All Brave Soldiers: The Sinking of the Anglo-Saxon, August 21, 1940

By J. Revell Carr. Simon & Schuster, 2004. ISBN 0-7432-3837-0.

Famed British author Douglas Reeman wrote: “Heroism and horror, the two widest extremes of survival at sea, yet how narrow the margin of safety between them.” Heroism and horror both mark the wartime sinking of the freighter Anglo-Saxon Aug. 21, 1940, in the Atlantic off the west coast of Africa.

All Brave Sailors is J. Revell Carr’s superb first book, a dramatic tale of tragedy, survival, and a war crimes trial. Carr is a former naval officer, a former director of Mystic Seaport, and an expert on maritime history.

Carr describes the sinking of the British cargo vessel Anglo-Saxon by a heavily armed German surface raider, the Widder, in the early days of World War II. Only seven of the Anglo-Saxon’s 41 crewmen survived the sinking, escaping in the ship’s 18-foot jolly boat. After sailing 70 days across nearly 3,000 miles of the Atlantic, the jolly boat finally landed in the Bahamas with only two sailors left alive, Able Seamen Bob Tapscott and Roy Widdecombe.

The narrative brings the two ships together on that fateful night, when the Widder, disguised as a neutral Swedish ship, snuck up on the Anglo-Saxon and opened up with an overwhelming barrage of gunfire. The chaos and destruction were complete, no distress signal was sent, and the Anglo-Saxon sank quickly. The German raider then machine-gunned the sailors who had survived the sinking and gotten into life rafts.

The raider sailed away, thinking there were no survivors.

Much of Carr’s story is about the heroic ordeal of the seven surviving sailors who escaped in the small jolly boat but were plagued by thirst, starvation, injuries, fatigue, and madness. Carr also describes the curious voyage of the Widder and the audacious tactics and leadership of the ship’s commander, Capt. Hellmuth von Ruckteschell, a World War I submariner. He concludes with von Ruckteschell’s war crimes trial and conviction and the unexpected and poignant fates of both Tapscott and Widdecombe.

This is a marvelous story of war at sea, leadership, and survival in a time when merchant mariners dreaded the fateful message that a ship was “gravely overdue and must be presumed lost.”

Sea of Glory: America’s Voyage of Discovery, The U.S. Exploring Expedition, 1838–1842

By Nathaniel Philbrick. Viking, 2003. ISBN 0-670-03231-X.

In the 1830s, America’s frontier was not the Great Plains or the Rocky Mountains—it was the sea. From 1838 to 1842, the U.S. Exploring Expedition was the first official government-sponsored voyage of discovery and “the last all-sail naval squadron to circumnavigate the world.”

Sea of Glory is Nathaniel Philbrick’s remarkable story of an unusual voyage, commanded by a man who would be court-martialed upon the expedition’s successful return. Philbrick is the award-winning author of In the Heart of the Sea (Viking, 2000), the gruesome tale of the fate of the whale ship Essex in 1819.

In Sea of Glory, he offers a grand drama of scientific discovery, bizarre leadership, and poor seamanship. He vividly describes the epic voyage with its harsh living conditions, storms, and mishaps, as well as its scientific collections. Philbrick expertly captures the essence of command at sea—the great burden of responsibility a captain has to his officers, crews, ships, and mission. And as Philbrick clearly shows, not every naval officer is well-suited for such a demanding position.

Commissioned by President Andrew Jackson, the U.S. Exploring Expedition consisted of six naval vessels, 346 men, and nine scientists and artists. The expedition was commanded by Lt. Charles Wilkes, an ambitious man who got the assignment only after more senior officers refused it. As Philbrick reveals, Wilkes probably was not the best man for the job. Although he was a competent surveyor and amateur scientist, he was no seaman, and his leadership style was marked by his extreme vanity, insecurity, cruelty, and arrogance.

Wilkes was tasked with exploring the oceans of the southern hemisphere, charting Pacific islands, surveying the coasts of Oregon and Washington, and finding the continent Antarctica. During the four-year voyage, he and his men did all that and more, including charting 1,500 miles of Antarctica’s coast and returning with more than 40 tons of artifacts and plant and animal specimens.

Unfortunately, the expedition’s scientific achievements were overshadowed by Wilkes’ bizarre behavior. He was roundly hated for mistreating his officers badly. He was court-martialed for illegally whipping his men, for slaughtering Fijian islanders, and for lying about his discovery of the Antarctic continent. He countercharged four officers, and Philbrick describes the political and legal intrigues of all these courts-martial.

Philbrick has done a masterful job of storytelling. His narrative is exciting, filled with action and suspense. Although Wilkes’ efforts are little known today, his voyage of discovery greatly aided mariners and scientists and expanded America’s influence in commerce and political stature. This story also proves that “no one will ever civilize the sea.”

— Reviews by William D. Bushnell

Member Books

NON-FICTION

FICTION

Meditation in Motion: Exercise Your Body and Soul at the Same Time! By Mrs. Barbara Bartocci.
This book is for every active retired person who wants to stay as healthy as possible and realizes that good health is more than physical. We are like three-legged stools—body-mind-spirit—and if any one of the three legs is missing, we’ll feel unbalanced. Bartocci interviewed more than 50 people of all ages, from all walks of life, and with all levels of physical fitness and ability. She talked to people who cycle, skydive, and hike the Appalachian Trail. Those who walk the mall, swim laps at the “Y”, ski, fish, dance, and float. All kinds of people who enjoy a particular sport, exercise, or activity and who found, sometimes without intention, that it opened them to deeper spiritual dimensions in their lives. Her stories are rich with encouragement and inspiration.
Sorin Books, P.O. Box 1006, Notre Dame, IN 46556-1006. (800) 282-1865. www.avemariapress.com. ISBN 1-893732-62-2.186 pp. $12.95 plus postage.

America the Vulnerable: How Our Government Is Failing to Protect Us from Terrorism. By Cmdr. Stephen Flynn, USCG-Ret.
In this powerful book, Flynn offers a startling portrait of the radical shortcomings in America’s current plan for homeland security. He describes a frightening scenario of what the next major terrorist attack might look like, revealing the immense havoc and loss of life it would leave in its wake. We also see exactly why so little progress has been made in protecting our nation and preparing for the worst. Finally, Flynn carefully outlines a bold yet practical plan for achieving security in a way that is safe and smart, effective and manageable. In a new world of heightened risk and fear, Flynn delivers a timely, forceful message that cannot be ignored.
Harper Collins Publishers, 10 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022-5299. (212) 207-7000. www.harpercollins.com. ISBN 0-06-057128-4. 220 pp. $25.95 plus postage.

Separated At Birth: How North Korea Became the Evil Twin. By Lt. Col. Gordon Cucullu, USA-Ret.
Separated at Birth addresses North Korea’s 20th century history, its separation from South Korea, as well as its place in the East and its relation to China, the United States, and Japan. Cucullu discusses our options, both military and diplomatic, and fills in gaps in our knowledge so that we can be better prepared to deal with a nation easily described as a “rogue” one.
The Lyons Press, Box 480, 246 Goose Lane, Guilford, CT 06437. (203) 458-4500. www.lyonspress.com. ISBN 1-59228-591-0. 352 pp. $24.95 plus postage.

Colonel J.F. Hamtramck, His Life and Times, Volume Two (1783-1791): Frontier Major. By Lt. Col. William L. Otten Jr., USAF-Ret.
Col. John Francis Hamtramck is a forgotten hero from a forgotten period of American history. In 1787, at the head of 90 men, Major Hamtramck became the first American commander at Vincennes, the westernmost extension of U.S. power. As a career officer in the post-Revolution army he played a major role in the Indian battles of the 1790s. On November 3, 1791, he saved all that was left of the U.S. Army after Indians ambushed Maj. Gen. Arthur St. Clair’s army of 1,400 men. In August 1794 Lieutenant Colonel Hamtramck led the left wing to victory at the Battle of Fallen Timbers. When the British relinquished Fort Lernolt in 1796, Hamtramck became the first American commander at Detroit. Later that year, he ranked as the senior officer on active duty, second in command only to Brig. Gen. James Wilkinson, a man who had sworn allegiance to Spain in 1787. Promoted to colonel in 1802, he remained second in command of the Army until his death in 1803.
Published by the author, P.O. 1488, Port Aransas, TX 78373-1488. (361) 749-5855. Bumppo2000@The-I.Net. ISBN 0-9657423-1-8. 477 pp. $24.95 plus postage.

A Victor, Not a Butcher: Ulysses S. Grant’s Overlooked Military Genius. By Edward H. Bonekemper III.
Bonekemper identifies the elements of Grant’s successes as a general and traces his unparalleled record. He explains how as a military strategist and leader, Grant surpassed his much-lionized rival, Robert E. Lee. Bonekemper proves how it is no historical accident that Grant accepted the surrender of three entire Confederate armies. Bonekemper’s extensive research an analysis also explores the paradoxes of Grant’s early years and his struggles in civilian life – particularly the allegations of alcoholism – personal battles that led his contemporaries to underestimate him and allowed him to fall victim to pro-Lee historians and Southern partisans.
Regnery Publishing Inc., One Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001. (202) 216-0600. www.regnery.com. ISBN 0-89526-062-X. 456 pp. $27.95 plus postage.

Air Force: Official Service Journal of the U.S. Army Air Forces. With an introduction by Capt. Bernard W. Peterson, USMCR-Ret.
Our armed forces were dispersed worldwide during WWII. Air Force, the official service journal of the U.S. Army Air Forces, was the primary medium for the exchange of ideas and information among Army Air Force personnel worldwide. This book presents accurate facsimiles of six issues, January through June 1943, as Series One, with an introduction by Capt. Bernard W. Peterson, USMCR-Ret. who served in the Pacific Theater of operation in each of the five years of this conflict, both in the Navy as a sailor on three aircraft carriers and later as a Marine fighter pilot flying F4U Corsair fighter aircraft. Very few copies of Air Force were brought home and few therefore survived these 50 years It is believed that the re-issuing of Air Force will find wide acceptance and interest to all who served during WWII, especially historians, writers, and the average G.I. who served in every theater of conflict.
Chuckwalla Publishing, 27015 N. 92nd Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85255. (480) 585-4868. spudcorsair@hotmail.com. ISBN 0-9631875-1-1. 240 pp. $22.95 plus postage.

War in Pacific Skies. By Maj. Gen. Charlie Cooper, USAF-Ret. and Ann Cooper.
War in Pacific Skies chronicles the most famous air engagements of World War II’s Pacific Theater of Operations, using a fusion of art and history. This beautifully illustrated book contains original artwork, previously unpublished photographs, full-color maps an numerous personal accounts that take the reader through some of the most dramatic events of World War II history.
MBI Publishing Company, 380 Jackson Street, Suite 200 St. Paul, MN 55101-3885. (651) 287-5000. www.motorbooks.com. ISBN 0-7603-1189-7. 192 pp. $39.95 plus postage.

Alaska’s Hidden Wars: Secret Campaigns on the North Pacific Rim. By Col. Otis Hays Jr., USAR-Ret.
On the eve of World War II, the national interests of Japan, the United States, and the Soviet Union collided in the North Pacific. Alaska’s Hidden Wars tells the story of this war – a story of savage weather, isolation, and sacrifice. It is a fast-moving history that brings declassified archival sources to light and draws the reader into the lonely, bitter war fought in the North Pacific.
The University of Alaska Press, P.O. Box 756240-UAF, Fairbanks, AK 99775-6240. (888) 252-6657. www.uaf.edu/uapress. ISBN 1-889963-64-X. 200 pp. $39.95 plus postage.

Marksmanship in the U.S. Army: A History of Medals, Shooting Programs, and Training. By Lt. Col. William K. Emerson, USA-Ret.
Featuring hundreds of black-and-white illustrations of marksmanship medals, prizes, and badges, plus a special full-color section, this encyclopedia of U.S. Army shooting awards and training program rewards is a must-have for military historians and collectors. Emerson details weapons training from the 1850’s to the present, gathering this information for the first time in a single volume. Emerson integrates discussion of the criteria, people, and rational behind each award into this historical account.
University of Oklahoma Press, 4100 28th Avenue, NW, Norman, Oklahome 73069-8218. (405) 325-2000. www.oupress.com. ISBN 0-8061-3575-1. 264 pp. $64.95 plus postage

FICTION

Sub Chaser. By Capt. Edward M. Brittingham, USN-Ret.
Their mission is to hunt, track, and if necessary kill enemy submarines and surface ships. Known as “Sub Chasers”, these American Naval flight crews are in the air 24/7 flying their P-3 Orions keeping our country safe. This is the riveting story of Orion Squadron Commander Edward M. Brittingham, a tale of warfare at sea and the air wing branch of the U.S. Navy.
ASW Press, 2956 Hathaway Road, Unit 1109, Richmond, VA 23225. (804) 560-3306. vpnavy.org/brittingham/order_subchaser.html. ISBN 0-9727859-2-2. 256 pp. $16.95 plus postage.

Out of the Ashes. By Capt. Skip Allen, USAF-Ret.
Allen weaves a fictional thriller that poses a chilling response to the questions: Will al Qaida attack the U.S. again? Will the government be able to put the pieces of the intelligence puzzle together in time to stop the attack? Almost five years have passed since September 11, and al Qaida is plotting to attack the United States again. They are armed with a biological weapon of mass destruction they call the Phoenix, a new encrypted communications network, and three American terrorists who will deliver the Phoenix. Ground zero is the American heartland, and seven days remain before the July 4 zero hour. The Government’s Phoenix Task Force races against time to uncover the plot. Task force agents Matt Garret and Annie Stewart infiltrate al Qaida’s operation in Costa Rica and risk their lives to try to stop this diabolical plot before the Phoenix can rise Out of the Ashes.
iUniverse Inc., 620 North 48th Street, Suite 201 Lincoln, NE 68512. (877) 823-9235. www.iuniverse.com. ISBN 0-595-31514-3. 284 pp. $18.95 plus postage.

The Innocent Never Knew. By Cmdr. Mark W. Danielson, USNR-Ret.
A Boeing 737 crashes short of the runway during a snowstorm with U.S. Senator Sam Tinsdale on board. No one was supposed to survive. But the body count is off, and flight attendant Erica Hayes is on the run with no one to trust. Author and FedEx pilot Danielson adds a frightening dimension to political conspiracy.
Durbin House Publishing Company Inc., 7502 Greenville Avenue, Suite 500, Dallas, Texas 75231. (214) 890-4050. www.durbanhouse.com. ISBN 1-930754-49-3. 295 pp. $15.95.

Custer, Terry, and Me. By Lt. Col. G. G. Boyer, USAF-Ret.
This is a historical novel by a master storyteller. The novel offers a truly different slant which reveals a deep knowledge of the intricacies of the most famous Cavalry and Indian battle in American frontier history.
Upton and Sons Publishers, 917 Hillcrest Street, El Segundo, CA 90245. (800) 959-1876. www.uptonbooks.com. ISBN 1-59414-031-6. 235 pp. $25.95 plus postage.

Duty and Character. By Col. Jeff Freeman, USAR-Ret.
Max Scott’s early lesson in integrity cost the life of his first wife. Now this Medal of Honor recipient will face another test when a one night stand from his distant past threatens his fourth star, his second marriage, and the loss of Congressional support for the much needed M-1 tank.
Xlibris Corporation, 436 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19101. (888) 795-4274. www.xlibris.com. ISBN 1-4134-3790-7. 232 pp. $18.95 plus postage.