What do you think?
Rate this book
Fighting Admiral: The Life of Admiral of the Fleet Sir James Somerville
The definitive biography of a brilliant, yet often-overlooked naval commander who shaped the course of World War Two.
This work is perfect for fans of D. B. Holley, Andrew Lambert, and Max Hastings.
Just days after the French armistice with Germany, Winston Churchill gave Somerville a crucial neutralise the French battle fleet and deny the Axis total control of the Mediterranean. Leading his ships to Mers El Kébir, he launched an assault that crippled the fleet, solidifying his reputation as a decisive commander.
The reputation of his fleet, Force H, was cemented at the Battle of Cape Spartivento, the hunt for the German battleship Bismarck, and the defence of Malta, laying the foundations for Allied naval control of the Mediterranean and Atlantic.
In 1942, Somerville was transferred away from the European Theatre to the East, where he became Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Fleet. Facing stiff opposition from the aggressive Imperial Japanese Navy, he managed to protect the Indian Ocean while safeguarding his ships. Only with reinforcements was he able to go on the offensive, launching a series of powerful strikes against Japanese forces in the Dutch East Indies.
Donald Macintyre’s thoroughly researched and engagingly written biography of Sir James Somerville brings this fascinating man to life. As well as covering his most famous fighting actions during World War II, Macintyre highlights Somerville’s service as head of the British naval delegation to Washington, D.C., where he coordinated the final war effort with the Americans during the last year of World War II.
“Offers a wealth of information on such events as Mers-el-Kébir, the Malta convoys, the Japanese thrust into the Indian Ocean in April 1942, etc.” — Robert M. Langdon, U.S. Naval Institute
Fighting The Life of Admiral of the Fleet Sir James Somerville is a remarkable biography of an extraordinary man. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the naval history of the Second World War.
This work is perfect for fans of D. B. Holley, Andrew Lambert, and Max Hastings.
Just days after the French armistice with Germany, Winston Churchill gave Somerville a crucial neutralise the French battle fleet and deny the Axis total control of the Mediterranean. Leading his ships to Mers El Kébir, he launched an assault that crippled the fleet, solidifying his reputation as a decisive commander.
The reputation of his fleet, Force H, was cemented at the Battle of Cape Spartivento, the hunt for the German battleship Bismarck, and the defence of Malta, laying the foundations for Allied naval control of the Mediterranean and Atlantic.
In 1942, Somerville was transferred away from the European Theatre to the East, where he became Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Fleet. Facing stiff opposition from the aggressive Imperial Japanese Navy, he managed to protect the Indian Ocean while safeguarding his ships. Only with reinforcements was he able to go on the offensive, launching a series of powerful strikes against Japanese forces in the Dutch East Indies.
Donald Macintyre’s thoroughly researched and engagingly written biography of Sir James Somerville brings this fascinating man to life. As well as covering his most famous fighting actions during World War II, Macintyre highlights Somerville’s service as head of the British naval delegation to Washington, D.C., where he coordinated the final war effort with the Americans during the last year of World War II.
“Offers a wealth of information on such events as Mers-el-Kébir, the Malta convoys, the Japanese thrust into the Indian Ocean in April 1942, etc.” — Robert M. Langdon, U.S. Naval Institute
Fighting The Life of Admiral of the Fleet Sir James Somerville is a remarkable biography of an extraordinary man. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the naval history of the Second World War.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2025
75 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Donald Macintyre
63 books12 followersCommander Donald George Frederick Wyville Macintyre DSO & DSC was a Royal Navy officer during the Second World War and a successful convoy escort commander. As Commander of HMS Hesperus Macintyre was involved in the Battle of Narvik during the Norway campaign and the Battle of the Atlantic. Following the war, he published his memoirs U-Boat Killer and authored numerous books on British naval history.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
December 9, 2025
Good story of a famous life
Bought to read specifically about sinking of HMS Neptune. Unfortunately Somerville left Force H just before this event. My cousin died in Neptune. Hence my interest
Bought to read specifically about sinking of HMS Neptune. Unfortunately Somerville left Force H just before this event. My cousin died in Neptune. Hence my interest
Displaying 1 of 1 review