Jutland, June 1916 the long awaited clash of the dreadnoughts as the British Grand Fleet and the German High Seas fleet square off against each other. At the end of the day the High Seas fleet is back in the Jade Estuary never to face battle again despite having sunk three British battle cruisers, one of which was the Indomitable. Five crew survived the sinking.

We trace the story of four of the crew of the Indomitable over the previous years to this summer evening. One is an Australian who has risen to become a gunnery lieutenant, under treatment for syphilis. Another a sub lieutenant from a English middle class background, in love with the Australian's wife. Steve Bundy is a professional boxer from the slums of London who enlisted in the royal marines because he refused to throw a fight. Ordinary Seaman Albert Seeley is a child of the Glasgow slums, forced to enlist to or go to prison

The choices and chances of these men's lives are explored that lead them to this point are examined. This is put against the author's knowledge of the British Navy's strengths and weaknesses of the period, and the class prejudices of the time are examined.

Ronald Bassett again manages to produce a magnificent story, credible fictional characters set on a perfectly drawn historical canvas. Five stars.

British destroyer on escort duty in the North Atlantic.
Excellent read. Highly recommended.

If you enjoy historical fiction and are interested in British military campaigns in Africa than this is a "must have" addition to your library. Historically accurate, with well-developed characters and richly described action, you will enjoy this story that traces the conflict through the eyes of four men - three Anglo and one Zulu. Through their experiences, culminating in the battle at Insandhlwana, you will gain valuable insight into British colonial history and the the circumstances of this campaign.