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The Civilian Bomb Disposing Earl: Jack Howard and Bomb Disposal in WW2
Charles ‘Jack’ Henry George Howard, GC, 20th Earl of Suffolk & Berkshire, born into the noble formidable House of Howard, possessed extraordinary courage. Jack became an earl at the age of eleven after his father died in WWI in Mesopotamia.
At age thirty-four, Jack’s courageous spirit led him to execute a daring mission for the British government in 1940 in Paris. Under the noses of the advancing Germans he snatched top French scientists, millions of pounds worth of diamonds, armaments, heavy water (the only kind in the world), and secret documents. His trip back to England from Bordeaux was fraught with danger in mine and submarine infested waters. His mission remained Top Secret throughout the war years and beyond, even to his closest family. His adventure in Paris earned him the nickname of ‘Mad Jack’.
His next chosen mission was again of prime importance and extremely dangerous, a secret more closely guarded than radar. He began working in bomb disposal in close proximity with his secretary Beryl, and Fred his chauffeur, and the three became widely known as The Holy Trinity. Whenever an unexploded bomb was reported, it was quickly brought to the Earl’s attention, especially if it was tricky. Thirty four bombs were successfully defused by The Holy Trinity and their loyal team of Royal Engineers. The thirty-fifth bomb blew them up.
The Holy Trinity were the only World War II civilian casualties working in Bomb Disposal. King George VI in 1941 awarded the 20th Earl the George Cross for his work for his country, the highest gallantry award for civilians, as well as for members of the armed forces, in actions for which purely military honors would not normally be granted.
At age thirty-four, Jack’s courageous spirit led him to execute a daring mission for the British government in 1940 in Paris. Under the noses of the advancing Germans he snatched top French scientists, millions of pounds worth of diamonds, armaments, heavy water (the only kind in the world), and secret documents. His trip back to England from Bordeaux was fraught with danger in mine and submarine infested waters. His mission remained Top Secret throughout the war years and beyond, even to his closest family. His adventure in Paris earned him the nickname of ‘Mad Jack’.
His next chosen mission was again of prime importance and extremely dangerous, a secret more closely guarded than radar. He began working in bomb disposal in close proximity with his secretary Beryl, and Fred his chauffeur, and the three became widely known as The Holy Trinity. Whenever an unexploded bomb was reported, it was quickly brought to the Earl’s attention, especially if it was tricky. Thirty four bombs were successfully defused by The Holy Trinity and their loyal team of Royal Engineers. The thirty-fifth bomb blew them up.
The Holy Trinity were the only World War II civilian casualties working in Bomb Disposal. King George VI in 1941 awarded the 20th Earl the George Cross for his work for his country, the highest gallantry award for civilians, as well as for members of the armed forces, in actions for which purely military honors would not normally be granted.
- GenresBiography
224 pages, Hardcover
First published March 31, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 15, 2020
Heroic or foolhardy
There is no doubt that the Earl of Suffolk was a very brave ma.However was he a bit foolhardy and prepared to take risks regardless of consequences. The fact that his secretary and driver and a number of snappers were killed ,asks this question. Why were they all at a safe distance?
I was unaware that heavy water was rescued from France in 1940.So for this and the stories of bomb disposal I was grateful to the author.
However I did not like the fact that he started the fatal day in the first chapter and then stopped halfway. Nor his idea of the emotions felt by the Earl.
An excellent but sad book.
There is no doubt that the Earl of Suffolk was a very brave ma.However was he a bit foolhardy and prepared to take risks regardless of consequences. The fact that his secretary and driver and a number of snappers were killed ,asks this question. Why were they all at a safe distance?
I was unaware that heavy water was rescued from France in 1940.So for this and the stories of bomb disposal I was grateful to the author.
However I did not like the fact that he started the fatal day in the first chapter and then stopped halfway. Nor his idea of the emotions felt by the Earl.
An excellent but sad book.
October 24, 2015
FANTASTIC FOR ANYONE WANTING TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WW2
A copy of this book should be available to read in the reference section of all public libraries and as a learning aid in schools.
A copy of this book should be available to read in the reference section of all public libraries and as a learning aid in schools.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews