The Cruel Sea

"This is possibly the best novel of warfare at sea during World War II. Nicholas Monsarrat joined the Royal Navy as a Lieutenant and rose to the rank of Lt. Commander. He saw action in corvettes and a frigate mainly on convoy protection duties during the war. He used his experiences to write about two fictitious warships and their crews: the HMS Compass Rose, a Flower-class corvette; and HMS Saltash, a River-class frigate. Monsarrat’s description of life aboard these cramped and uncomfortable ships is so vivid that it can only originate from someone who has experienced the same. There is a constant awareness of the threat of attack and possible sinking in a very cold and inhospitable Atlantic Ocean. And his descriptions of the crew, their interactions, and dialogue—either at home on leave, or in the ship—bring colour and depth to the story. In 1953 the book was made into a film starring Jack Hawkins and Donald Sinden. It follows the storyline very closely and it too remains a classic in its own right. Of course, I recommend reading the book first! Whilst this is a novel, some of its passages have been quoted in works of non-fiction to help describe life at sea during this period. I read this book in just a few days, picking it up at every opportunity. Warships are usually of beautiful designs and graceful lines that mask their deadly purpose. Their crews are microcosms of the nations they represent, close-knit and very loyal to their shipmates, and bound together by traditions and customs that have developed over years. I find the interaction between the crews and the warships themselves, which often take on a persona of their own, fascinating. My background is in the telecommunications industry, so I have a great interest in developing technologies and understanding how things work. The transition from the age of sail to the modern era happened very quickly, requiring great leaps in technological advancement. For example: the first battleships were built with huge guns that could fire a projectile as large as a small car onto a moving target over fifteen miles distant. This was achieved using a mechanical computer designed over a hundred years ago! Warships come in various shapes and sizes playing specific roles within the fleet. This is of course reflected in their design, most obviously in the aircraft carrier. Aviation is another of my interests; in 2019 I gained my Private Pilot’s Licence at Compton Abbas airfield, close to where I live. The role of aircraft within the Royal Navy and their deployment aboard ships blends the two interests together, something I want to write about for my next project. This means I will be reading and researching a lot more about warships over the coming months. I can’t wait."