Commanding Canadians
The Second World War Diaries of a.F.C. Layard
Will be published approx. on 1. July 2006
Book
Paperback/Softback
320 pages
978-0-7748-1194-1 (ISBN)
Description
Commander A.F.C. Layard, RN, wrote almost daily in his diary, in bold, neat script, from the time he entered the Royal Navy as a cadet in 1913 until his retirement in 1947. The pivotal 1943-45 years of this edited volume offer an extraordinarily full and honest chronicle, revealing Layard's preoccupations, both with the daily details and with the strain and responsibility of wartime command at sea.
Enhanced by Michael Whitby's explanatory essays, the diary sheds light on the inshore anti-submarine campaign in British waters; discusses pivotal events such as the invasions of North Africa and Normandy and convoys to Russia; describes encounters with important personalities; and records the final surrender of German U-boats. It is a highly personal piece of history that greatly enhances our understanding of the Canadian naval experience and the Atlantic war as a whole.
A consummately well-researched work, Commanding Canadians will appeal to both naval scholars, as well as to general readers interested in military history.
Enhanced by Michael Whitby's explanatory essays, the diary sheds light on the inshore anti-submarine campaign in British waters; discusses pivotal events such as the invasions of North Africa and Normandy and convoys to Russia; describes encounters with important personalities; and records the final surrender of German U-boats. It is a highly personal piece of history that greatly enhances our understanding of the Canadian naval experience and the Atlantic war as a whole.
A consummately well-researched work, Commanding Canadians will appeal to both naval scholars, as well as to general readers interested in military history.
Reviews / Votes
If there was one book I wish I had had a chance to read early in my career, this is it. Commanding Canadians is a gripping history of a small part of the Battle of the Atlantic, a fascinating picture of the realities of life at sea and ashore throught extended periods of operations and, most valuably, a wonderful case study of leadership. - Robert H. Thomas (Canadian Naval Review, vol. 2, no. 2, Summer 2006) Michael Whitby writes that readers of Layard's wartime diary 'will find a very human story of a man struggling to maintain his way in difficult circumstances and under enormous pressures. His success marks a triumph of the human spirit over adversity, and deserves to be known.' Absolutely. - Ken Reynolds, Directorate of History and Heritage, Department of National Defense (H-Net) Commanding Canadians is an important new contribution to the history of the Battle of the Atlantic ... Whitby has edited this important diary very well, and it can therefore be recommended to all ... - William Glover (International Journal of Maritime History, vol. XVIII, no.1)More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Vancouver
Canada
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
30 b&w illustrations, 3 maps
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 159 mm
Weight
580 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7748-1194-1 (9780774811941)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
New editions
Book
10/2005
University of British Columbia Press
€60.85
Shipment within 10-20 days
Person
Michael Whitby is Senior Naval Historian at the Canadian National Defence Headquarters.
Content
Prologue: Like Cutting Butter
Introduction: An Officer and His Diary
1 One Does Get Tired of Them, September-December 1943
2 Shaking Down, January-March 1944
3 Overseas, March-May 1944
4 The Great Endeavour, May-July 1944
5 Exasperation Inshore, July-October 1944
6 Deep Open Waters, October-December 1944
7 Wreck to Wreck, Contact to Contact, January-March 1945
8 Oasis of Comfort and Happiness, March-May 1945
Epilogue: Respite
Appendices
Notes
Selected Bibliography
Index
Introduction: An Officer and His Diary
1 One Does Get Tired of Them, September-December 1943
2 Shaking Down, January-March 1944
3 Overseas, March-May 1944
4 The Great Endeavour, May-July 1944
5 Exasperation Inshore, July-October 1944
6 Deep Open Waters, October-December 1944
7 Wreck to Wreck, Contact to Contact, January-March 1945
8 Oasis of Comfort and Happiness, March-May 1945
Epilogue: Respite
Appendices
Notes
Selected Bibliography
Index