The Second Torpedo eBook Ilene Birkwood
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THE SECOND TORPEDO by Ilene Birkwood, survivor
A true story, written by the survivor of a U-boat attack, covers the overseas evacuation of children from Britain during WWII. The Second Torpedo is a riveting combination of personal memories, other survivor's stories, and facts long suppressed by the British War Office.
This very readable book covers life in Britain during WWII, the stories of children evacuated to other countries, and even life aboard a U-boat. It is also a mesmerizing glimpse into a child's view of war.
As a 7-year old, the author waves goodbye to her parents and sets off for Canada. At 10 pm on August 30, in mid-Atlantic, as the children lie asleep in their bunks, SS Volendam is torpedoed. Three hundred children, roused from their beds,take to the lifeboats. They go calmly, without panic or tears.
'The Captain scanned the floodlit decks and saw orderly rows of children in little life jackets marching quietly to the lifeboats. The Chief Engineer, following his gaze said, "Good god, you'd think they were off to the school picnic."
Rescued by an oil tanker the children are taken to Scotland. An eye witness said, “To see them walking past in their little orange life jackets made you feel terribly sad – until you saw their faces. They were all as cheerful as crickets.”
By an incredible act of seamanship, the captain manages to navigate SS Volendam – a ship with a 60’ hole in the bow - 200 miles to Scotland. The description of this remarkable achievement, which will impress the most jaded old salt, is based on the captain’s report to the Admiralty. On arrival in Scotland, a diver checks the damaged bow and makes a startling discovery; a discovery immediately suppressed by wartime security.
After their narrow escape, the author and her siblings are eager to go again and are scheduled to travel on SS City of Benares. Fortunately, fate intervenes again and she cannot embark. Two weeks later, SS City of Benares sails. It, too, is torpedoed but sinks within minutes and only thirteen children are saved. This heartrending tragedy is mitigated by the inspiring story of eight little boys who survive over a week in an open boat.
As the author said, "It is a strange feeling to discover, late in life, that you should have gone to a watery grave before your eighth birthday."
The Second Torpedo encompasses the stories of the children who reached other countries and life in war time Britain. Searing accounts of the London blitz 'On that first night ... fires raged across the entire horizon ... small fires turned into raging infernos ... the bombs demolished entire rows of houses. Where houses stood before, nothing but bricks, concrete and matchwood remained' are mitigated by fascinating facts of other raids. 'During the air attacks on Belfast lions, tigers, bears and wolves were put down in case they ran loose during air raids. However, a kind-hearted elderly lady adopted a baby elephant called Sheila and kept her in her back garden for several months until the raids were over.'
During the Battle of Britain, the Royal Air Force pilots, out-numbered three to one, although totally exhausted carried on. 'One airborne pilot when asked for assistance by another fighter, answered, "Sorry old boy, I've got three ME 109s on me. Don't worry though, I've got them surrounded." '
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The Second Torpedo is easy reading. Full of well-researched facts and anecdotes, it is an enjoyable and insightful book. War, so traumatic for adults, can be an exciting adventure for children.
Ilene Birkwood, born in England, enjoyed a long career in the computer industry in California. She now lives in the Pacific Northwest.
She is the author of "Stress for Success" and two mystery novels set in New Zealand "Suddenly Silence" and "Deadly Deception". Another mystery will be released later this year.
The Second Torpedo eBook Ilene Birkwood
Ilene Birkwood has written an account of her childhood experience of being aboard a ship torpedoed by a German U-Boat in World War II. She makes no claims to heroism, but instead describes young boys and girls, of whom she was one, having a great adventure when taking to lifeboats and being rescued at sea. However, the chills start when she tells how, as an adult, she came to understand that her childhood memory was blissfully short of full understanding of the dark horrors of war. A second torpedo was lodged in the ship. If it had exploded, then she would have drowned in the frigid North Atlantic that night. Furthermore, she tells of other ships sunk and other children lost. Mixed in with the drama of her life, she adds some historical background, including Winston Churchill's war leadership, the horror of the London BLitz, and even the story of the U-Boat Captain who torpedoed her ship. This is a well-put-together story and a thought provoking look at children in wartime.Product details
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Tags : The Second Torpedo - Kindle edition by Ilene Birkwood. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading The Second Torpedo.,ebook,Ilene Birkwood,The Second Torpedo,Ascendant Publishing,BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY Historical
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The Second Torpedo eBook Ilene Birkwood Reviews
Fascinating first hand account of an attempt to transport British children at risk during the German bombing of Britain during WWII to safety in British dominions.
This was a good book , and very interesting to me as I grew up in Britain during the war and gives a lot of information our food supplies and the bombing of Britain.
Real-life experiences as told by a survivor. Goes beyond dry headlines and lets the reader see and feel how war-time events affected the children and their parents.
An amazing read and a truly riveting tale about the innocence of childhood amidst the chaos of war. Ms. Birkwood's tale of survival is a must.
I'm enjoying this book a great deal. Its an easy and engrossing read, which puts me right alongside families living, working and fighting in the midst of WWII atrocities. And seen from a child's perspective. Super book.
Ilene Birkwood has written an account of her childhood experience of being aboard a ship torpedoed by a German U-Boat in World War II. She makes no claims to heroism, but instead describes young boys and girls, of whom she was one, having a great adventure when taking to lifeboats and being rescued at sea. However, the chills start when she tells how, as an adult, she came to understand that her childhood memory was blissfully short of full understanding of the dark horrors of war. A second torpedo was lodged in the ship. If it had exploded, then she would have drowned in the frigid North Atlantic that night. Furthermore, she tells of other ships sunk and other children lost. Mixed in with the drama of her life, she adds some historical background, including Winston Churchill's war leadership, the horror of the London BLitz, and even the story of the U-Boat Captain who torpedoed her ship. This is a well-put-together story and a thought provoking look at children in wartime.
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