Survivors of Enemy Action: Experiences of Merchant Seamen, 1939 1945

During World War II, the British Merchant Navy faced immense peril, with 2,535 ships sunk and 36,749 merchant seamen lost. This book recounts the stories of the lucky few who survived enemy attacks, drowning, exposure, and lack of food and water. Their courage and fortitude are an overdue recognition of their sacrifices and courage.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 18 May 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The war years 1939 - 1945 were a period of immense peril for the British Merchant Navy, marking the most dangerous era in its long history. The statistics speak for themselves, with a staggering 2,535 ships sunk and 36,749 merchant seamen lost. This casualty rate was higher than any other branch of the Armed Forces, except for Bomber Command. The primary threat to the lightly armed merchant ships came from enemy air attacks, surface warships, raiders, and, of course, submarines. As prisoners were seldom taken, the crews of stricken vessels were left to fend for themselves. Those who managed to survive enemy action faced a grim fate of drowning, exposure, and lack of food and water.

This inspiring book, compiled mainly from the author's personal experiences, draws on firsthand accounts of the fortunate few who managed to survive. With extraordinary honesty and modesty, their stories vividly describe the events leading up to the enemy attack, the actions taken, and the aftermath. Readers will be struck by the incredible courage and fortitude displayed by these men, who often endured extreme hardship and privation. Tragically, too many perished before reaching land or being rescued.

These unsung heroes of the Second World War deserve the utmost recognition for their sacrifices and courage. It is a shame that their contributions have been overlooked for so long, and this fine book serves as a long-overdue tribute to their bravery. The war years 1939 - 1945 were a period of immense peril for the British Merchant Navy, marking the most dangerous era in its long history. The statistics speak for themselves, with a staggering 2,535 ships sunk and 36,749 merchant seamen lost. This casualty rate was higher than any other branch of the Armed Forces, except for Bomber Command. The primary threat to the lightly armed merchant ships came from enemy air attacks, surface warships, raiders, and, of course, submarines. As prisoners were seldom taken, the crews of stricken vessels were left to fend for themselves. Those who managed to survive enemy action faced a grim fate of drowning, exposure, and lack of food and water.

This inspiring book, compiled mainly from the author's personal experiences, draws on firsthand accounts of the fortunate few who managed to survive. With extraordinary honesty and modesty, their stories vividly describe the events leading up to the enemy attack, the actions taken, and the aftermath. Readers will be struck by the incredible courage and fortitude displayed by these men, who often endured extreme hardship and privation. Tragically, too many perished before reaching land or being rescued.

These unsung heroes of the Second World War deserve the utmost recognition for their sacrifices and courage. It is a shame that their contributions have been overlooked for so long, and this fine book serves as a long-overdue tribute to their bravery.

Weight: 488g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399042208