Destroyer Captain

by Roger Hill

This is an account of what it was like to command a destroyer during World War II. Spanning 1942 to 1945, Hill commanded HMS Ledbury during the tragedy of Arctic convoy PQ17 and played an outstanding role in Operation Pedestal. The pressures of command and the strain of years of continual fighting are conveyed here.

Genres: History, War

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[Jim Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like stories about the Royal Navy, and Destroyers in particular, then you won't be disappointed by Destroyer Captain. Roger Hill was a superb, but quite controversial character and most candid about his eventual nervous breakdown from the stresses of command. I used his book as research material for my own work, Hearts of Steel.

[Roger Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very good account of what it was like to be the Captain of a destroyer during WWII. Not only does he recount the various campaigns that were executed, but he goes into some detail about the non-combatant time of training and relaxation. He also describes his own problems (PTSD ?) which he had to endure.

[Peter Roach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top book I've read in the past year. A well written, honest book, that puts you at the helm of a British destroyer in WW2. The author is very honest in writing about his experiences, fears, mistakes and misgivings in addition to his triumphs and occasions of happiness while captaining three destroyers during WW2. A fantastic read.

[Wayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book about the author's experiences in command of a destroyer in both the Mediterranean and French campaigns. If you want to know what navy service was really like, this is one of the best books I've found.