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The Sinking of the Laconia Hardcover – January 1, 1994

by Frederick Grossmith (Author)
5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars 11 ratings
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When the question of drama at sea is raised inevitably minds turn to such ships as the Titanic or the Lusitania but not the Laconia. In fact, few people outside of Merseyside [Liverpool] even remember the name. It's almost unbelievable in light of her sinking and the sea drama of such importance should have attracted so little attention as if it never took place. Yet the sinking of the Laconia resulted in a remarkable rescue mission, perhaps the most humane and exciting rescue mission of World War Two and accounts of Laconia's survivors as are graphic as those of the more famous disasters. The Laconia, built in 1922 but requisitioned as a troop carrier was torpedoed and sunk while carrying over 2,700 people including 1,800 Italian prisoner of war. In all, nearly 2,000 people lost their lives, victims of torpedoes, sharks, struggles to get into lifeboats, bombs or thirst. The book begins with a background of the ships history, the sinking, rescue, survivors' own stories including one by Doris Hawkins whose graphic account of her journey is riveting, the official enquiries, documents, the Laconia Order and the Nuremburg Trials. 91 illustrations with much hitherto unpublished detail about the ship and her tragic fate, deck plans and crew manifest.
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  1. Print length
    256 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Paul Watkins Publishing
  4. Publication date
    January 1, 1994
  5. ISBN-10
    1871615682
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1871615685
  7. See all details
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Paul Watkins Publishing; First Edition (January 1, 1994)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1871615682
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1871615685
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.68 pounds
  • Customer Reviews:
    5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars 11 ratings

Customer reviews

5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5
11 global ratings

Top review from the United States

Carolyn Ruegger
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2015
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excellent
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Top reviews from other countries

Craig Earley
5.0 out of 5 stars Educational and Personal
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 13, 2024
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My grandfather was on the Laconia when it went down and survived to tall the story. Interesting to read through the pages and to hear it told by others with great supporting documentation and testimonials.
One person found this helpful
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Norman E. Jones
5.0 out of 5 stars The Sinking of the Laconia
Reviewed in Canada on February 26, 2013
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The Sinking of the Laconia - A very moving story of a rescue at sea - humanity in the midst of hatred.
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carol owen
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 30, 2023
Verified Purchase
The sinking of the Laconia was one of the second world war's tragedies, and there were many. It made for some harrowing reading and made me sit back and ponder how we would cope now. A story that shouldn't be forgotten.
One person found this helpful
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Mack
5.0 out of 5 stars It is an excellent book, well laid out and the dimensions give ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 18, 2015
Verified Purchase
This was the book I sent to a friend, as I already have mine by many years. It is an excellent book,well laid out and the dimensions give the book a good 'layout' to portray the story and photos.
Yes, it is hard to understand the Captain "throwing" his life away when he could have saved himself.

I was at sea for over 40 years in the Navy (military) and then the Merchant Marine. So I know the sea(s) as well as anyone.
I recommend this book....even now it should be a "best" seller, given good ADVERTISING, and I leave that to Amazon.
Steve Bentley.....retired Chief Engineer.
2 people found this helpful
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M S.
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing tale of unexpected humanity during
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 7, 2018
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Fast delivery. Amazing tale of unexpected humanity during WW1
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