A Passage to Sword Beach: Minesweeping in the Royal Navy

by Brendan A. Maher

A first-hand account of minesweeping in the Royal Navy during WWII, drawing on the author's diaries and the formal journal he kept as a junior officer to describe everyday life in small and large minesweepers and the preparations for D-Day, as well as the author's hospitalization and leave in wartime Britain. Includes an appendix on ranks and uniforms of the Royal Navy during WWII, and a list of Allied ships mentioned in the book. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

246 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1996

Reviews

[Scot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book in regards to minesweeping in the British navy. Bad book in regards to the d day landings as indicated by the title.

Although informative, some sections are just a regurgitation of logs and diaries which make for a dull read. The d day section was short and added almost nothing for the reason I purchased the book.

Luckily it was saved through the narrative following the author, even some good stuff after VE Day.

[David Vanness · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read of a young English Irish man during the war. His naval experiences taken from his military and personal diaries. Much to be learned about naval features, procedures, events at the smallest level. Page 58 had an interesting description of the Russian hostility toward Allied forces. Time well spent.