From the inside cover: "The order flashed from the command ship: 'Scatter and proceed independently'. Ahead of the convoy, lying in wait in the Arctic storm, was a German cruiser and battle squadron. The Allied ships wheeled and zig-zagged away from each other. All except the H.M.S. Ulysses. She did not change course. She was sheeted in ice and her bow leaped clear of the water as her great engines thrust her foward. The upper decks were a twisted, unbelievable shambles of broken steel. A Sutka had crashed into the fo'c'sle. Smoke plumed from great holes near the water line. Aft, a flag twenty feet in length streamed below the yardarm. It was red and blue and whiter than the Arctic snow. Streaming straight for the enemy, the H.M.S. Ulyusses had broken out her battle ensign."
I love reading naval fiction. Despite all the other really good stuff out there, this is my favorite.
As a U.S. Marine, I served on several ships - mostly transports and LSTs - in the Pacific. As a result, I would never freely choose to go on a cruise again - even if all expenses were paid for me.
Yet, for some reason, I love naval fiction. I have read many of the great authors of naval fiction, those whose novels are still in print today or only available second hand. In my opinion, "H.M.S. Ulysses" is one of the greatest naval stories ever written.
If you read this book, and agree with me, then I suggest you also read "73 North: The Battle of the Barents Sea" by Dudley Pope, which tells the true story of the war in that far northern theater. This books relates the terrible trials that men and ships had to undergo. After which, you might just wonder if "H.M.S. Ulysses" wasn't a true story after all.
Yet, for some reason, I love naval fiction. I have read many of the great authors of naval fiction, those whose novels are still in print today or only available second hand. In my opinion, "H.M.S. Ulysses" is one of the greatest naval stories ever written.
If you read this book, and agree with me, then I suggest you also read "73 North: The Battle of the Barents Sea" by Dudley Pope, which tells the true story of the war in that far northern theater. This books relates the terrible trials that men and ships had to undergo. After which, you might just wonder if "H.M.S. Ulysses" wasn't a true story after all.
The story of men who rose to heroism, and then to something greater. H.M.S. Ulysses takes its place alongside The Caine Mutiny and The Cruel Sea as one of the classic novels of the navy, its men and its ships, at war
