Alexander McKee > Quotes

“Captain Bligh returned in triumph from the South Seas, the breadfruit successfully transplanted, and another “best-selling” book about his experiences maturing in his mind. He found his reception astonishing. The First Lord of the Admiralty, Lord Chatham, refused to see him; but, pointedly, received one of his subordinate officers. The Admiralty said they were not interested in his book, and would not support publication. And, although the nation was now at war, he was put on half-pay and not given a command.”
― Alexander McKee, H.M.S. Bounty: A True Account of the Notorious Mutiny

“But Bligh set off in the wrong direction, away from Timor and the help they so badly needed. The dispute concluded with Bligh sneering at Fryer, “Sir, I suppose you will take the boat from me.” “No, sir. I despise your ideas, but it is far from my intention to take the boat from you.” Bligh answered by threatening to cut Fryer in pieces.”
― Alexander McKee, H.M.S. Bounty: A True Account of the Notorious Mutiny

“Afterwards, Bligh called Fryer over to one side, out of earshot of the others. It was probably the only time he ever abused an officer in private. “Mr. Fryer,” he hissed. “Your behaviour has been most improper. If you ever again interfere with me while I am in the execution of my duty, and should any future tumult arise, I shall certainly put you to death, the first person.” For the first time in his life, Bligh probably meant exactly what he said, without exaggeration or passionate embroidery.”
― Alexander McKee, H.M.S. Bounty: A True Account of the Notorious Mutiny

“With them, lay thirty-five of the Pandora’s own crew. Thirty-five. Although Edwards had had eleven hours, from the moment of the frigate’s striking, to prepare to abandon ship. Thirty-nine lives in all, lost because of a burst of impatience which made Captain Edward Edwards, R.N., set his ship at an unexplored, uncharted coral reef in almost total darkness and a heavy sea, and because of his failure to issue timely order to abandon ship when he had nearly half a day in which to prepare for it.”
― Alexander McKee, H.M.S. Bounty: A True Account of the Notorious Mutiny

“the French First Army near Speyer and Strasbourg. The preparations were pitifully inadequate and the losses heavy, but the objective, which was political and not military, was gained. This was to establish a French “presence” over the Rhine inside Germany, as a bargaining counter for the post-war period. Important though this was for France, it was a minor matter compared to forestalling the Soviet on the Baltic at the gateway to Scandinavia, the ultimate objective of 21st Army Group’s stage-managed crossing and the only one with a vital political aim as the prize. It was also the most critical as regards the time factor. Eisenhower was unique in his insistence on “broad front” policies of advance. The Russians were not sweeping into Europe on a broad front, with all the armies keeping step; instead, they were making their main drive for the politically most vital objectives—Berlin and the gateways”
― Alexander McKee, The Race for the Rhine Bridges 1940, 1944, 1945

“A fast, seaworthy, very mobile diving boat with echo-sounder. Slack water for small area searches, but use fast tides and mobility of aqualung gear supported by small mobile diving boat to cover the large areas, especially in delimitation. Divers and boat handlers to be practised in working together; all divers to have practical underwater archaeological experience and to be well briefed for each separate wreck; land archaeologists with some understanding of the special problems to be carried in the boat whenever possible, and ultimately expected to dive. Basic assumption that the most important part of a wreck search is to go where there is no wreck, so that the characteristics of the natural seabed surrounding”
― Alexander McKee, King Henry VIII’s Mary Rose