Churchill's Thin Grey Line: British Merchant Ships at War 1939-1945

The first British casualties of the Second World War were British merchant seamen on the liner Athenia, torpedoed by U-30 on 3 September 1939. Britain's merchant fleet played a vital role in the War, carrying essential supplies and sacrificing 36,749 lives with a casualty rate of 25 percent. This well-researched book tells the inspiring story of those brave civilian volunteers who fought to defend their ships and cargoes.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 240 pages
\n Publication date: 01 February 2018
\n Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd
\n

The Second World War saw the first British casualties not belonging to the Royal Navy, Army, or Royal Air Force, but rather British merchant seamen on the liner Athenia, torpedoed by U-30 on September 3, 1939. Throughout the War, Britain's merchant fleet played a crucial role, transporting vital supplies that kept the country afloat during its darkest days and ultimately paved the way for victory. However, their accomplishments came at a staggering cost, with 2,535 British ocean-going merchant ships sunk and 36,749 brave men and women serving in the British Merchant Navy sacrificing their lives. Additionally, 4,707 were wounded, and 5,720 found themselves in prisoner of war camps. Their casualty rate of 25 percent ranked second only to RAF Bomber Command's.

In this well-researched book, author Bernard Edwards delves into the inspiring stories of those courageous civilian volunteers who valiantly fought to defend their ships and cargoes. Using casebook examples, Edwards provides a detailed account of their bravery and resilience in the face of adversity. The book sheds light on the challenges and hardships faced by these volunteers, who risked their lives to protect their country's maritime interests.

The story of the Athenia and its tragic sinking serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by British Merchant Navy personnel during the War. It highlights the critical role played by the merchant fleet in sustaining the nation's war effort and the immense toll it took on the lives of those who served. Through the narratives of these civilian volunteers, Edwards pays tribute to their bravery and dedication, reminding us of the importance of never forgetting their contributions to the War effort.

This book is a valuable addition to the literature on World War II, offering a fresh perspective on the contributions of the British Merchant Navy. It is a must-read for anyone interested in military history, maritime history, or the human cost of war.

\n Weight: 572g\n
Dimension: 167 x 242 x 26 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781526711663\n \n