Send Down a Dove

by Charles MacHardy

A tale of submarine warfare from the able seaman's eye-view, based on MacHardy's experiences in the submarine service during the Second World War.

Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1968

About the author

Charles MacHardy left school to become a builder's labourer, lorry driver and trawler hand, before joining DC Thomson & Co as a trainee journalist. He joined the Royal Navy on the outbreak of war in 1939. He attended Naval Training Establishment, Shotley, then served in the Royal Navy, as petty officer, 1942-48.

After the war, MacHardy was one of the legion of Scots who inhabited post-war Fleet Street, where he spent 12 years before returning to Scotland. He worked for the Daily Express, went on to become arts editor of the Daily Sketch, and was subsequently arts editor of the fledgling Independent Television News service (ITN).

MacHardy included among his legion of friends the late Douglas Sutherland, and Gordon Williams, a Fleet Street contemporary whose novel, [BOOK: The Siege of Tencher's Farm] was made into the movie Straw Dogs and republished under the move title.

MacHardy was a prolific writer, churning out radio plays, magazine pieces and television proposals right up until his death.

Reviews

[Serge]

Excellent WWII novel for those readers who like accounts from writers who actually had personal experience in it, as opposed to the current fad of historical novels by those who have no clue about it. The action in the claustrophobic atmosphere is beautifully conveyed, and the all-male cast goes through every possible challenge in a submarine at war. The captain is a Bligh-like character: extremely capable, very stern, yet not entirely without humanity. Good writing style, very rewarding for readers who have the patience to follow through on this out-of-fashion story.

[Ian Whitehouse]

I was given this book for my 13th birthday in 1965. I absolutely loved it then and still enjoy it today. In part it was responsible for me joining the Royal Navy and becoming a submariner - where I was fortunate enough to command two submarines - HMS ONYX and HMS SOVEREIGN.

Highly recommended for a very realistic portrayal of wartime submarine life - many aspects of which were, relatively, unchanged when I went to sea in a diesel submarine for the first time in 1971.

[Neil Bye · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very gritty drama about the reality and especially the daily practicalities of the submariners lives during WW2. Poignant thoughtful ending. Highly recommend this book!

[Doofus Mcdingberry Carlbutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book and it has me on edge and I'm worried what will happen at the end. I was twice a seaman. Well, SEMEN and seaman. LOL!!!! I like that this book is told from an omni-present perspective but isn't just a snobby officer view of what goes on submarine. You will love this book. It keeps you going but I keep putting off finishing both because I have little time to finish it and I don't want the crew to die.

[Lee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Vastly over rated WW2 sub story.