The 'Coastal Forces' Series
An insight into the world of those who fought in motor gun and torpedo boats during the Second World War. These were light, powerful yet vulnerable craft that did battle in the worst conditions. In writing this series I hope to convey something of the extremes and contrasts of life in an often neglected conflict.
Hellfire CornerAutumn 1941 and a fierce war rages amid the treacherous waters of the Dover Strait. It is fought by the gun and torpedo boats of Britain’s Coastal Forces: fast, frail vessels that do battle against the best of Germany’s Kriegsmarine including the notorious E.Boats.
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The 'Fighting Sail' Series
The ‘Fighting Sail’ Series gives an insight into the world of the seamen and naval officers who fought during the Revolutionary War, a chance to experience an exciting period of history, to view the men and the ships, and sample the extremes of life at sea.
His Majesty's ShipIn the spring of 1795 HMS Vigilant, a 64 gun ship-of-the-line, is about to leave Spithead as senior escort to a small, seemingly innocent, convoy
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The Jackass FrigateDecember 1796. Fresh from the dockyard, HMS Pandora is a 28-gun frigate, about to set sail to join the Mediterranean Fleet.
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True ColoursWhile Great Britain's major home fleets are immobilised by a vicious mutiny, Adam Duncan, commander of the North Sea Squadron, has to maintain a constant watch over the Dutch coast.
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Cut and RunDisillusioned by the lack of opportunity in the Royal Navy, Lieutenant King opts for a spell with the Honourable East India Company.
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The Patriot's FateIreland rises up against years of repression and and two friends and former allies, separated by chance and circumstance, witness developments from opposing sides.
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The Torrid ZoneA tired ship with a worn out crew, but HMS Scylla has one more trip to make before her much-postponed re-fit.
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The Scent of CorruptionSummer 1803: The uneasy peace with France is over and Sir Richard Banks is appointed to HMS Prometheus, a seventy-four gun line-of-battleship
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HMS PrometheusWith Britain under the threat of invasion, HMS Prometheus is needed to reinforce Nelson's ships blockading the French off Toulon.
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The Blackstrap StationChristmas 1803, although the group of shipwrecked Royal Navy seamen have anything but festivities in mind.
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Honour BoundSatisfied that he has forged HMS Kestrel into a formidable weapon, Commander King is keen to take her to sea once more.
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Sealed OrdersKing finds himself despatched on an urgent deep-sea mission so secret only sealed orders will reveal the final objective.
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Sea TrialsHMS Mistral has emerged from a major refit, but will King get back in time to assume command
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Lone EscortThe North Atlantic in spring is a perilous place and, with a valuable convoy to protect
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The Seeds of WarFor many years oppressive trade sanctions have soured Britain’s relations with the newly formed United States
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On the Barbary CoastAfter four exhausting years on the North American Station, HMS Tenacious is finally heading home, but their journey is broken by a strange encounter.
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Other Work
In addition to the ‘Fighting Sail’ series I have other work for which further information is available from the links below.
Turn a Blind EyeAutumn, 1801. Newly appointed to the local revenue cutter, Commander Griffin is determined to make his mark.
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The Guinea Boat1803. The story of two young lads, and the diverse paths they take to make a living on the water.
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Subcategories
Book Reviews
Some of the reviews by people who have read my novels: