My uncle was on the Acasta. I have a photo of him standing on he ship before they sailed. He looked happy. He died on June 8th 1940 and was just 20 years old.

You'd only read a book like this if you had a vested interest, which I do have. It's heartbreaking to read of the bravery of these men when in reality they had no hope of survival but gave their all anyway.

If you read about this sea battle and its after effects it becomes only too obvious that something is not quite right about it. The Navy changed their story after 60 years. Why did they do that? They sealed the documents and records until 2040, hardly the mark of innocence. The consistent denial of survivor statements runs through this story.

They "lost" the radio logs of the Glorious, funny that because that would have proved what the few survivors claimed, that the distress calls were received intact.

Why were over 1000 men left in the sea for 3 days to die, there being only around 41 survivors left. None of them were picked up by British ships.

You'd have to read of Nick Carter's public shaming by the Navy to believe it. The irony is that his eventual redemption comes from the record of the battle that is released by the Germans that sunk his ship.

I am sure that this was just one of many fuck-ups in the war that have been covered up by cowards and liars. The truth of this story has only come about by the courageous effort of a few people.

Read it and weep for the bravery and futility. I wept for the uncle that I never knew. Rest in Peace Uncle Jack and thank you Nick Carter for all that you have endured and brought into the light and shame on the cowards that would besmirch brave men to hide a lie. ( )