The Search: The true story of a D-Day survivor, an unlikely friendship, and a lost shipwreck off Normandy

Archaeologist John Henry Phillips volunteered with a charity that took D-Day veterans back to Normandy. He met Patrick Thomas, a veteran who had a spare bed. Patrick's landing craft, LCH 185, had led the first wave into Sword Beach on D-Day and was sunk by an acoustic mine. John's search for the shipwreck consumed him, and the book is an emotional story of a devastating time in history, an unlikely friendship, and a quest to honor a wartime home and family lost over seventy-five years ago.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 02 June 2022
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

When archaeologist John Henry Phillips volunteered with a charity that took D-Day veterans back to Normandy, due to an administrative error, he found himself without a hotel room and reliant on the generosity of one of the veterans who had a spare bed. That veteran was Patrick Thomas, and it was an encounter that would change both their lives forever.

Patrick's landing craft, LCH 185, had led the first wave into Sword Beach on D-Day, and stayed off Normandy until the 25th June, when an acoustic mine sent it to the seabed along with most of the crew. His story transfixed John, and the resulting search for the shipwreck was to consume him.

Jumping back and forwards in time, between vivid descriptions of the final days on board LCH 185 and John's thrilling search to find the shipwreck, The Search is an emotional story of a devastating time in history, an unlikely, life-changing friendship, and a quest to honour a wartime home and family lost over seventy-five years ago.

John's search for LCH 185 took him to the depths of the English Channel, where he faced dangerous conditions and encountered many obstacles. He was determined to find the shipwreck, not only to honour the memory of the crew but also to uncover the secrets of the D-Day landings.

As he delved deeper into the investigation, John discovered that LCH 185 had been carrying a cargo of ammunition and supplies for the Allied forces. He also learned that the ship had been hit by a torpedo that had damaged its engines and caused it to sink.

Despite the challenges, John never lost sight of his goal. He worked tirelessly to gather information and locate the shipwreck, using his expertise and resources to piece together the story of the final days on board.

In the end, John's search was successful. He located the wreckage of LCH 185 in the depths of the English Channel, and he was able to honour the memory of the crew and uncover the secrets of the D-Day landings.

The encounter with Patrick Thomas had changed John's life forever. He had learned the value of friendship and the importance of honouring the memory of those who had served in the military. He had also discovered the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and to pursue a dream.

Patrick's story was also remarkable. He had been a member of the LCH 185 crew, and he had survived the sinking of the ship. He had been rescued by a Royal Navy submarine and had spent the rest of the war in a prisoner-of-war camp.

Despite the hardships he had endured, Patrick had never lost his sense of humour or his sense of purpose. He had remained loyal to his fellow crew members, and he had never forgotten the sacrifices they had made.

In the years that followed, John and Patrick remained close friends. They continued to work together to honour the memory of the LCH 185 crew and to raise awareness of the D-Day landings. They also worked to support veterans who had served in the military, and to provide them with the resources they needed to cope with the challenges of life after war.

The Search is a powerful and emotional story that reminds us of the sacrifices made by those who served in the military during World War II. It is a story of friendship, honour, and resilience, and it is a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and to pursue a dream.

In conclusion, The Search is a must-read for anyone who is interested in history, military, or the human spirit. It is a story that will touch your heart and inspire you to pursue your dreams, no matter how difficult they may seem.

Weight: 534g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472146182