THE SHETLAND BUS by David Howarth
Dark winters provided the perfect cover for missions to occupied Norway during the Second World War and the closest base was from Britain's most northerly group of islands, the Shetlands.
Most Norwegians knew about the SHETLAND BUS which did not go overland but across the North Sea taking supplies and saboteurs into the fjords under the noses of the Germans and taking refugees to safety on the return journey. Using only small fishing boats which covered thousands of miles and testing the skills of the Norwegian seamen who risked their lives in hurricanes, fog and darkness to make the crossing.
David Howarth was a junior naval officer who helped set up and operate the base. His story is of the successes and failures and the courage, skill and adventurous spirit of the men who risked their lives on the SHETLAND BUS
Published by The Shetland Times Limited, Lerwick, Shetland www.shetland-books.co.uk
ISBN 1-898852-42-1
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Few biographies have caught more of the spirit and colour of the age of Charles II than this account of the life of Sir Robert Holmes
Adventurous, energetic, combative and unscrupulous, Robert Holmes first attracted the attention of Prince Rupert as a young cavalry officer in the Civil War. As A Royalist exile he accompanied the Prince first into the French service and then, in one of the strangest and most romantic episodes in Naval history, on a cruise that carried the Royalist colours, no longer flying in England, to Portugal, The Mediterranean, West Africa and the West Indies.
After the Restoration, Holmes destroyed, in perhaps the most successful feat of arms of the century, a great part of the Dutch merchant marine at the cost of barely a dozen casualties.
For thirty years he intrigued, manoeuvred and quarrelled with Samuel Pepys over naval matters ending with a mutual respect for their combined contributions to English naval supremacy.
Richard Ollard's distinguished account of Robert Holmes and his naval career exhibits the inexhaustible vitality and gusto of the Restoration period.
Published by Phoenix Press ISBN 1-84212-236-3
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SILENT WARRIORS by Ron Young & Pamela Armstrong
This is the story of the submarines that failed to make it home in both war and peace. They will remain for eternity as the silent warriors of the British coast.
In two World Wars submarine warfare transformed British coastal waters into a pitiless arena where a secret life or death struggle was played out between U-boats trying to close the sea lanes and allied warships determined to keep them open. Over 150 submarine wrecks litter British coastal waters and this book brings their stories to life, using previously unseen archive material. Combining years of international archival research and expert analysis with discoveries made by divers, this trilogy tells how these submarine wrecks came to be here. These stories are told, wherever possible, in the words of those who were present. In Volume One, Ron Young and Pamela Armstrong describe the submarines lost along the east coast of England, from Northumberland to Kent and around to Beachy Head. These range from J6, victim of a dreadful ‘friendly fire' incident in 1918, to the amazing escape of Kplt. Wenninger of UB 55, seemingly trapped without hope on the bottom of the English Channel. Then there is the unassuming heroism that lies behind the accounts of HM S/Ms' Unity, Umpire and Truculent.
Surely destined to become the definitive record of these submarine wrecks, this series will have a ready appeal to anyone with an interest in British maritime history and of course, sport diving.
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The Comprehensive Guide to
SHIPWRECKS OF THE EAST COAST Volume Two (1918-2003)
by Ron Young
In this comprehensive volume Ron Young, an experienced diver for many years, catalogues the History of the ships that have been stranded or wrecked along the coast from Robin Hoods Bay to Skegness. The book assesses the numerous wrecks as diving and sea angling sites, giving co-ordinates and dimensions, as well as describing the marine life and wrecks to be found on the seabed along this busy and treacherous stretch of coastline.
It takes a lot to impress me as far as "Shipwreck" books are concerned.and I am pleased to say that I found this one, as indeed I find all of Ron's books, extremely interesting.
It is obviously well researched and speaking as one who has read almost all there is to read about European shipwrecks, very informative.
Each of the many entries includes the depth, position and a history of the vessel up to the time of loss as well as details of the final voyage. Descriptions of the wreck-site together with dive reports are included.
Photographs or silhouettes accompany each wreck.
This is a really good read.
Ayer Tikus
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The Diver's Guide to The Farnes & Holy Island by Ron Young
The most comprehensive guidebook ever published about the Farnes and Holy Island above and below water. 280pages, with chapters on Seahouses, Beadnell and Bamburgh and the island's natural and geographical history, as well as 174 star rated dive sites, covering every island, rock and submerged reef, many of which are seldom dived. There are 25 maps, lots of colour and b/w photographs and a galaxy of info on tides, currents, depths, underwater scenery and marine life, the seals, seabirds, dozens of wrecks and shipping disasters, plus full details of the following deeper water wreck sites of MV BUKA, SS SOMALI, MV ACCLIVITY, MT ATHELDUKE, SS AUCKLAND CASTLE, HMS PATIA, SS GAELIC (SS HOGARTH) and HMS ASCOT.
It explains where to find 25 edible species of shell fish, how to preserve and cook them etc, etc, and much more.
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The Battle of the East Coast (1939-1945)
by J.P.Foynes.
The Author has produced a truly excellent account of the Second World War as it affected the East Coast. Not only is the Naval side covered but full details are included on the Military, Air Force and Civilian situation. Written not as a heavy historical report but more as if the reader is holding a conversation with the writer.
This book is a must for those who want to know more about the local wartime situation.
Priced at £12-00 which includes post and packing it is available from the Author at;
17 Cranmore Avenue,
Osterley,
Isleworth,
Middlesex,
TW7 4QW
The Beachmen
by David Higgins
Published by Terence Dalton Ltd., (ISBN 0 86138057 9). All you ever wanted to know about Beach Companies and Beachmen. Very well researched and indexed.
British Vessels Lost at Sea 1914-1918 & 1939-1945.
Published by Patrick Stephens.
Facsimile reprints of four HMSO publications produced by the Admiralty covering shipping losses or the Royal and Merchant Navies in both World Wars. However only losses caused through enemy action are included and it does not cover losses to mines following the end of both wars.
British & Empire Warships of the Second World War
by H. T. Lenton and published by Greenhill Books.
Very comprehensive and interesting book covering all vessels of the Navy including trawlers and drifters.
Chronology of the War at Sea (WW2)
by J. Rohwer & G. Hummelchen and translated by Derek Masters.
Published in two volumes by the Military Book Society (et al) these are truly interesting books. Originally produced from German records Derek Masters has added detail thus giving a factual and well rounded account of the war at sea. Extremely well indexed.
Conway's "All the World's Fighting Ships"
Published by Conway Maritime Press.
Four volumes covering the periods 1860-1905, 1906-1921, 1922-1946 and 1947-1995. Well produced and informative with many illustrations and just the right amount of detail.
Cromer Lifeboats and Crews H.F.Bailey 1935-1945
by Kitty Lee
An extremely interesting insight into the work of the Cromer Lifeboat and its Coxwain Henry Blogg during the second world war. Taken from reports made following a call-out. The bravery and determination of the crews is definitely understated when it is realised that the Cromer boat saved more lives during the war than any other British lifeboat. Copies are available from the Lifeboat Museum, Cromer.
Dictionary of Disasters at Sea during the age of Steam 1824-1962
By Charles Hocking FLA. Published by the London Stamp Exchange.
Covers both Naval and Merchant vessels and gives interesting detail of battles. Not all losses are included.
Smuggling in East Anglia
By Stan Jarvis Published by Countryside Books.(ISBN 0 0905392 86 8)
Well written and fascinating account.
Starke/Schell Registers
Published by the World Ship Society.
These are being produced for most years with all vessels built that year and are very detailed giving yard numbers, ship numbers, owners and subsequent owners, changes of name and ultimate fate. Copies can be obtained through membership of the World Ship Society by sending name and address for details and a free copy of the monthly journal "Marine News" to
(NNS), 101, The Everglades, Hempstead, Gillingham, Kent, ME73PZ.
Steam Coasters & Steam Collier Fleets
By C.V.Waine & J.A.MacRae
Both of these are first class accounts of the development of smaller steamers since the end of sail. Very well illustrated and give an excellent overview of the coastal trade.
