Quiet Courage
Forgotten Heroes of World War Two
by
Tony Matthews
TO ORDER THIS BOOK PLEASE GO TO THE PUBLISHER'S LINK AT
https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/books/quiet-courage/
They wanted neither fame nor glory. They were quiet, intelligent, introspective people who shunned the limelight, enjoyed solitude or just the company of a few close friends. They were men and women whose compassion for others manifested itself in many unobtrusive ways. Few of them believed that they would one day be thrust into a situation where they would have to choose between saving the lives of others or simply walking away and saving their own.
Yet when the challenges came - usually terrifying challenges - not one could ignore the terrible dangers confronting them. Not one could abrogate their responsibilities to others. They simply took whatever action was needed to do the right thing, to save lives, to create a better world, even if it meant giving their own lives to achieve that goal.
This is the story of just a few of the most spontaneously courageous men and women of the Second World War. They came from all walks of life - farmers, businessmen, teachers, nurses or farmhands. One was a young Newcastle coal miner named Adam Wakenshaw, who, as a lad, had experienced a difficult life but when the chips were down and his trial by fire came, he stood the test of blood, pain and pure courage, purchasing the lives of his mates by selling his own dearly.
Another was a plucky stewardess, Elizabeth May Owen, who demonstrated such immediate gallantry in the face of imminent death that her actions deserve never to be forgotten. Apart from some adoring locals in her home town of Fishguard, Wales, few people today have ever heard of May Owen. She lived quietly and carried on her life almost as if she were invisible, but she was one of the true heroes of the Second World War.
Then there was a young apprentice named Donald Owen Clarke. His name is commemorated in his home town of Chester-le-Street in County Durham, England, but among the wider community he too has largely been forgotten. Yet Donald, barely out of school at the time of his tragic death, demonstrated to his shipmates aboard the ill-fated fuel tanker San Emiliano that there was only one good way to die and that was by giving hope and life to others. In fact, Donald's death in the grey waters of the Atlantic Ocean was characterised by such an astonishing feat of courage, endurance and selflessness that today it seems almost beyond belief.
And if one is seeking a story of typical English sang froid, then it would be impossible to ignore the almost insolent gallantry of Kentish farmer Gilbert Mitchell and his family who, daily thumbing their noses at death, casually continued farming on top of the White Cliffs of Dover during four years of fierce bombardment from Hitler's long-range guns situated just twenty miles away across the English Channel at Calais. Strafed by machine-guns, blasted by German bombers and forced to shelter beneath their tractors as the massive shells rained down from France, the Mitchell family remained determined to keep farming so that they could help to feed the people of war-ravaged Britain, no matter what the cost.
Quiet Courage – Forgotten Heroes of World War Two, is a book about quietude, thoughtfulness, intelligent actions and above all, an enviable capacity for bravery and selflessness under impossibly dangerous circumstances.
Here are some great review written by readers:
Tom Butterick
Hello Tony,
I just wanted to thank you for bringing to life the story of HMT Lady Shirley. My great Grandad, George Wyatt was the Chief Engineman. The account you have made in Quiet Courage is fascinating, enlightening and very stirring. I shall never cease to be in awe of those men and indeed the men of U-111. Your chapter in Quiet Courage about the Lady Shirley was enormously illuminating. I have read other accounts elsewhere but nothing so complete and detailed. In the photograph George is standing in the centre, wearing a dark shirt and cap. I've looked at that picture many times over the years with awe and wonder! It was fascinating to learn more about Lt Cdr Arthur Callaway and other members of the crew. Also I was completely unaware of the subsequent intelligence haul and much of the information you discussed about U-111; its crew and missions.
Lieutenant Commander Arthur Henry Callaway, reading the signal of congratulations sent by Winston Churchill to the ship's company of the Lady Shirley following the sinking of U-111. Courtesy of the Australian War Memorial.
Accession number P07618.002
Though as a lad I was vaguely aware that my great grandad was mentioned in despatches (it was quite a big deal for our family!) before being tragically killed in the war, it wasn't until much later that I endeavoured to discover more about George, HMT Lady Shirley and the Royal Naval Patrol Service or Harry Tates' Navy. So I was amazed to learn what happened in October 1941, such an incredible story. Imagine a Hull trawler steaming past the Ark Royal through the harbour at Gibraltar to a heroes' welcome! I hope those men felt great pride and satisfaction, I'm sure they did.
Thanks again Tony.
A terrific book that covered so many stories that were unknown but just heroic in their nature. Because of the chapter format per story, you can really dive in and take on a story at a time. The Wing-Walker story was just incredible. This is a book to share, to re-read, and then re-read, and then share again.
Bottom line: Yes. I would recommend to a friend.
Reviewed by Swar3000, Sydney.
Bottom line: Yes. I would recommend to a friend.
Reviewed by Swar3000, Sydney.
I bought this for my Dad for his birthday. He absolutely loved it. He said it was so well written and easy to read.
Yes, I would recommend to a friend.
Reviewed by LMH, Fraser Coast, Queensland.
Yes, I would recommend to a friend.
Reviewed by LMH, Fraser Coast, Queensland.