Lost at Sea Found at Fukushima

The Story of a Japanese POW

Nonfiction, History, Military, Naval, World War I, World War II
Cover of the book Lost at Sea Found at Fukushima by Andy  Millar, Pen and Sword
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Andy Millar ISBN: 9781473878082
Publisher: Pen and Sword Publication: February 28, 2017
Imprint: Pen and Sword Military Language: English
Author: Andy Millar
ISBN: 9781473878082
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Publication: February 28, 2017
Imprint: Pen and Sword Military
Language: English

On a calm, tropical afternoon in the South Atlantic Ocean in April 1942, a British tramp steamer, the SS Willesden, was shelled, torpedoed and sunk by a German raider, the KMS Thor. The Willesden was carrying 47 officers and crew, and a cargo of vital war supplies destined for Britain’s 8th Army in North Africa. Five of Willesden’s crew were killed in the attack. Among the survivors was Second Mate David Millar, who – along with his crewmen – was rescued by the Germans and interned on a succession of prison ships, before being handed over to the Japanese. Badly wounded, David spent the rest of the war as a POW in a camp at Fukushima, north of Tokyo. The Thor was also responsible for sinking two other steamers, the SS Kirkpool and SS Nankin. Their survivors, including 38 women and children, were dispatched to the same POW camp. What is remarkable about this story, apart from its inherent drama, is that these civilian POWs – numbering more than 130 in all – were officially listed as ‘Missing at Sea’: their presence in the camp remained a closely guarded secret. This meant that it was many months – in some cases, years – before the fog of mystery surrounding their disappearance lifted, and family and friends knew whether their loved ones were dead or alive. Lost at Sea tells the little-known story of these survivors. It is a tale of honour between enemy naval commanders; of suffering, courage and endurance, as months of imprisonment turned to years; and of the powerful relationships that form when people are forced together in life-threatening circumstances. Greatly enhancing the poignancy of this story is the fact that David Millar was the author’s father.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

On a calm, tropical afternoon in the South Atlantic Ocean in April 1942, a British tramp steamer, the SS Willesden, was shelled, torpedoed and sunk by a German raider, the KMS Thor. The Willesden was carrying 47 officers and crew, and a cargo of vital war supplies destined for Britain’s 8th Army in North Africa. Five of Willesden’s crew were killed in the attack. Among the survivors was Second Mate David Millar, who – along with his crewmen – was rescued by the Germans and interned on a succession of prison ships, before being handed over to the Japanese. Badly wounded, David spent the rest of the war as a POW in a camp at Fukushima, north of Tokyo. The Thor was also responsible for sinking two other steamers, the SS Kirkpool and SS Nankin. Their survivors, including 38 women and children, were dispatched to the same POW camp. What is remarkable about this story, apart from its inherent drama, is that these civilian POWs – numbering more than 130 in all – were officially listed as ‘Missing at Sea’: their presence in the camp remained a closely guarded secret. This meant that it was many months – in some cases, years – before the fog of mystery surrounding their disappearance lifted, and family and friends knew whether their loved ones were dead or alive. Lost at Sea tells the little-known story of these survivors. It is a tale of honour between enemy naval commanders; of suffering, courage and endurance, as months of imprisonment turned to years; and of the powerful relationships that form when people are forced together in life-threatening circumstances. Greatly enhancing the poignancy of this story is the fact that David Millar was the author’s father.

More books from Pen and Sword

Cover of the book Battleships: The First Big Guns by Andy  Millar
Cover of the book Guns of Special Forces 2001 – 2015 by Andy  Millar
Cover of the book Riflemen Form by Andy  Millar
Cover of the book Tracing Your Kent Ancestors by Andy  Millar
Cover of the book Armoured Warfare and the Waffen-SS 1944-1945 by Andy  Millar
Cover of the book Hartlepool in the Great War by Andy  Millar
Cover of the book The Battle of Copenhagen 1801 by Andy  Millar
Cover of the book Jungle Warfare by Andy  Millar
Cover of the book Bognor in the Great War by Andy  Millar
Cover of the book Bomber Pilot on the Eastern Front by Andy  Millar
Cover of the book The Retreat from Mons 1914: North by Andy  Millar
Cover of the book A Privileged Journey by Andy  Millar
Cover of the book Seaforth World Naval Review 2011 by Andy  Millar
Cover of the book Isle of Man in the Great War by Andy  Millar
Cover of the book Fight the Good Fight by Andy  Millar
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy