Discharged Dead: The Wartime Adventures of a Submarine Stoker

by Sydney Hart

A vivid stoker’s-eye view of life in a submarine during the Second World War.

The perfect World War Two memoir for people who enjoyed the works of James D. Hornfischer, Robert Leckie, and Laura Hillenbrand.

In 1939, at the age of twenty, Sydney Hart joined the Royal Navy as a stoker. Over the course of the next four years, he served in submarines during the most critical phases of the war — in the North Sea, the Atlantic, and the Mediterranean.

Aboard HMS Triad, HMS Truant, and HMS Thrasher, Hart experienced the lengthy tension of lonely ocean patrols; the hazardous penetration of closely-guarded enemy harbours; the terrifying thrill stalking Axis vessels; the brief merriments of life ashore in “Gib”, Malta, and “Alex” while on leave; and the tragic realisation that some shipmates would never return home from the dark, cruel seas. These brave men would have their pay-ledgers closed with the final entry “discharged dead”.

This book, written not by an admiral or captain, but instead by a regular stoker, provides a profoundly unique perspective.

“This book has quality and is modestly and convincingly written.” Admiral of the Fleet Sir Philip Vian, G.C.B., D.S.O.

“A monument to the thousands of men who died in darkness and tension far beneath the surface of the sea.” The Times

“unique” U.S. Naval Institute

“leaves me amazed at the courage, fortitude and endurance of these men.” Commander W. L. King, D.S.O., D.S.C.

“It’s so honest and so English that it fills you with pride.” H. E. Bates

“An unusually stirring tale of endurance and courage.” The Book Exchange

“A good, honest, straightforward and always modest account of one of the most dangerous occupations in wartime.” Western Independent

191 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2025

Reviews

[John McNair · Rating 3 out of 5]

I cannot deny Sydney Hart his due and acknowledge his service in submarines (and surface Navy pre-war), in the RN. His autobiography/novel of life in submarines is, however, a tad watered-down and dull. Written in the 1950s when authors had to be politically correct in their language and nobody really wanted to read about the War since they were all in it anyway (in Britain), there is missing from this book authenticity. The sailors are all jolly old tars who never seem to get into trouble afloat or ashore, speak like right proper toffs and manage to smile through all adversity. I'm sure it wasn't so, and reading between the lines one learns of the appalling casualty rate among British sub crews (but not how that effected other crews), get a whiff of the ever-present stench within the boat, feel the fear that was their constant companion. Mr Hart, however, was aboard HMS Thrasher on 17 February 1942 when Lt(N) Roberts and PO Gould earned their Victoria Crosses for physically removing two unexploded aerial bombs that has become stuck between the inner and outer hulls of the boat. This is a feat whose story will live forever. Written when events were still fresh in mind, nevertheless this novel lacks a degree of spark that it could easily have contained, after the reader learn sof the events the author lived through.

[Les French · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who Knew?

We World War history buffs are well aware of submarine warfare as it was in WW2. This incredible memoir by a lowly stoker on submarines of Britons navy gives a very different perspective of life (and death) aboard one of these hunter/killers.
Written by one of the lowest men in the hierarchy of the crew of submarines you'll be taken on incredibly dangerous journeys as well a the weeks of boredom as these underwater killers search for the enemy as well as escape the through of almost impossible odds. A very good and historically accurate account of life below the sea in WW2.

[Brent L Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read

One of, if not the best WWII, submarine narratives. The author recounts— from memory—his experiences as an enlisted sailor, living and working in the cramped, dirty, and noisy engine compartments. I marveled at how anyone could survive—not only the German sub hunters—but living with 35 other stinking men, all smoking, all the time with minimal fresh air. This is an excellent read.

[William Kepford · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read. One man’s story about a spell in the Royal Navy during (with quips about pre-war experiences) WWII. The book was to the point and actually a FUN read. Went on a cruise where nothing happened? He skipped the boring ones. I appreciate his honesty and frankly his frank opinions. Not a lot of home life wearing this one down, as a matter of fact, none at all. This book is all Navy, all the time.

[Luke Spiekermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

really brave British submariners with that positive outlook

Got to admire the bravery of these submariners having the desperate job of hanging on early in the War when the Wehrmacht looked so invincible.
The submarine didn’t have a deep ocean to hide in, and the air belonged to the enemy.
But these Brits maintained a fighting spirit with thr typical cheerful outlook

[Jack Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leave enough time as you will be unable to put the book down.

One of the best books that I have ever read. It also reminded me of the thirteen very happy years of my service in the ROYAL NAVY.

[John Pearse · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent account of submarine warfare as seen through the eyes of a sailor on the lower deck,a very good read.

[wally walter · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting account of submarine life in the war