Vast and brilliant white, P&O's flagship the SS Canberra was a final salute to a bygone era of opulence even as she embarked on her maiden voyage, For a decade she carried passengers between Britain and Australia, a 90-day voyage of pampering and decadence. But in March 1982, Britain went to war to defend the Falkland Islands and the SS Canberra found herself, surreally, requisitioned as a troop ship to carry the Marines and Paratroops into battle. Against all odds she surived, playing a vital role as a hospital ship, At the end of the war she arrived back in Southampton to a heroes welcome, where she became fondly known as the Great White Whale. This is the extraordinary and, as yet, untold story of how the crew of a luxury ocean liner: waiters, cooks, nurses and cleaners, found themselves suddenly thrust onto the front line. A Very Strange Way to Go to War is a candid and captivating story, drawing from first hand accounts and previously unpublished archives, of the heroic courage of ordinary British men and women in the face of great adversity, at the outpost of empire.

Contains stories about sixteen African Americans who became successful in a wide range of activities.

This is my second book about the Falklands War, The book is foreword by Major-General Malcolm Hunt OBE FRSA. .This time I have recorded interviews, written statements from both British and Argentine Marines and even permission to publish a poem! These are backed up with some iconic pictures. 40 Commando Royal Marines gets little or no coverage during the Falkland’s war. Many historians dismiss the unit as only playing the bland role of Brigade reserve. This was NOT the case. Alpha and Charlie Companies were attached to the Welsh Guards and took the southern route towards Port Stanley. Others were committed to 45 Commando RM and as for Bravo and HQ well, they were kept busy with actions on the West Island. My concept in this book is to give personal accounts by myself from or attached to 40 Commando RM and our adversaries from the Argentine Marines, during Operation Corporate (1982). As a young 19 year old Royal Marine in 9 Troop, C Company, I landed with the first wave at San Carlos Settlement Blue Beach, progressed on to Wreck Point, Ajax Bay and with the rest of A and C Companies was eventually attached to the Welsh Guards after the air bombing of Sir Galahad. During this period we formed the start line for the attack on Mount Harriet, advanced on Mount William and took Sapper Hill in the only 'hot' helicopter assault during the war that resulted in casualties and fatalities. A hill that the Welsh Guards seem to imply they alone had attacked and won. The fact being that the Welsh Guards did not fire one shot. The synopsis: A brief resume before my induction into the Royal Marines training at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM). The Falklands-War call up and sailing south on the P&O SS Canberra. The first landings at San Carlos Settlement off HMS Fearless at night. Air attacks In Bomb Alley. A and C Companies move from 3 Commando Brigade to join the 5th Army Brigade at Bluff Cove to replace the loss of Welsh Guards on Sir Galahad. A and C Companies southern route. Yomping over rivers of rock to the start line for the attack on Mount Harriet. Another night yomp this time through a mine field and getting stuck with casualties,. the little known and only 'hot' helicopter attack during the Falklands War on Sappers Hill by 9 and some members of 8 Troop. There is also a section on the Royal Marines ships attachment on HMS Yarmouth. The written accounts explain in some detail about being stuck in a minefield for five hours with casualties. Then immediately afterwards, the only helicopter daytime attack, under fire from Argentine Marines, by 9 Troop, 40 Commando Royal Marines at Sappers Hill, the last high ground before Port Stanley. This episode resulted in fatalities and casualties. Finally I comment on the Pros and Cons of the War and an unpalatable plaque placed on Sapper Hill by the Welsh Guards.

A history of the Falklands and all other subantarctic islands with tales of exploration, shipwreck and war. These are the ultimate faraway places.

The story of the famous cruise ship the RMS Canberra, known to some as The Great White Whale.

This book is based on a conference at Sandhurst Military College held to re-examine the events in the Falklands of spring 1982. It is a mix of those who participated in the event with historians, political scientists and journalists.