Imported post
Some of you (certainly readers of 990 and other diving mags) will be aware of the photo-journalist and author, Ned Middleton. It is Ned's living to travel the world and dive, take pictures of what he sees and then write about it - not something on offer at your local 'Careers Office' !
I've had the good fortune to be a sometime correspondent with Ned over the last couple of years and he is kind enough to allow me to use/reproduce certain of his pieces once he has had them published and been paid for them.
So, with the above in mind, please see here book reviews of a number of books which you may have already seen or bought. You will note that a number of them cover books by our very own Ron Young.
Enjoy.
--------------------------------------------------------
A Selection of Book Reviews By
Ned Middleton
The Comprehensive Guide to
Shipwrecks of the East Coast
Vol. One (1766-1917)
ISBN: 0-7524-2764-4
Ron Young
Tempus Publishing Ltd
RRP: £17:99
Once again Ron Young is onto a winner.
Many people will know that Ron Young is an acknowledged expert on shipwrecks in addition to being a scuba diver of many years experience. His one outstanding ability, however, is to produce book after book containing exactly the sort of information which scuba divers and others with an interest in shipwrecks are keen to learn.
Following the already well-established format of previous books in this series, Mr Young sets out to provide a catalogue of all known ships stranded or lost along the east coast of England from Scarborough to Skegness between the years 1766-1917. I can only suggest that every Scuba Diver who frequents this stretch of coastline - either frequently or occasionally, will want to buy this book and they will be very sorry they did not do so once it becomes out of print.
Commencing with an introduction, we then find the Author’s customary (and very useful!) “how to use this book.” The stretch of coastline in question is then divided into 6 consecutive chapters, a fascinating insight into the German Medal - the “Blue Max” and details of 50 German Submarines from the period in question.
“Shipwrecks of the East Coast (Vol. 1)” is a paperback book measuring 9½ in x 6½ in and contains a good number of historic images of various ships. Whilst one would always like to see more, the book covers that period in time when cameras were not as widely available as they are today. More importantly, as far as scuba divers are concerned, the information given by the author is exactly what we need to know in order to (a) locate the subject vessel and (b) understand exactly what we are likely to find as he moves from shipwreck to shipwreck along the coast.
In short, this book is all you require before embarking on any serious project involving those shipwrecks detailed within it’s pages.
NM
----------------------------------------------------------
The Diver’s Comprehensive Guide to
The Farnes & Holy Island
ISBN: 0-95412-380-8
Ron Young
RRP: £15:00
This author knows his stuff.
Ron Young is an acknowledged expert on shipwrecks in addition to being a scuba diver of many years experience. His one outstanding ability, however, is to expertly combine these two attributes in book after book containing exactly the sort of information which scuba divers and others with similar interests are keen to know.
Following his well-established customary format, Mr Young sets out to provide a catalogue of the better known dive sites of the Farnes and Holy Island with more than adequate detail. The result is a book which is a must for every Scuba Diver who visits this stretch of coastline - either frequently or occasionally, and they will be very sorry they did not buy a copy once it is out of print.
“The Diver’s Comprehensive Guide to The Farnes and Holy Island” is a paperback book measuring 8¼” x 5¾” containing plenty of maps and B&W photographs - including several of historic ships. Four sections within the book are devoted to colour photography and a fifth is devoted to colour artwork. Commencing with a personal introduction, we are then treated to a very useful section about the coastal villages of Bamburgh, Seahouses and Beadnell - containing exactly the sort of information any visitor would want to know. Next up is the story of the MV “Yewglen” and already we are down to cases. What follows is a more than adequate description of the diving on offer plus something about local bird-life and even a few local recipes.
Most importantly, as far as scuba divers are concerned, the information given by the author is exactly what we need to know in order to plan and execute any trip to this area successfully.
Signed copies of this book may be obtained direct from the Author at <<[email protected]>>.
NM
----------------------------------------------------------
Historic Shipwrecks -
Discovered, Protected and Investigated
Valerie Fenwick & Alison Gale
ISBN: 0-7524-1473-9
Tempus Publishing
RRP: £14:99
A very "readable" account of an important topic.
Valerie Fenwick comes to this work as an archaeologist and editor of the International Journal of Nautical Archaeology. Alison Gale is described as specialising in maritime heritage management and an author. My first impression, therefore was that these two co-authors had the right background to produce a book about those vessels which they describe as Britain’s most important shipwrecks. As always, when tackling any work produced by academics, I was worried whether or not the ordinary layman would understand the content. Those fears, however, were soon proved groundless and I found much of the content to be an excellent “read.”
Historic Shipwrecks - is a paper-back book measuring 9½” x 6¾” in which the authors detail the history and subsequent fate of 47 designated and protected shipwrecks. The book has been skilfully put together in a very easy-to-follow manner. Commencing with a map of the British Isles showing the approximate location of each site, preface and list of illustrations, we then find that most useful item of “How to use this book” followed by an informative introduction. Having sets the scene with vitally important background information, it is time to get down to cases.
The main body of the book is thoughtfully divided into various chapters which link certain shipwrecks together. The first of these, for example, is called “Untold Voyages” - so named because the four oldest wreck sites in the UK have no story because the vessels themselves have no name. In this way, we are able to compare like with like as we read the history and fate of the Amsterdam in one section and the story of the Resurgam in another.
Well illustrated throughout, there is something on almost every page ranging from historic photographs, drawings, maps, artefacts and a number of underwater photographs. Perhaps this is a book which every diver should own - because they will only wish they had purchased a copy once it is out of print.
NM
----------------------------------------------------------
Shipwrecks of Kent
Anthony Lane
ISBN: 0-7524-1720-7
Tempus Publishing
RRP: £9:99
A Photographic Journey through Time at Sea.
Ever wondered about the wreck of the Umbria off the coast of Port Sudan still carrying over 360,000 bombs of WW2 vintage? Well, you will not find any reference to that ship in this book - but you find a very rare photograph of a ship with a very similar cargo which resides at the entrance to the River Medway.
From modern-day Cruise Liners and Super-tankers to historic sailing ships such as the magnificent Preussen - with her incredible 5 square-rigged masts all fitted with 6 sails, this book is a collection of photographs of the most outstanding ships to have been lost off the coast of Kent.
Shipwrecks of Kent is a paperback book measuring 9¼” x 6½.” Commencing with a chart detailing the Thames Estuary from as far north as Harwich to as far south as Dungerness, we are then treated to an introduction in which the author sets out his philosophy for writing the book. These are followed by an excellent collection of historic photographs divided into 4 broad areas of interest; North Kent Coast, Goodwin Sands, East Kent Coast and Kent Lifeboats.
This is not a book from which the reader will learn much about any vessel - but it is an excellent source of photographs which has been skilfully compiled. I would suggest this book is a “must” for anyone with an interest in the shipwrecks of Kent and will provide many a starting point for those intent on further investigation. After all, in many cases all the photographic research is already done!
A very competent piece of work.
NM
-----------------------------------------------------------
Shipwrecks of Ireland
Edward J Bourke
ISBN: 0-7524-1764-9
Tempus Publishing
RRP: £10:99
Another photographic journey through time at sea.
Once again we are treated to a photographic collection of ships - both ancient and modern and the only thing that binds them together is that, in this instance, they were all wrecked off the coast of Ireland.
From classic ships of yesteryear, the warships of two world wars and modern-day freighters this book is a collection of photographs of the most outstanding vessels to have been lost off the coast of Ireland. In one instance we see an aerial photograph of over 40 captured U-Boats - later to be deliberately sunk offshore, in another we are looking at the proud lines of a four-masted schooner and in yet another we find the very modern wrecking of a very modern ship.
Shipwrecks of Ireland is a paperback book measuring 9¼” x 6½.” Commencing with a wreck chart of the whole island, the book is neatly laid out with chapters in which the excellent collection of historic photographs are divided into the broad areas of; North East, East, South East, Cork, West, Wartime, Gallant Rescues, Salvage and finally an impressive display of fascinating artefacts from just about everywhere.
As with similar titles from these Publishers covering other coastlines, this is not a book from which the reader will learn much about any vessel. It is, however, an excellent source of photographs which has been skilfully compiled and, for that reason alone, is a “must” for anyone with an interest in the shipwrecks of Ireland and will provide many a starting point for those engaged in further investigation. After all, much of the photographic research is already completed!
A very competent piece of work.
NM
----------------------------------------------------------
Into the Maelstrom:
The Wreck of HMHS Rohilla
Colin Brittain
ISBN: 0-7524-2384-3
Tempus Publishing
£12:99
Another excellent publication from Tempus
His Majesty’s Hospital Ship Rohilla is Whitby’s most famous shipwreck and this is her story. In October 1914, the Rohilla sailed from Leith on a mercy mission to Dunkirk for a rendezvous with wounded and dying soldiers. That particular appointment with death, however, was soon changed for another when, at 0400 hrs on 29 October 1914 the Rohilla ran hard aground on Saltwick Nab and was lost. This tragic accident happened in the midst of a fierce gale which lasted for several days during which time 85 people lost their lives. It says much for the gallant RNLI that 6 Lifeboats were used in these most treacherous circumstances and between them rescued 146 people. This is especially so when one learns that the Lifeboat John Fielden was damaged each time she set out and was eventually abandoned in an irreparable condition. No fewer that 3 RNLI Gold Medals and 4 Silver Medals were subsequently awarded.
“Into the Maelstrom - The Wreck of HMHS Rohilla” contains all, the information anyone with an interest in this ship would wish to know. The book measures a little over 9” x 6” and is well thought out with chapters on Allied Hospital Ships of WW1, the Barnoldswick connection, the loss of the ship itself, the Lifeboat Henry Vernon, inquest proceedings, funerals, an epilogue, memoriam and finally exploring the wreck. The book is then neatly finished off with Appendices listing the names of all survivors, those who cared for them, the Lifeboats involved, and a final section under the general subject of Hospital Ships containing no fewer than 21 historic photographs of good and great ships from yesterday.
Altogether a very competent piece of work and one which is of immense interest to everyone with a knowledge of this particular vessel - especially those who are able to visit the wreck today.
NM
----------------------------------------------------------
The Bull & The Barriers - The Wrecks of Scapa Flow
Lawson Wood
ISBN: 0-7524-1753-3
Tempus Publishing
RRP: £15:99
Something “very” different on a well known subject
Lawson Wood is a man after my own Heart - always looking to provide those of us with an interest in Scuba Diving and Shipwrecks with yet more information.
The Bull and the Barriers - The Wrecks of Scapa Flow is paperback, measuring 9¾ in x 6¾ in and contains over 120 pages of information and dialogue presented in an easy-to-read style. The real “treasure,” however, is found in the numerous previously unpublished postcards and photographs showing British and German ships throughout that period before during and after the internment of the German High Sea Fleet, right up to 1939 when the Royal Oak was lost. These pictures alone provide an amazing insight into what life was like in what was - according to one sailor’s poem reproduced in the book, a little loved posting.
As with the rest if the book, a great deal of thought went into the title - which is derived from two elements of Scapa’s past that are forever enshrined in the Naval History of our nation. The U-Boat that sank the Royal Oak was U-47 and her motif was that of a snorting Bull. Of course, the Barriers designed to prevent any repeat occurrence are legendary in themselves.
Many readers will be surprised that Lawson Wood has produced a book that is not aimed primarily at the Scuba Diver and may even criticise this work for lacking in diving detail - but diving detail was never the purpose. This book will be of immense interest to anyone studying the historical aspects of Scapa Flow as well as anyone contemplating a dive in these northern climes. For me, personally, this book has added considerably to the factual information on my own bookshelf and I see myself returning to it’s pages time and again in the years to come.
In short, this is the sort of book that everyone will wish they had bought - when it’s out of print!
NM
---------------------------------------------------------
The Comprehensive Guide to
Shipwrecks of the North East Coast
Vol. One (1740-1917)
ISBN: 0-7524-1749-5
Ron Young
Tempus Publishing Ltd
RRP: £15:99
This is a book which achieves everything it sets out to achieve.
Ron Young is an acknowledged expert on shipwrecks and a scuba diver of many years experience. In this book he has set out to provide a catalogue of all those ships known be have been stranded or lost along the north east coast of England from Whitby to Berwick-upon-Tweed between the years 1740-1917. For any historian, shipwreck enthusiast or scuba diver with an interest in any (or all!) of these ships then Mr Young has provided a collection of excellent “start-points” for each of these wrecks.
Commencing with an introduction in which he includes an item on “how to use this book,” we are then treated to a brief history of the U-Boat up to 1918. Having thus set the scene, the coastline is then divided into 8 consecutive chapters followed by a list of all 164 shipwrecks covered by the book.
“Shipwrecks of the North East Coast (Vol. 1)” is a paperback book measuring 9½ in x 6½ in. The book containing a good number of historic images of various ships and, although one would always like to see more, the book covers that period in time when cameras were not as widely available as they are today. More importantly, as far as scuba divers are concerned, the information given by the author is exactly what we need to know in order to (a) locate the subject vessel and (b) understand exactly what we are likely to find as he moves from shipwreck to shipwreck along the coast.
In short, this book is all you require before embarking on any serious project involving those shipwrecks detailed within it’s pages.
NM
-----------------------------------------------------------
The Comprehensive Guide to
Shipwrecks of the North East Coast
Vol. Two (1918 -2000)
ISBN: 0-7524-1750-9
Ron Young
Tempus Publishing Ltd
RRP: £15:99
And now the task is complete.
Ron Young is an acknowledged expert on shipwrecks and a scuba diver of many years experience. In Vol. 1 of this book he set out to provide a catalogue of all those ships known be have been stranded or lost along the north east coast of England from Whitby to Berwick-upon-Tweed between the years 1740-1917. Now he concludes the project with a similar work covering the years 1918-2000. Finally, therefore, we have all the information we require for this stretch of coastline.
For any historian, shipwreck enthusiast or scuba diver with an interest in any (or all!) of these ships then Mr Young has provided a collection of excellent “start-points” for each subject shipwreck.
Commencing with an introduction in which he includes that very useful item on “how to use this book,” we are then treated to a brief history of the U-Boat from 1918. Having thus set the scene, the coastline is once again divided into 8 consecutive chapters followed by a list of the over 200 shipwrecks covered by the book.
“Shipwrecks of the North East Coast (Vol. 2)” is a paperback book measuring 9½ in x 6½ in. Not as many photographs as I might have preferred - but this is a book about information - and that information is all there. More importantly, as far as scuba divers are concerned, the author tells us exactly what we need to know in order to (a) locate the subject vessel and (b) understand exactly what we are likely to find as he moves from shipwreck to shipwreck along the coast.
In short, this book is all you require before embarking on any serious project involving those shipwrecks detailed within it’s pages.
NM
Some of you (certainly readers of 990 and other diving mags) will be aware of the photo-journalist and author, Ned Middleton. It is Ned's living to travel the world and dive, take pictures of what he sees and then write about it - not something on offer at your local 'Careers Office' !
I've had the good fortune to be a sometime correspondent with Ned over the last couple of years and he is kind enough to allow me to use/reproduce certain of his pieces once he has had them published and been paid for them.
So, with the above in mind, please see here book reviews of a number of books which you may have already seen or bought. You will note that a number of them cover books by our very own Ron Young.
Enjoy.
--------------------------------------------------------
A Selection of Book Reviews By
Ned Middleton
The Comprehensive Guide to
Shipwrecks of the East Coast
Vol. One (1766-1917)
ISBN: 0-7524-2764-4
Ron Young
Tempus Publishing Ltd
RRP: £17:99
Once again Ron Young is onto a winner.
Many people will know that Ron Young is an acknowledged expert on shipwrecks in addition to being a scuba diver of many years experience. His one outstanding ability, however, is to produce book after book containing exactly the sort of information which scuba divers and others with an interest in shipwrecks are keen to learn.
Following the already well-established format of previous books in this series, Mr Young sets out to provide a catalogue of all known ships stranded or lost along the east coast of England from Scarborough to Skegness between the years 1766-1917. I can only suggest that every Scuba Diver who frequents this stretch of coastline - either frequently or occasionally, will want to buy this book and they will be very sorry they did not do so once it becomes out of print.
Commencing with an introduction, we then find the Author’s customary (and very useful!) “how to use this book.” The stretch of coastline in question is then divided into 6 consecutive chapters, a fascinating insight into the German Medal - the “Blue Max” and details of 50 German Submarines from the period in question.
“Shipwrecks of the East Coast (Vol. 1)” is a paperback book measuring 9½ in x 6½ in and contains a good number of historic images of various ships. Whilst one would always like to see more, the book covers that period in time when cameras were not as widely available as they are today. More importantly, as far as scuba divers are concerned, the information given by the author is exactly what we need to know in order to (a) locate the subject vessel and (b) understand exactly what we are likely to find as he moves from shipwreck to shipwreck along the coast.
In short, this book is all you require before embarking on any serious project involving those shipwrecks detailed within it’s pages.
NM
----------------------------------------------------------
The Diver’s Comprehensive Guide to
The Farnes & Holy Island
ISBN: 0-95412-380-8
Ron Young
RRP: £15:00
This author knows his stuff.
Ron Young is an acknowledged expert on shipwrecks in addition to being a scuba diver of many years experience. His one outstanding ability, however, is to expertly combine these two attributes in book after book containing exactly the sort of information which scuba divers and others with similar interests are keen to know.
Following his well-established customary format, Mr Young sets out to provide a catalogue of the better known dive sites of the Farnes and Holy Island with more than adequate detail. The result is a book which is a must for every Scuba Diver who visits this stretch of coastline - either frequently or occasionally, and they will be very sorry they did not buy a copy once it is out of print.
“The Diver’s Comprehensive Guide to The Farnes and Holy Island” is a paperback book measuring 8¼” x 5¾” containing plenty of maps and B&W photographs - including several of historic ships. Four sections within the book are devoted to colour photography and a fifth is devoted to colour artwork. Commencing with a personal introduction, we are then treated to a very useful section about the coastal villages of Bamburgh, Seahouses and Beadnell - containing exactly the sort of information any visitor would want to know. Next up is the story of the MV “Yewglen” and already we are down to cases. What follows is a more than adequate description of the diving on offer plus something about local bird-life and even a few local recipes.
Most importantly, as far as scuba divers are concerned, the information given by the author is exactly what we need to know in order to plan and execute any trip to this area successfully.
Signed copies of this book may be obtained direct from the Author at <<[email protected]>>.
NM
----------------------------------------------------------
Historic Shipwrecks -
Discovered, Protected and Investigated
Valerie Fenwick & Alison Gale
ISBN: 0-7524-1473-9
Tempus Publishing
RRP: £14:99
A very "readable" account of an important topic.
Valerie Fenwick comes to this work as an archaeologist and editor of the International Journal of Nautical Archaeology. Alison Gale is described as specialising in maritime heritage management and an author. My first impression, therefore was that these two co-authors had the right background to produce a book about those vessels which they describe as Britain’s most important shipwrecks. As always, when tackling any work produced by academics, I was worried whether or not the ordinary layman would understand the content. Those fears, however, were soon proved groundless and I found much of the content to be an excellent “read.”
Historic Shipwrecks - is a paper-back book measuring 9½” x 6¾” in which the authors detail the history and subsequent fate of 47 designated and protected shipwrecks. The book has been skilfully put together in a very easy-to-follow manner. Commencing with a map of the British Isles showing the approximate location of each site, preface and list of illustrations, we then find that most useful item of “How to use this book” followed by an informative introduction. Having sets the scene with vitally important background information, it is time to get down to cases.
The main body of the book is thoughtfully divided into various chapters which link certain shipwrecks together. The first of these, for example, is called “Untold Voyages” - so named because the four oldest wreck sites in the UK have no story because the vessels themselves have no name. In this way, we are able to compare like with like as we read the history and fate of the Amsterdam in one section and the story of the Resurgam in another.
Well illustrated throughout, there is something on almost every page ranging from historic photographs, drawings, maps, artefacts and a number of underwater photographs. Perhaps this is a book which every diver should own - because they will only wish they had purchased a copy once it is out of print.
NM
----------------------------------------------------------
Shipwrecks of Kent
Anthony Lane
ISBN: 0-7524-1720-7
Tempus Publishing
RRP: £9:99
A Photographic Journey through Time at Sea.
Ever wondered about the wreck of the Umbria off the coast of Port Sudan still carrying over 360,000 bombs of WW2 vintage? Well, you will not find any reference to that ship in this book - but you find a very rare photograph of a ship with a very similar cargo which resides at the entrance to the River Medway.
From modern-day Cruise Liners and Super-tankers to historic sailing ships such as the magnificent Preussen - with her incredible 5 square-rigged masts all fitted with 6 sails, this book is a collection of photographs of the most outstanding ships to have been lost off the coast of Kent.
Shipwrecks of Kent is a paperback book measuring 9¼” x 6½.” Commencing with a chart detailing the Thames Estuary from as far north as Harwich to as far south as Dungerness, we are then treated to an introduction in which the author sets out his philosophy for writing the book. These are followed by an excellent collection of historic photographs divided into 4 broad areas of interest; North Kent Coast, Goodwin Sands, East Kent Coast and Kent Lifeboats.
This is not a book from which the reader will learn much about any vessel - but it is an excellent source of photographs which has been skilfully compiled. I would suggest this book is a “must” for anyone with an interest in the shipwrecks of Kent and will provide many a starting point for those intent on further investigation. After all, in many cases all the photographic research is already done!
A very competent piece of work.
NM
-----------------------------------------------------------
Shipwrecks of Ireland
Edward J Bourke
ISBN: 0-7524-1764-9
Tempus Publishing
RRP: £10:99
Another photographic journey through time at sea.
Once again we are treated to a photographic collection of ships - both ancient and modern and the only thing that binds them together is that, in this instance, they were all wrecked off the coast of Ireland.
From classic ships of yesteryear, the warships of two world wars and modern-day freighters this book is a collection of photographs of the most outstanding vessels to have been lost off the coast of Ireland. In one instance we see an aerial photograph of over 40 captured U-Boats - later to be deliberately sunk offshore, in another we are looking at the proud lines of a four-masted schooner and in yet another we find the very modern wrecking of a very modern ship.
Shipwrecks of Ireland is a paperback book measuring 9¼” x 6½.” Commencing with a wreck chart of the whole island, the book is neatly laid out with chapters in which the excellent collection of historic photographs are divided into the broad areas of; North East, East, South East, Cork, West, Wartime, Gallant Rescues, Salvage and finally an impressive display of fascinating artefacts from just about everywhere.
As with similar titles from these Publishers covering other coastlines, this is not a book from which the reader will learn much about any vessel. It is, however, an excellent source of photographs which has been skilfully compiled and, for that reason alone, is a “must” for anyone with an interest in the shipwrecks of Ireland and will provide many a starting point for those engaged in further investigation. After all, much of the photographic research is already completed!
A very competent piece of work.
NM
----------------------------------------------------------
Into the Maelstrom:
The Wreck of HMHS Rohilla
Colin Brittain
ISBN: 0-7524-2384-3
Tempus Publishing
£12:99
Another excellent publication from Tempus
His Majesty’s Hospital Ship Rohilla is Whitby’s most famous shipwreck and this is her story. In October 1914, the Rohilla sailed from Leith on a mercy mission to Dunkirk for a rendezvous with wounded and dying soldiers. That particular appointment with death, however, was soon changed for another when, at 0400 hrs on 29 October 1914 the Rohilla ran hard aground on Saltwick Nab and was lost. This tragic accident happened in the midst of a fierce gale which lasted for several days during which time 85 people lost their lives. It says much for the gallant RNLI that 6 Lifeboats were used in these most treacherous circumstances and between them rescued 146 people. This is especially so when one learns that the Lifeboat John Fielden was damaged each time she set out and was eventually abandoned in an irreparable condition. No fewer that 3 RNLI Gold Medals and 4 Silver Medals were subsequently awarded.
“Into the Maelstrom - The Wreck of HMHS Rohilla” contains all, the information anyone with an interest in this ship would wish to know. The book measures a little over 9” x 6” and is well thought out with chapters on Allied Hospital Ships of WW1, the Barnoldswick connection, the loss of the ship itself, the Lifeboat Henry Vernon, inquest proceedings, funerals, an epilogue, memoriam and finally exploring the wreck. The book is then neatly finished off with Appendices listing the names of all survivors, those who cared for them, the Lifeboats involved, and a final section under the general subject of Hospital Ships containing no fewer than 21 historic photographs of good and great ships from yesterday.
Altogether a very competent piece of work and one which is of immense interest to everyone with a knowledge of this particular vessel - especially those who are able to visit the wreck today.
NM
----------------------------------------------------------
The Bull & The Barriers - The Wrecks of Scapa Flow
Lawson Wood
ISBN: 0-7524-1753-3
Tempus Publishing
RRP: £15:99
Something “very” different on a well known subject
Lawson Wood is a man after my own Heart - always looking to provide those of us with an interest in Scuba Diving and Shipwrecks with yet more information.
The Bull and the Barriers - The Wrecks of Scapa Flow is paperback, measuring 9¾ in x 6¾ in and contains over 120 pages of information and dialogue presented in an easy-to-read style. The real “treasure,” however, is found in the numerous previously unpublished postcards and photographs showing British and German ships throughout that period before during and after the internment of the German High Sea Fleet, right up to 1939 when the Royal Oak was lost. These pictures alone provide an amazing insight into what life was like in what was - according to one sailor’s poem reproduced in the book, a little loved posting.
As with the rest if the book, a great deal of thought went into the title - which is derived from two elements of Scapa’s past that are forever enshrined in the Naval History of our nation. The U-Boat that sank the Royal Oak was U-47 and her motif was that of a snorting Bull. Of course, the Barriers designed to prevent any repeat occurrence are legendary in themselves.
Many readers will be surprised that Lawson Wood has produced a book that is not aimed primarily at the Scuba Diver and may even criticise this work for lacking in diving detail - but diving detail was never the purpose. This book will be of immense interest to anyone studying the historical aspects of Scapa Flow as well as anyone contemplating a dive in these northern climes. For me, personally, this book has added considerably to the factual information on my own bookshelf and I see myself returning to it’s pages time and again in the years to come.
In short, this is the sort of book that everyone will wish they had bought - when it’s out of print!
NM
---------------------------------------------------------
The Comprehensive Guide to
Shipwrecks of the North East Coast
Vol. One (1740-1917)
ISBN: 0-7524-1749-5
Ron Young
Tempus Publishing Ltd
RRP: £15:99
This is a book which achieves everything it sets out to achieve.
Ron Young is an acknowledged expert on shipwrecks and a scuba diver of many years experience. In this book he has set out to provide a catalogue of all those ships known be have been stranded or lost along the north east coast of England from Whitby to Berwick-upon-Tweed between the years 1740-1917. For any historian, shipwreck enthusiast or scuba diver with an interest in any (or all!) of these ships then Mr Young has provided a collection of excellent “start-points” for each of these wrecks.
Commencing with an introduction in which he includes an item on “how to use this book,” we are then treated to a brief history of the U-Boat up to 1918. Having thus set the scene, the coastline is then divided into 8 consecutive chapters followed by a list of all 164 shipwrecks covered by the book.
“Shipwrecks of the North East Coast (Vol. 1)” is a paperback book measuring 9½ in x 6½ in. The book containing a good number of historic images of various ships and, although one would always like to see more, the book covers that period in time when cameras were not as widely available as they are today. More importantly, as far as scuba divers are concerned, the information given by the author is exactly what we need to know in order to (a) locate the subject vessel and (b) understand exactly what we are likely to find as he moves from shipwreck to shipwreck along the coast.
In short, this book is all you require before embarking on any serious project involving those shipwrecks detailed within it’s pages.
NM
-----------------------------------------------------------
The Comprehensive Guide to
Shipwrecks of the North East Coast
Vol. Two (1918 -2000)
ISBN: 0-7524-1750-9
Ron Young
Tempus Publishing Ltd
RRP: £15:99
And now the task is complete.
Ron Young is an acknowledged expert on shipwrecks and a scuba diver of many years experience. In Vol. 1 of this book he set out to provide a catalogue of all those ships known be have been stranded or lost along the north east coast of England from Whitby to Berwick-upon-Tweed between the years 1740-1917. Now he concludes the project with a similar work covering the years 1918-2000. Finally, therefore, we have all the information we require for this stretch of coastline.
For any historian, shipwreck enthusiast or scuba diver with an interest in any (or all!) of these ships then Mr Young has provided a collection of excellent “start-points” for each subject shipwreck.
Commencing with an introduction in which he includes that very useful item on “how to use this book,” we are then treated to a brief history of the U-Boat from 1918. Having thus set the scene, the coastline is once again divided into 8 consecutive chapters followed by a list of the over 200 shipwrecks covered by the book.
“Shipwrecks of the North East Coast (Vol. 2)” is a paperback book measuring 9½ in x 6½ in. Not as many photographs as I might have preferred - but this is a book about information - and that information is all there. More importantly, as far as scuba divers are concerned, the author tells us exactly what we need to know in order to (a) locate the subject vessel and (b) understand exactly what we are likely to find as he moves from shipwreck to shipwreck along the coast.
In short, this book is all you require before embarking on any serious project involving those shipwrecks detailed within it’s pages.
NM
