Edwards, Bernard Running the Gauntlet. Cargo Liners under Fire 1939-1945

The British Merchant Navy dominated the world trade routes in the years leading up to the Second World War. The star players of the fleet were the cargo liners, faster and larger than the tramps and offering limited passenger accommodation. On the outbreak of war these cargo liners became crucial to the nations survival using their speed and expertise to evade German warships, raiders and U-boats. Initially operating alone, but increasingly relying on Royal Navy protected convoys, these key elements of the Merchant Navy plied the oceans and seas despite mounting losses, throughout the war years. This superbly researched book describes numerous dramatic incidents. Some ended in disaster such as the New Zealand Shipping Companys Turakina which was sunk after a running battle with the German raider Orion. Others were triumphs for example Operation Substance when six fast cargo liners succeeded against all the odds in reaching besieged Malta with vital supplies. The common denominations in all these historic voyages were the courage and skilled seamanship of the Merchant Navy crews. As "Running The Gauntlet" vividly illustrates, their contribution to victory, too long overlooked, cannot be overstated.

Initially operating alone, but then increasingly under the protection of Royal Navy convoys, these key elements of the merchant navy sailed the oceans and seas throughout the war years despite mounting losses. This book describes numerous dramatic incidents. Some ended in disaster, such as the New Zealand Shipping Company's "Turakina", which was sunk after a battle with the German auxiliary cruiser "Orion". Others were triumphs, such as Operation Substance, in which six fast cargo ships managed to reach besieged Malta with vital supplies against all odds. What all these historic voyages had in common was the courage and seamanship of the merchant navy crews. As "Running The Gauntlet" vividly shows, their contribution to the Allied victory, which has been overlooked for too long, cannot be overestimated.