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| Beware the Grey Widow-Maker |
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ISBN: 978-1-883283-32-2
Author:
Bernard Edwards
Binding:
Hardcover Trade
Pages:
412
Trim Size:
6x9
Width:
1.25
Foreign Language:
English
Illustrations:
B/W Photos/Drawings
Publication Date:
1/1/04
Distributor:
National Book Network, B&T
Type:
Nonfiction
Printing:
First Printing
Price: $29.95
Title pending
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This book follows the changing pattern of man's fortunes at sea, from the golden age of sail, through the proud years when steam reigned supreme, to the present day, when the flag of convenience rules the waves. It tells of triumphs and disasters, some recent, some long forgotten, and illustrates how, contrary to all expectations, the fine art of seamanship has withered and died with the advent of advanced technology.
On deck, in the ghostly light of the blue distress flares set off by the ship's gunner, John Archbold, the surviving troops, many of them half-naked, lunged wild-eyed in all directions. Women and children screamed, horses neighed and kicked, and all the while the stricken ship swung to and fro, grinding horribly on the rock that held her transfixed. It seemed absolute panic was about to take hold, until Major Alexander Sefton drew his sword and stepped into the pages of the history books. Calling on the troops to hold fast, Sefton, with the aid of his officers and NCOs, fell the men in on deck as though they were on a routine parade. Historians have long romanticised over this scene, portraying the troops in full uniform, drawn up in tight ranks and with fife and drum sounding defiance to the sea. In reality, the ranks were ragged, the men only partly clothed-some even naked-and all half-crazed with fear. Yet Sefton held them. With order restored, Captain Salmond was able to begin the evacuation of the ship. First priority was given to the women and children, who were taken off in one of the quarter boats already in the water. The second quarter boat was then brought alongside and one of the gigs successfully launched. Within a matter of minutes, the three boats were pulling away from the ship carrying eighty survivors. The boats were heavily laden, but the sea was still calm and they were in no danger." HMS Birkenhead -1852
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