The book provides a harrowing account of the brutal actions of Imperial Japan's navy during World War II, highlighting atrocities such as the ramming of lifeboats and the execution of captives. It contrasts the ancient warrior code of Bushido, which forbade capture, with the more humane treatment expected by seafarers. Through the gripping testimonies of Allied survivors, it not only documents these horrific events but also honors the memory of those who suffered at the hands of the Imperial Navy.
The narrative centers on a perilous naval convoy during World War II, specifically the SC42, which faced relentless attacks from German U-boats. As the convoy, laden with crucial supplies for the UK, embarked from Nova Scotia, it was shadowed by a formidable threat, with U-boats sinking ships at an alarming rate. The escort, comprised of inexperienced Canadian naval vessels, struggled against the odds during a seven-day battle. Firsthand accounts enrich the story, while Captain Bernard Edwards' extensive maritime experience lends authenticity and depth to the dramatic events.
"As a direct result of the capture of the British steamer City of Baghdad's secret code books by the German surface raider Atlantis in July 1940, the Nazis were able to de-cypher Admiralty convoy plans with deadly effect. Admiral Doenitz, aware of the movements of the Allied convoys, marshalled as many of his U-boats as possible. This book describes the resulting appalling Allied losses suffered by four convoys during the Autumn of 1940. The first convoy, SC2, consisting of fifty-three merchantmen, was attacked in early September by four U-boats. Due to poor weather only five ships were lost. Shortly afterwards, HX72, sailing from Nova Scotia, lost eleven of its forty-one ships to five Type VIIC U-boats. Top Aces Otto Kretschremer and Joachim Schepke, who penetrated inside the columns, accounted for nine. No less than nine U-boats attacked SC7 in October 1940. Of thirty-five merchantmen a staggering twenty were lost. Despite being a 'fast' convoy with ten escorts, HX79 also fared terribly losing twelve ships. In total forty-eight merchantmen were sunk and seven more damaged without any U-boat losses at all ..."--Publisher description.
Focusing on the British Merchant Navy during the Atlantic campaigns from 1939 to 1945, this book explores its crucial contributions and challenges faced during World War II. It highlights the strategic importance of merchant shipping in supporting military operations and sustaining supply lines, while also delving into personal stories of bravery and resilience among the sailors. The narrative provides insight into the maritime warfare of the era, emphasizing the often-overlooked sacrifices made by the Merchant Navy.
"Beware Raiders! is the story of two very different German surface raiders and the havoc they caused amongst Allied shipping in the Second World War. One was the 8-inch gun cruiser Admiral Hipper, fast, powerful and Navy-manned; the other a converted merchantman, Hansa Line's Kandelfels armed with a few 5.9s, crewed largely by reservists, and sailing under the nom de guerre of Pinguin. Contrary to all expectations, the amateur man-of-war reaped a rich harvest and went out in a blaze of glory. Her purpose-built sister, on the other hand, was hard-pressed to make her mark on the war and ended her days in ignominy." "There was also a striking contrast between the conduct of Ernst Kruder, captain of the Pinguin, whose concern it was to cause as little loss of life as possible, and the indifferent Captain Meisel of the Admiral Hipper, who had scant regard for the crews of his victims. The Author describes in detail Kruder's most audacious coup, namely the capture, rather than the sinking, of the entire Norwegian Whaling Fleet, which he calls 'a disaster of major proportions'."--BOOK JACKET
An inspiring story of merchant marine gallantry against overwhelming odds.
Expert maritime historian reveals the full story of this legendary action and
the part played by previously unsung heroes. The Jervis Bay's role is well
known but the sacrifices of the Beaverford and Stockholm are told in detail
here.
The narrative centers on the historical context surrounding the passage of The Abolition of the Slave Trade Act in 1807 and the subsequent establishment of the Royal Navy's African Squadron. This squadron was tasked with the critical mission of intercepting ships suspected of transporting enslaved Africans to the Americas and the Middle East, highlighting the complexities and challenges of enforcing abolitionist policies during this pivotal time in history.
