Mary Somerville, and Sir Humphrey Davy, among many others. He was in the unusually privileged position of moving among the upper echelons of British society's distinguished writers, scientists and politicians thus providing a fascinating insight into the mores and manners of high society in Edinburgh and London. The inclusion of previously unpublished and often revealing correspondence has contributed to the first full biography of a very colourful individual and his times.Trade Review'The result is a good read about a truly fascinating man, skillfully brought to life by an author not afraid to show his subject's negative traits as well as his many positive ones. It is good to see Captain Basil Hall put back on the historical "map" of his age through James McCarthy's comprehensive research and engaging style.' Undiscovered Scotland: The Ultimate Online Guide 'James McCarthy has skillfully drawn upon Basil Hall's two-volume diaries, Extracts from a Journal, that recount his experiences along the coasts of Chile, Peru and Mexico between 1820 and 1822. He includes previously unpublished and often revealing correspondence, as well as adding an extensive bibliography. ...a remarkable insight into the high society of both Edinburgh and London in the early 19th century. Above all, however, this book is a fascinating account of an extraordinary life, which hopefully may persuade readers interested in exploration, travel and historical biography to rediscover the writings of Basil Hall.' History Scotland 'This is the first complete biography of a fascinating man and his adventures at sea. At just 13, he joined the Royal Navy in 1802 and was involved in naval engagements during the Peninsular War. ... The author includes previously unpublished and often revealing correspondence which really brings the story of this remarkable man to life. A great read.' Sea Breezes 'Captain Basil Hall RN was indeed a most curious fellow. Son of a scottish aristocrat from whom he inherited a considerable interest in science, he joined the Royal Navy at the age of 13 years in 1802 (3 years before Trafalgar). His first naval engagements in America and Spain are well described, as is his career in the RN. It is, however, for his travels and achievements that this man really should be more widely known. ... If ever a man became known for his own curiosity, it was Basil Hall who was able to share his own adventures and travels by becoming a very popular author in his own right. In this work, author James McCarthy provides a readable, fascinating and probing insight into one of Scotland's most overlooked indivduals.' Ned Middleton 'The story James McCarthy tells so well is of a lost worldwhere the curious, privileged amateur was not yet overshadowed by professionalization. - McCarthy makes a rollicking good story of it. Hall's many travel and scientific publications reveal a man who combined professional interests and credibility with remarkably sensitive eye. - this well-written and highly entertaining book can be enjoyed by anyone interested in Victorian naval or scientific history.' International Journal of Maritime History '...its good to see a biography of such a strange and unusual character.' Bookgeeks 'With such a hero and such adventures, this should be a fascinating book. And indeed it is. ...a vivid picture of the daily life and times of seafarers and their families at a time of tremendous development in our maritime history.' Little Ship Club 'Confidant of Sir Walter Scott and Charles Dickens, this largely forgotten naval hero and explorer provides a fascinating insight into a long ago world of adventures.' Scottish Memories 'This is a well-researched and written account of the life and times of a noted naval adventurer and dabbler in the sciences and arts. ...James McCarthy has skilfully woven together the story of this remarkable man - a story which serves to demonstrate the dynamic role of Scots in the rapidly expanding British Empire of the post-Napoleonic era. McCarthy deftly reconstructs the Edinburgh society in which Hall moved with such ease and purpose. Indeed, Sir Walter Scott was prompted to describe Hall as 'that curious fellow who takes charge of everyone's business without neglecting his own'. Well illustrated and attractively presented, this book readily earns its place on the shelves of the library of the modern-day student of Scottish travellers and explorers'. Review of Scottish Culture

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Book SynopsisThe autobiography of Tony Bentley-Buckle, a child of the Empire who was left to grow up in the care of maiden aunts. Having joined the Royal Navy before the war, he found himself on the Northern Patrol during the blockade of Germany and as a teenager in command of captured ships. When he brought a ship through the minefields into Scapa Flow, the young Midshipman Bentley-Buckle was interviewed by the famously ferocious Admirax Max Horton who recommended him for advanced promotion. In a fit of derring-do he volunteered for 'special service' without knowing what this meant and began training for one of Britain's secret navies. As a beach commando he was one of the first ashore at the Allied landings on Sicily and one of the first Allied officers to cross the Straits of Messina. On Reggio beach he became one of the few people to order General Montgomery to stop talking and not to block the exit of the beach! He was soon seconded even deeper into British secret services when he was lent to MI9, the escape and evasion agency, helping to rescue hundreds of British prisoners of war in Italy. He was captured in a fierce hand-to-hand battle with the Germans, escaped, recaptured and was badly-beaten, eventually reaching Prisoner-of-War Camp 'Marlag O'. There he helped organise one the cheekiest escapes from a prisoner-of-war camp by making the eyes for a dummy known as 'Albert RN'. Post-war he learned to fly, sailed a small boat to East Africa and founded a shipping empire and an airline. This is a remarkable and exciting true story including escape and evasion behind enemy lines in Italy, Yugoslavia and Germany; life in a prisoner-of-war camp and adventure in the Indian Ocean.Trade Review'This is a remarkable story recounted by a remarkable man in his own words. Tony Bentley-Buckle (1921-2010) was a real-life James Bond - and more - whose long life was full of adventure and entrepreneurism on a grand scale. ... After reading his biography, you are in no doubt that he packed more into his war and his life than contemporary heros. ...compelling reading... He took part in one of the war's most audacious escapes, his part being to make the moving eyes of the dummy known as Albert RN (hence the book's title) - a story which was turned into a movie after the war. ... This enthralling book ends with some very useful explanatory notes and a comprehensive index.' Nautilus' Telegraph -------------------- '...this is a story of 'daring do' well told with charm and modesty. ... The book is well produced and illustrated with family photographs and drawings, having good footnotes and a useful index. Highly recommended'. South West Soundings -------------------- '...a very interesting book... The author's five war years of the R.N. were rich and enthralling... ...for the author "civvy street" was almost as action-packed as his naval service; not as brief, hectic and dangerous as those five years, but a most absorbing series of varied and fruitful global travel and enterprises'. QSO -------------------- 'This is a well-written and fascinating story and the descriptions of amphibious and asymmetric warfare have topical value in Australia as the RAN begins to establish its own 'beachhead commando' equivalents. Buckle was clearly a resourceful and determined man in both his naval and civilian careers; his story is an interesting one and it is enhanced by a number of John Worsley's wartime sketches. It is a good read and I thoroughly recommend it'. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute -------------------- 'Tony Bentley-Buckle led a particularly adventurous life... ...a well-written and fascinating story and the descriptions of amphibious and asymmetric warfare have tropical value in Australia... ...his story is an interesting one and it is enhanced by a number of John Worsley's wartime sketches. It is a good read and I thoroughly recommend it'. Headmark -------------------- 'A fascinating life, well lived'. Work Boat World '...it's very readable...' Naval Review -------------------- `…is very modestly (and humorously) told, almost concealing the fact he was a man of extraordinary resource and capability … This is a fascinating adventure story, told in a very dryly amusing and laid-back manner, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Army Rumour Service

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Book SynopsisDavid Balme will be forever known as the 20-year-old hero who, on 9 May 1941, boarded a German U-boat in mid-Atlantic, and captured one of the greatest secrets of the Second World War. This capture - or 'pinch' as it was known within secret, inner circles - changed the course of the Battle of the Atlantic and shortened the war itself. Balme was part of a team comprising officers and men of the Third Escort Group ably led by Commander Joe Baker Cresswell, also commander of HMS Bulldog, who shared the danger with other unsung heroes such as Lieutenant Commander George Dodds. Balme was tasked with taking the Bulldog's whaler and a small party to board the U-boat U-110 which had been disabled. However he was alone when initially boarding, entering and searching the U-boat. This put him in a vulnerable position while descending into the vessel - he risked being shot by any German submariner that may have remained or blown-up by a booby-trap device. Furthermore he could have drowned when Bulldog disappeared into the mists of the Atlantic to hunt another U-boat, as U-110 could have plummeted into the depths at any time.However, where others tried and failed or tragically lost their lives, Balme and his boarding party succeeded magnificently in capturing an entire Enigma machine, the essential rotors and months' worth of associated cipher material. This was an absolute gift to the code breakers at Bletchley Park who were able to read all the secret German naval signal traffic for some months and it enabled them to read virtually the whole of the traffic for the rest of the war and with little delay. The capture was kept so secret that few even on the British side knew about it - not even the Americans were told what had been achieved after they entered the war. Balme returned from the war and never spoke about the secret capture which he believed would be hidden forever. The story of the capture and ransack of U-110 is told for the first time in the words and letters of David Balme, his captain Joe Baker Cresswell, George Dodds and others who took part in the most important submarine capture of the whole war.Besides the capture of U-110, Balme enjoyed an astonishing variety of wartime experience including the Spanish Civil War, the Palestine Patrol, the sinking of HMS Courageous, the Battle of Convoy KJF3, the fight with the heavy cruiser Hipper, the Battle of Cape Spartivento, the Battle of Convoy OB318, being sunk during Operation Harpoon, the air war in the Western Desert, the high level diplomacy of Prime Minister Winston Churchill and pioneering work as a Fighter Direction Officer in the war against Japan.Trade Review'Captain Peter Hore has put together a most remarkable story which is well worth a read'. In Depth -------------------- `...in 21 compelling chapters - describes the build-up to the capture of Enigma, the event itself and its aftermath... It's a tale of daring and courage.' Nautilus Telegraph --------------------`A fantastic and enthralling book, I thoroughly recommend it.' Royal Naval Sailing Association--------------------`Balme... made the most astonishing `secret capture' of WW2... his spectacularly ripping yarn in full... is a classic naval biography... hugely enjoyable and entertaining, delivering the last word on various aspects of the U-110 episode.' Warships International Fleet Review-------------------- `This beautifully presented book, however, is more than a classic naval history - it completes a hitherto untold life story... a thrilling and enjoyable read... This book has been eagerly awaited. Peter Hore has succeeded in securing David Balme's role in history.' Ray Mayes -------------------- `The whole account is given a well-written makeover... a thundering good read.' The Naval Review -------------------- `…an exemplar of personal courage and leadership of the highest order. …provides a wealth of materials on technicalities, strategy, events and biographical detail … illuminated by direct quotation from Balme’s midshipman’s journal, letters home, and recollections … This is a fascinating tale … We are truly fortunate that our island, faced with great evil, produced such men’. Army Rumour Service

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