Lifeline Across the Sea

Behind the scenes during the Second World War, agreements were negotiated for the safe exchange and repatriation of wounded or gravely ill prisoners, 'Protected Personnel', diplomats, civilians and alien internees, a little-known dimension of the war. Conducted under the oversight of the International Red Cross and through neutral intermediaries, exchanges were arranged individually between Allied nations and the Axis belligerents. A group of some 50 ships, many in special livery, were uniquely engaged in this highly dangerous work, sailing through hostile waters alone and undefended, and conspicuously illuminated at night. Constantly at risk of attack by submarine and aircraft, their safety depended on the transmission, receipt and observance of 'safe passage' commands to the armed units in their paths. This book describes these special ships and details the exchange missions they took part in.

Auteur
DAVID L. WILLIAMS's background is in professional industrial photography and technical publications. He was previously responsible for the entire aircraft and hovercraft in-service support operation of Westland Aerospace. He has written over 30 books on shipping and related subjects, including Great Passenger Ships that Never Were, Made on the Isle of Wight and Cabin Class Rivals for The History Press.

Texte du rabat

The safe exchange of wounded or gravely ill prisoners of war, 'protected personnel' - medical staff and clergy - and diplomats, civilians and alien internees is a little known dimension of the Second World War, yet it was highly dangerous work. Here, David L. Williams tells the gripping story of some fifty mercy ships engaged in these repatriation voyages, each of the exchanges arranged individually between Allied nations and the Axis belligerents, through neutral intermediaries, and often conducted under the supervision of the International Red Cross. Sailing alone and undefended through hostile waters, and conspicuously illuminated at night, the ships were constantly in danger from submarine and aircraft, their safety depending totally on the transmission and receipt of 'safe passage' commands to the armed units in their paths. However, despite the risk of attack and severe loss of life, these exchange operations were essential for providing a lifeline to thousands of people caught up in a cruel and brutal war.