Great Secret: The Classified World War II Disaster that Launched the War on Cancer

During World War II, the John Harvey was an American Liberty ship carrying 2,000 mustard bombs to be used in retaliation if the Germans resorted to gas warfare. Lieutenant Colonel Stewart Alexander, a doctor and chemical weapons expert, was dispatched to investigate after young sailors began dying with mysterious symptoms. He diagnosed mustard gas exposure, which Churchill denied. Alexander's final report on the Bari casualties was classified, but his breakthrough observations about the toxic effects of mustard on white blood cells caught the attention of Colonel Cornelius P. Rhoads, a pioneering physician and research scientist who recognized that the poison was both a killer and a cure, ushering in a new era of cancer research.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2020
Publisher: Grove Press / Atlantic Monthly Press

On the night of December 2, 1943, the Luftwaffe launched a devastating air raid on a critical Allied port in Bari, Italy, resulting in the sinking of seventeen ships and the loss of over a thousand servicemen and hundreds of civilians. Among the targets of the raid was the John Harvey, an American Liberty ship carrying a top-secret cargo of 2,000 mustard bombs, intended to be used in retaliation if the Germans resorted to gas warfare. However, the surprise attack caught the ship off guard, and it was caught in the crossfire.

The incident brought the attention of Lieutenant Colonel Stewart Alexander, a doctor and chemical weapons expert, who was dispatched to investigate the mysterious deaths among the young sailors. Alexander quickly diagnosed mustard gas exposure, a revelation that was initially denied by British officials. Undeterred, Alexander persisted with his investigation, despite facing resistance from those in power. His final report on the Bari casualties was classified, but his breakthrough observations about the toxic effects of mustard on white blood cells caught the attention of Colonel Cornelius P. Rhoads, a pioneering physician and research scientist.

Rhoads was as brilliant as he was arrogant and self-destructive. He recognized the potential of mustard gas as both a killer and a cure, and he dedicated his life to studying its effects on the human body. His work paved the way for a new era of cancer research, leading to the development of treatments that have saved countless lives.

The Great Secret: How a Tragedy Led to Medical Triumph is a deeply researched and beautifully written book that tells the remarkable story of how a horrific tragedy gave birth to medical triumph. It explores the personal journeys of Alexander, Rhoads, and the countless others who worked tirelessly to uncover the secrets of mustard gas and its impact on human health. The book also sheds light on the political and military complexities of the Second World War, highlighting the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom and justice.

In conclusion, The Great Secret is a must-read for anyone interested in history, medicine, and the human spirit. It is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and the human desire to overcome adversity. The story of the John Harvey, mustard gas, and the birth of cancer research is a reminder of the incredible achievements that can be made when people come together to face the greatest challenges of our time.

Weight: 786g
Dimension: 242 x 166 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781611856446
Edition number: Main