The Corvette Navy: True Stories from Canada's Atlantic War

by James B. Lamb

At the beginning of World War Two, Britain stood alone, relying on the vital supplies transported by convoy across the North Atlantic. The pride of Hitler’s navy, the U-boat wolf-packs, waited there to pick off the slow, unarmed convoys. What stood between the U-boats and their prey were the corvettes. They were small, battered, under-equipped, and in need of repair. They were manned not by naval professionals but by a group of skilled and dedicated amateurs, many still in their teens, their officers often in their mid-twenties. Yet this little band of amateurs took on and beat the German U-boat professionals, and won a vital portion of the war.

James B. Lamb, an ex-corvette officer, captures the excitement as well as the inevitable tragedy involved when teenagers who had never even seen the sea were shoved aboard aged and ill-equipped ships and forced to grow up fast. Trapped in a world gone mad, the crews of the corvettes countered with individualism and a unique sense of the absurd. Amid the antics and fear, these men banded together to become a highly efficient fighting unit. They witnessed history and created some history of their own.

Genres: History, World War II, Military History

223 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don't have to be a member of the Navy to enjoy reading this book and I recommend you reserve it from your library.

It is a wonderfully engaging, first hand account of Canada's Corvette Navy during World War II told by James B. Lamb who commanded two Corvettes during his years of service. This small book had me admiring the determination, fortitude and courage of the men of the RCN during challenging seas and missions and then laughing out loud during the parts which revealed the antics and characters of those serving on these ships. One of my favourite military reads of the past year!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was on vacation in Halifax last month and had the privledge of exploring the Canadian corvette Sackville. The last corvette left is a museum ship and what a great experience being able to get on board and imagine the conditions our escort navy endured. Picked up a signed copy of this book at a small gift shop attached to the ship for $5.00. Agreat read and highly recommended for WW2 navy buffs....

[Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the finest books I have read on what it must have been like to be on a fighting ship in the Atlantic in W.W.II. The author does a superb job in describing the harrowing conditions but also is able to put the often overlooked Canadian perspective into play. The Battle of the Atlantic and Vimy Ridge must rank near the top of Canadian military achievements.

[Matthew Tolton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both heartbreaking and hilarious. Shows the cruelty and humanity of war.