Hell and High Water

"Thoroughly researched and brilliantly presented. A terrific story of the Arctic Convoys of World War Two." Damien Lewis.

MARCH 1942.

After escorting relief cargoes to the besieged island of Malta, George Martin, a young telegraphist from Liverpool on board the ship HMS Virtuous, must now turn his attention to more hazardous waters.

With the Soviet Union entering the war, the crew of the Virtuous, under the command of the resolute and capable Lieutenant-Commander Harrison, is assigned escort duties for a large convoy taking vital supplies to the Russian port of Murmansk.

The route takes the Virtuous through the stormy waters of the Arctic Ocean where they soon become the prey of Luftwaffe dive-bombers, U-boats and surface ships, hellbent on stopping them at all costs.

As the battle to get the ships through rages, George, and his good friend Wally Honeyman, soon realise that the biggest threat to the convoy’s safety may not be enemy bombs and torpedoes, but the harsh Arctic weather and the sea itself.

Finding themselves castaway on a lifeboat as the storm rages around them, George and Wally must find a way to survive if they are ever to see home again.

Recommended for fans of Richard Woodman, James Holland and Alexander Fullerton.

John McKay served in the RAF before pursuing a career in the Fire & Rescue Service. He lives in Wigan.