The Fourth Service: Merchantmen at War, 1939-45. This item is unavailable.The Fourth Service: Merchantmen at War, 1939-45

Here at last is the true story of the merchant fleet during World War II, the non-fighting service in which 32,000 men died, yet whose essential role has never been fully appreciated. The author, himself a member of the service from 1941-47, relates the stories of merchantmen and their crews with unique insight. From the early days of the war to the day of victory on the Rhine, through combined operations in the Mediterranean and at Normandy, the complete operation of the fleet is examined, with vivid accounts of the horrific losses undergone, the heroism of the crews and the sacrifices endured to ensure that Britain received its essential supplies of food, oil, and raw materials.

Since the book was published in paperback format in 1995 its popularity has not diminished. It is considered by many to be one of the few difinitive histories of the important role played by the Merchant Navy in ensuring the Allies final victory over imperialist Germany in World War 2. History has never fully acknowledged the heroism and sacrifices made by these non-fighting men and women and this book goes some way to rectifying that ommission. In the book's 12 chapters, 21 appendices and comprehensive Index of Ships there is very little of importance with regard to the Merchant Navy and the role it played during WW2 that is not recorded in its pages.