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Above and Beyond
Above and Beyond is a biographical tale which encourages us, as ordinary people, to value and write of our contribution; to share those special and unique stories fashioned during what is our short stay on this earth.
This is a story of a journey to God that starts in World War Two on the Russian convoys to Murmansk and includes top secret covert operations which, to this day, are still denied. It becomes a promise to serve God, made in the freezing waters of the North Sea in December 1944, after the sinking of MTB 243.
The Reverend Laurence Walter Biggs lived to fulfil his promise and became an ordained minister in the Anglican Church in England and then Australia. With the revelation that Christianity is only one of many paths to God, his story should have ended. Yet the stories from the past can, for many families, define and influence their own journey, but have you ever wondered, what is the truth?
This is a story of a journey to God that starts in World War Two on the Russian convoys to Murmansk and includes top secret covert operations which, to this day, are still denied. It becomes a promise to serve God, made in the freezing waters of the North Sea in December 1944, after the sinking of MTB 243.
The Reverend Laurence Walter Biggs lived to fulfil his promise and became an ordained minister in the Anglican Church in England and then Australia. With the revelation that Christianity is only one of many paths to God, his story should have ended. Yet the stories from the past can, for many families, define and influence their own journey, but have you ever wondered, what is the truth?
- GenresChristian
260 pages, Paperback
First published February 6, 2014
9 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
Mark A. Biggs
21 books46 followersI'm Mark Biggs, an author dedicated to crafting captivating stories that resonate with readers like you. You may already be familiar with my work, particularly the beloved Max & Olivia series, a touching exploration of love and friendship that has garnered widespread acclaim. Additionally, my romantic masterpiece, "Love Letters From Dresden," has captured the hearts of readers around the globe.
Embark on an unforgettable journey with me through the Tale of Love series, a trilogy that delves into the complexities of human emotions. Get ready for an exciting new adventure in 2024 with my upcoming spy thriller set along the iconic Camino de Santiago, inspired by my own trek with my wife in 2023.
Writing is my passion, and I'm thrilled to share more tales and adventures with you in the future. Stay tuned for more gripping stories and unforgettable characters!
Embark on an unforgettable journey with me through the Tale of Love series, a trilogy that delves into the complexities of human emotions. Get ready for an exciting new adventure in 2024 with my upcoming spy thriller set along the iconic Camino de Santiago, inspired by my own trek with my wife in 2023.
Writing is my passion, and I'm thrilled to share more tales and adventures with you in the future. Stay tuned for more gripping stories and unforgettable characters!
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 19, 2014
Book Review by: Royal Navy Research Archive
Above and Beyond by Mark A. Biggs
Recommended Reading
Above and Beyond, is a story of one man’s journey to God; Laurence Walter Biggs’ story tells of his journeys in World War Two as a Seaman Gunner on the Russian convoys to Murmansk, to officer training school as a CW candidate and an unexpected turn of events when he has to leave the course. Laurence finds himself promoted to Leading Seaman and doing three jobs on his return to ‘normal duty; by day a Gunnery instructor at HMS GOSLING teaching new entrants, by night teaching weapons and commando skills to civilians gong behind enemy lines, and when called for, he operated as the Coxswain of a vessel in the top secret world of covert operations with one of the RNs Special Operations Groups.
After completing 10 missions with the Special Operations Group it really was back to ‘normal’ duties, this time with Coastal Forces employed on minesweepers and patrol work. In December 1944, after several near brushes with death, Laurence finds himself floating in the freezing waters of the North Sea after MTB 243 has struck a mine and been abandoned, he makes a promise to serve God.
The book takes its title from the citation for the award of Mentioned in Dispatches ‘Above and Beyond the Call of Duty’ which Laurence received for his actions that night a aboard MTB 243, a night which would mark the start of his journey to God and a promise to keep. Laurence Biggs lived to fulfill his promise and became an ordained a Priest in the Anglican Church of England on Sunday 21st May 1967 and later emigrated to Australia in 1970. He died in 2005 in Drouin, Victoria, his last Parish.
A very interesting and informative book, it sheds light on the activities of some of the men whose shadowy wartime exploits still remain secret today.
Book Review by: Maritime Quest – USA
Above and Beyond by Mark A. Biggs
This inspiring story is one everyone should read.
The untold story of one sailor, Lawrence W. Biggs, who survived the dreadful Russian
convoys to Murmansk and later service in Motor Torpedo Boats. More than a war story
this book takes us through his personal journey to serve God, keeping a promise made from the cold water. While many such promises are made in times of strife and danger, Lawrence fulfilled his promise and became an ordained minister. This inspiring story is one everyone should read.
Above and Beyond by Mark A. Biggs
Recommended Reading
Above and Beyond, is a story of one man’s journey to God; Laurence Walter Biggs’ story tells of his journeys in World War Two as a Seaman Gunner on the Russian convoys to Murmansk, to officer training school as a CW candidate and an unexpected turn of events when he has to leave the course. Laurence finds himself promoted to Leading Seaman and doing three jobs on his return to ‘normal duty; by day a Gunnery instructor at HMS GOSLING teaching new entrants, by night teaching weapons and commando skills to civilians gong behind enemy lines, and when called for, he operated as the Coxswain of a vessel in the top secret world of covert operations with one of the RNs Special Operations Groups.
After completing 10 missions with the Special Operations Group it really was back to ‘normal’ duties, this time with Coastal Forces employed on minesweepers and patrol work. In December 1944, after several near brushes with death, Laurence finds himself floating in the freezing waters of the North Sea after MTB 243 has struck a mine and been abandoned, he makes a promise to serve God.
The book takes its title from the citation for the award of Mentioned in Dispatches ‘Above and Beyond the Call of Duty’ which Laurence received for his actions that night a aboard MTB 243, a night which would mark the start of his journey to God and a promise to keep. Laurence Biggs lived to fulfill his promise and became an ordained a Priest in the Anglican Church of England on Sunday 21st May 1967 and later emigrated to Australia in 1970. He died in 2005 in Drouin, Victoria, his last Parish.
A very interesting and informative book, it sheds light on the activities of some of the men whose shadowy wartime exploits still remain secret today.
Book Review by: Maritime Quest – USA
Above and Beyond by Mark A. Biggs
This inspiring story is one everyone should read.
The untold story of one sailor, Lawrence W. Biggs, who survived the dreadful Russian
convoys to Murmansk and later service in Motor Torpedo Boats. More than a war story
this book takes us through his personal journey to serve God, keeping a promise made from the cold water. While many such promises are made in times of strife and danger, Lawrence fulfilled his promise and became an ordained minister. This inspiring story is one everyone should read.
February 3, 2017
The stories from the past can, for many families, define and influence their own journey, but have you ever wondered, what is the truth?
Above and Beyond is a biographical tale of war and a journey to God, but it is also the authors search for the truth. In writing the book the author hopes to encourage the reader to write of their journey, for you may have a far more interesting story to tell and one worth telling.
Above and Beyond is not intended to be a beautiful piece of literature – it just a honest story.
Above and Beyond is a biographical tale of war and a journey to God, but it is also the authors search for the truth. In writing the book the author hopes to encourage the reader to write of their journey, for you may have a far more interesting story to tell and one worth telling.
Above and Beyond is not intended to be a beautiful piece of literature – it just a honest story.
May 19, 2014
This is a surprising good read discovered when visiting a Royal Navy web site. It is an amazing story, well written and perhaps controversial.
It has some editing issues which do detract from the book, it is however, still well worth a read.
It has some editing issues which do detract from the book, it is however, still well worth a read.
June 9, 2014
I really enjoyed reading the book. I recommend it, I found it both educational and a moving story.
There are still, secrets stories from WW2, yet to come out.
It is amazing how war touches people and then influences them throughout their lives.
There are still, secrets stories from WW2, yet to come out.
It is amazing how war touches people and then influences them throughout their lives.
June 6, 2014
Very good read. Interesting insights into spirituality and war and how they influenced life decisions.
June 13, 2014
I really enjoyed reading this book - it was not what I expected and would recommend it to others.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews