Glyn Evans has authored a remarkable book. In bringing the history of the repeated attacks on the Tirpitz and the human story of one of the men who was involved in one of the attempts, he has created a book that, unlike some that are a combination of stories that detract from each other, this book adds to the interest that remains constant as each chapter follows. The carefully written and very detailed chapters maintain both the story, the pace, and the interest of the reader.

The semi personal aspect of the book is merely the coincidence of the surnames of the author and the naval rating, Able Seaman Robert Paul ‘Bob’ Evans, but is a very good hook from which to hang this important story.

The degree of study and facts found here is extraordinary and confirms the depth of research that has been undertaken to author this book. The meticulous nature reflects that same diligence that Glyn Evans has shown in his previous books. The notes, references and profusion of historical photographs leave no question unanswered, or unasked.

Often at the end of a book such as this, we are often left wondering what happened afterwards, after the war, the parents of AB R.P.Evans, the final fate of Tirpitz. All these queries are answered and explained.

The execution on the 19th of January 1943 of Evans along with five Royal Engineers under the aegis the Führer’s Geheime Kommandosache of 18th of October 1942, was a terrible ending to such a young man’s life. However here the story, rather than ending, picks up pace and details the investigations to discover the truth and the facts behind the killings. These are detailed, many, and of keen interest to historians, myself included. Glyn Evans has done a huge amount of work and has set them out in a logical and very readable way for the rest of us.

This is a book I would be proud to have written myself, but I lack his concentration and skill.

I can commend it to any reader with an interest in both maritime history, the Resistance and Underground war in occupied Norway and of the Second World War, any library without a copy would be incomplete.

Dr Robrt M. Bruce-Chwatt, MBBS. (Former P&O ship’s surgeon who served on SS Uganda in the Falklands.)