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Harry Gilmour Novels #3
Turn Left for Gibraltar
As 1941 draws to a close, brave young men are fighting for freedom in countries across the globe. But for Sub-Lieutenant Harry Gilmour, washed up in neutral Spain alongside ‘interned belligerents’ from both sides of the war, hostilities have come to a pause.
Before long, his unlikely comrades must once again become his enemies, and he is back at the frontline of the battle for the Mediterranean. But aboard the submarine HMS Umbrage, operating in the waters off Malta, Harry is soon reminded that allies can be more dangerous than foes. When his volatile skipper is lost at sea, it falls to Harry to take charge of the boat—and of the lives of the men who now depend on him.
Ashore, there is another lesson: how war drives its wedge between more than just nations. Shirley is waiting for him back in Scotland, but the world offers many distractions for a young man…As Malta is besieged from the air and home seems ever further away, Harry must summon all his courage not only to stay alive—but also to forge in himself the nerve and the wisdom necessary to shoulder the responsibility of command.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2017
351 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
May 7, 2019
Another great book in the Harry Gilmour series. This one is the best so far and David Black gets better and better with every book he writes in the series. Highly recommend reading the first 2 books before this one. I have been to Malta and this book brings that magical island to life beautifully.
June 17, 2019
Following the successful completion of his temporary assignment as a liaison aboard a Free French submarine, Sub-Lieutenant Harry Gilmour, is assigned to the Tenth Flotilla, which is based on the besieged Mediterranean island of Malta. Whilst travelling en route by submarine, Harry ends up unexpectedly in a situation which could have sidelined him for the duration of the war. But after the lapse of several weeks, and with help from an unexpected quarter, Harry and a small number of his compatriots regain their freedom.
Harry arrives in Malta at a time (the autumn of 1941) when British land, air, and naval forces are managing to hold their own against Italian air and naval forces. This is in marked contrast to earlier in the year, when the Germans had dispatched a Fliegerkorps to Sicily (barely 60 miies from Malta) to assist their Italian allies with their siege of Malta. But upon Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941, German air units were withdrawn to assist the Wehrmacht on the Eastern Front.
In the meantime, Harry is serving on a submarine with a commander who rules with an iron hand, cowing his crew through intimidation. Indeed, Harry's commander makes clear to him in a private moment after they have returned to Malta from patrol deep in enemy waters that he intends to make his mark as a submariner so that his superiors will find him indispensable and confer high command on him. And to achieve that, he is willing to do all that he deems necessary - even at the risk of endangering the crew - to achieve this lofty goal. For his great ambition is to be a career naval officer.
The submarine arm on Malta is, at this stage of the war, the only effective offensive arm the British have (along with surface units) capable of taking the war to the Germans and Italians in the Mediterranean. Many of Harry's missions are vividly rendered by the author. So much so that I felt a distinct chill from reading some of the action scenes in the novel. The submariner's war, while promising rewards in terms of tonnage of ships sunk and harassment of enemy naval forces, is highly fraught with peril in the form of enemy minefields and attacks from Axis air and naval units. Many submarine crews lost their lives on patrol and their disappearance only became clear when a submarine failed to return from patrol or could not be contacted by the Tenth Flotilla command weeks after the submarine's return could be reasonably expected (given its normal endurance).
Harry has a number of close-calls on patrol, one of which claims his ruthlessly ambitious CO. Subsequently, Harry is assigned to another submarine, where the atmosphere is much more amicable and supportive.
"TURN LEFT FOR GIBRALTAR" also amply illustrates"how war drives its wedge between more than just nations. Shirley (Harry's sweetheart) is waiting for him back in Scotland, but the world offers many distractions for a young man..."
At the novel's close, it is the Spring of 1942. The Luftwaffe has returned in force to Sicily to assist the Italians in their ongoing assault on Malta. Indeed, Malta is on the brink of starvation. And in that moment, Harry's life takes on a unexpected change. All in all, "TURN LEFT FOR GIBRALTAR" keeps up the intensity already established in the previous 2 novels of the series. I highly recommend it for anyone in search of a thrilling and breathlessly intense adventure novel for summer reading.
Harry arrives in Malta at a time (the autumn of 1941) when British land, air, and naval forces are managing to hold their own against Italian air and naval forces. This is in marked contrast to earlier in the year, when the Germans had dispatched a Fliegerkorps to Sicily (barely 60 miies from Malta) to assist their Italian allies with their siege of Malta. But upon Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941, German air units were withdrawn to assist the Wehrmacht on the Eastern Front.
In the meantime, Harry is serving on a submarine with a commander who rules with an iron hand, cowing his crew through intimidation. Indeed, Harry's commander makes clear to him in a private moment after they have returned to Malta from patrol deep in enemy waters that he intends to make his mark as a submariner so that his superiors will find him indispensable and confer high command on him. And to achieve that, he is willing to do all that he deems necessary - even at the risk of endangering the crew - to achieve this lofty goal. For his great ambition is to be a career naval officer.
The submarine arm on Malta is, at this stage of the war, the only effective offensive arm the British have (along with surface units) capable of taking the war to the Germans and Italians in the Mediterranean. Many of Harry's missions are vividly rendered by the author. So much so that I felt a distinct chill from reading some of the action scenes in the novel. The submariner's war, while promising rewards in terms of tonnage of ships sunk and harassment of enemy naval forces, is highly fraught with peril in the form of enemy minefields and attacks from Axis air and naval units. Many submarine crews lost their lives on patrol and their disappearance only became clear when a submarine failed to return from patrol or could not be contacted by the Tenth Flotilla command weeks after the submarine's return could be reasonably expected (given its normal endurance).
Harry has a number of close-calls on patrol, one of which claims his ruthlessly ambitious CO. Subsequently, Harry is assigned to another submarine, where the atmosphere is much more amicable and supportive.
"TURN LEFT FOR GIBRALTAR" also amply illustrates"how war drives its wedge between more than just nations. Shirley (Harry's sweetheart) is waiting for him back in Scotland, but the world offers many distractions for a young man..."
At the novel's close, it is the Spring of 1942. The Luftwaffe has returned in force to Sicily to assist the Italians in their ongoing assault on Malta. Indeed, Malta is on the brink of starvation. And in that moment, Harry's life takes on a unexpected change. All in all, "TURN LEFT FOR GIBRALTAR" keeps up the intensity already established in the previous 2 novels of the series. I highly recommend it for anyone in search of a thrilling and breathlessly intense adventure novel for summer reading.
February 5, 2018
This was a fantastic read, that had a great mixture of action and drama mixed with realistic enough storyline. 5 Stars hope there's another one coming soon in this series really enjoying it!
August 15, 2020
Awesome
I could not put this book down. Out of the first three, this by far, the best . I have been on surface ships, (targets), in the Med going against submarines. The Med is not a favorite for subs due to lack of depth and clear waters, and they are still very hard to find and the track .
I could not put this book down. Out of the first three, this by far, the best . I have been on surface ships, (targets), in the Med going against submarines. The Med is not a favorite for subs due to lack of depth and clear waters, and they are still very hard to find and the track .
October 24, 2019
Wrenching Action
Great character development and fine descriptions of WW11 British submarine warfare. Gilmore, the lead character is all over the world in the first three books. Its important to read them in order to see Gilmore's growth. I love sea stories but find these books to be quite different, and perhaps more enjoyable, from others.
Great character development and fine descriptions of WW11 British submarine warfare. Gilmore, the lead character is all over the world in the first three books. Its important to read them in order to see Gilmore's growth. I love sea stories but find these books to be quite different, and perhaps more enjoyable, from others.
November 1, 2017
Great third story.
The third novel in the series is as good as the previous two and follows Harry to the Mediterranean and a little romance, but the nitty gritty of life in a submarine comes to the fore and we leave Harry on his way to a Commanding Officers course in the UK hopefully there will be a fourth or more in the future.
The third novel in the series is as good as the previous two and follows Harry to the Mediterranean and a little romance, but the nitty gritty of life in a submarine comes to the fore and we leave Harry on his way to a Commanding Officers course in the UK hopefully there will be a fourth or more in the future.
July 22, 2017
One of the best
Naval history is a favorite and this World War two story one of the best. Submarine service is extremely tough and this story told it true.
Naval history is a favorite and this World War two story one of the best. Submarine service is extremely tough and this story told it true.
January 30, 2024
Young Harry Gilmour is back for more submarinal World War II adventures, this time with a distinctly Mediterranean flavour. The battle scenes are tense and exciting even if all the technical terminology can be a little overwhelming, but where David Black really excels is his focus on realistic characters forced to grow up fast, and their emotional and psychological responses to one of the deadliest and most dangerous forms of warfare. If the plot lines feel a little stop-start and disjointed this can be largely forgiven for the added realism it brings. Here's hoping though that some of the hastily-dropped side characters get to finish their stories in future volumes.
April 19, 2017
Another excellent read, would highly recommend this book and the preceding ones. David Black paints a very atmospheric picture of what it would have been like living onboard such a small boat and how fragile it must have been to stay alive.
Looking forward to the next instalment please.
Looking forward to the next instalment please.
June 29, 2017
Great read with believable and enjoyable story line and characters,
I enjoyed the first two books of Harry Gilmour, but this one is the best. I enjoyed the separate aspects of the believable story line. Having visited Malta in 1963 and then in 1981 and talked with people who lived through the story period, I enjoyed the part of Malta even more. I would highly recommend this book and series to everyone interested in historical novels!
I enjoyed the first two books of Harry Gilmour, but this one is the best. I enjoyed the separate aspects of the believable story line. Having visited Malta in 1963 and then in 1981 and talked with people who lived through the story period, I enjoyed the part of Malta even more. I would highly recommend this book and series to everyone interested in historical novels!
March 10, 2019
SO Tense.
Terrific read; so Tense! The descriptions of Malta during the war and the fortitude of those living and serving there are chilling. The matter of Factness surrounding the dying of those involved comes across; this war has its glory though it is surrounded by darkness and death. In amongst all of this are people striving to make sense of it all, to live and to try to love.
Terrific read; so Tense! The descriptions of Malta during the war and the fortitude of those living and serving there are chilling. The matter of Factness surrounding the dying of those involved comes across; this war has its glory though it is surrounded by darkness and death. In amongst all of this are people striving to make sense of it all, to live and to try to love.
August 5, 2017
Another brilliant read
I don't usually read read three books in a row from the same author but these were absolutely gripping. I hope there are more Harry Gilmour books in the pipeline as I would like to read how Harry gets on with his next adventure. This set of books would suit anyone interested in the role of submarine s in WWII as well as those that enjoy adventure fiction.
I don't usually read read three books in a row from the same author but these were absolutely gripping. I hope there are more Harry Gilmour books in the pipeline as I would like to read how Harry gets on with his next adventure. This set of books would suit anyone interested in the role of submarine s in WWII as well as those that enjoy adventure fiction.
October 4, 2019
My father served in the Royal Navy as a CERA submariner all through the second world war and beyond.
So it was this reason I chose to read this book as I was a school girl living in Portsmouth at the time.
I wanted an idea of his life at sea. He was involved in The relief of Malta and all the places mentioned in this book. And many others.
I did not really enjoy the first chapter and nearly gave up as it seemed more a book for the lads!
But I was very pleased I continued as it really opened up the truth of his life.
In old age he started to relive some terrible memories he had experienced and never spoke about in all the years following the war. Trying to save drowning sailers on ships the sub had sank.
This story made me realise that he was the brave man I always believed him to be. He was a wonderful father to me.i miss him dreadfully as old as I am.
His story of his war experiences would take for ever , but as a small child for me the worst was the telegram my mother received saying he was lost at sea when his submarine went down with all hands.
along time later he returned to us...another long story. He had been taken very ill and taken off his boat to hospital. But as all documentation of this was sank no one knew he was safe and in Philadelphia in the USA. So yes this book for me opened up my fathers world I knew not a lot about.
So it was this reason I chose to read this book as I was a school girl living in Portsmouth at the time.
I wanted an idea of his life at sea. He was involved in The relief of Malta and all the places mentioned in this book. And many others.
I did not really enjoy the first chapter and nearly gave up as it seemed more a book for the lads!
But I was very pleased I continued as it really opened up the truth of his life.
In old age he started to relive some terrible memories he had experienced and never spoke about in all the years following the war. Trying to save drowning sailers on ships the sub had sank.
This story made me realise that he was the brave man I always believed him to be. He was a wonderful father to me.i miss him dreadfully as old as I am.
His story of his war experiences would take for ever , but as a small child for me the worst was the telegram my mother received saying he was lost at sea when his submarine went down with all hands.
along time later he returned to us...another long story. He had been taken very ill and taken off his boat to hospital. But as all documentation of this was sank no one knew he was safe and in Philadelphia in the USA. So yes this book for me opened up my fathers world I knew not a lot about.
December 1, 2017
First, I want to thank Amazon for the free Kindle book, which I thoroughly enjoyed, but was initially dubious about starting to read about wartime British submariner's lives. The fine writing by David Black tells of the immense danger and incredible bravery of these crews, by following the very human story of a young and upcoming newcomer to the submarine service. There are detailed technical descriptions of the actual preparations for engaging in stealthy undersea assaults, showing the always present danger of being spotted by enemy aircraft and having to navigate through minefields and depth charges, and the finesse needed to calculate currents and speed and exact timing, it was really a very exciting and engaging read!
October 7, 2017
Quite honestly this guy writes bloody well about 'bloody' subjects; war, that is.
This is the third in the series and it's best to read them in order; although as the personal part of the main character has a personal life, it's barely referred to most of the time.
These books are full of naval operations during WW2 that represent factual ways submarine warfare was conducted, and how the battle of Malta and the Mediterranean was fought.
The first two books were about other theatres of WW2 and just as exciting. If this is something you are interested in, you won't be disappointed.
This is the third in the series and it's best to read them in order; although as the personal part of the main character has a personal life, it's barely referred to most of the time.
These books are full of naval operations during WW2 that represent factual ways submarine warfare was conducted, and how the battle of Malta and the Mediterranean was fought.
The first two books were about other theatres of WW2 and just as exciting. If this is something you are interested in, you won't be disappointed.
October 2, 2020
Having read book three of six in the series, they just keep getting better. Not only are the stories about Sub Lieutenant Harris John Gilmour`S career, during the Second World War, and how he rises in the ranks, but the books are teaching me substantially, about submarines and submariner`S lives.
I cannot stress enough at how good a writer David Black is and that he is well worth reading, even if you are not interested in submarines, as I was not before I started reading the series. I am well and truly hooked.
I cannot stress enough at how good a writer David Black is and that he is well worth reading, even if you are not interested in submarines, as I was not before I started reading the series. I am well and truly hooked.
July 7, 2019
Another great read, I loved following the adventures of Harry Gilmour.An adventure tale of gripping suspense and such an engrossing read. I enjoyed how the scene was set with the ship sailing off the coast of Malta. This really resonated with me because I have family there. I also understood the key historical significance in which this book played. I can't wait for the fourth and last book in this totally enthralling series The Bonny Boy.
August 13, 2019
OUTSTANDING
This is third Gilmour I have read. I would be hard pressed to have imagined it would surpass the first two, but it did. Of all maritime stories I have read (a lot, starting with Mutiny on the Bounty) this series stands in top 5%. historical accuracy, character development and story lines are outstanding. I could not put it down. On to #4 with hopes for more beyond that.
This is third Gilmour I have read. I would be hard pressed to have imagined it would surpass the first two, but it did. Of all maritime stories I have read (a lot, starting with Mutiny on the Bounty) this series stands in top 5%. historical accuracy, character development and story lines are outstanding. I could not put it down. On to #4 with hopes for more beyond that.
July 31, 2020
Turn Left for Gibralter has received many glowing reviews, and for good reason. I haven't read the first two books, but this one is enlightening and entertaining. Once you get into the story, it's fascinating and you want to learn more. I wish David Black would have taken more liberties with Harry Gilmour's personal relationships, but I think his allegiance was more to the facts of the story.
All in all, a good read.
P.S. I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway!
All in all, a good read.
P.S. I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway!
May 10, 2017
There's lots of gritty and dramatic description of submarine actions in the relatively shallow Mediterranean, and the increasingly difficult operational environment on Malta. The book is also very good on the psychological costs of serving in such an environment where your friends disappear regularly, and the war seems never ending.
August 13, 2017
A riveting page turner
I had a hard time putting this book down. It was almost like being there. I could feel the tension and the fear, as I read. Can't wait to read another of David Blacks exciting tails, even if I have trouble interpreting some of the English Navy jargon. It flows like the sea.
I had a hard time putting this book down. It was almost like being there. I could feel the tension and the fear, as I read. Can't wait to read another of David Blacks exciting tails, even if I have trouble interpreting some of the English Navy jargon. It flows like the sea.
August 23, 2017
A superb trilogy.
I have just read the trilogy back to back and thoroughly enjoyed every page. They were well written and fast paced, showing what life was like on the submarines during WWII. You were there, breathing their air, smelling their smells and feeling their fears.
Thank you David for three thoroughly enjoyable reads.
I have just read the trilogy back to back and thoroughly enjoyed every page. They were well written and fast paced, showing what life was like on the submarines during WWII. You were there, breathing their air, smelling their smells and feeling their fears.
Thank you David for three thoroughly enjoyable reads.
April 10, 2019
again.... I feel like I am listerning in on the Submarine version of the Compass Rose
I likened book 2 to "the Cruel Sea" and noted that 2 books of that nature were impressive. The third did not dissapoint at all, and again I am impressed with the storywriter's skill. I would also put him in the class of Alexander Kent, just in a different era...
I likened book 2 to "the Cruel Sea" and noted that 2 books of that nature were impressive. The third did not dissapoint at all, and again I am impressed with the storywriter's skill. I would also put him in the class of Alexander Kent, just in a different era...
December 2, 2019
A suitable successor to Forster and O'Brian
Set in the British WW II submarine service and very similar to Napoleonic naval fiction. An excellent grasp of detail, well paved plots, and enough other stuff going to to keep you wondering. The operating details are brought in in such a way as to not be overwhelming.
Set in the British WW II submarine service and very similar to Napoleonic naval fiction. An excellent grasp of detail, well paved plots, and enough other stuff going to to keep you wondering. The operating details are brought in in such a way as to not be overwhelming.
September 12, 2020
Reads Like Biography
The attention to detail in the narrative is impressive and I'm left with a desire to learn more about the UK's history in the "Silent Service". Despite being fiction, the Harry Gilmour novels made a good companion to serious histories like "Blind Man's Bluff: The Untold Story of American Submarine Espionage" by Sherry Sontag. Excellent reading!
The attention to detail in the narrative is impressive and I'm left with a desire to learn more about the UK's history in the "Silent Service". Despite being fiction, the Harry Gilmour novels made a good companion to serious histories like "Blind Man's Bluff: The Untold Story of American Submarine Espionage" by Sherry Sontag. Excellent reading!
June 8, 2022
Great books
Continuing the Harry Gilmour series finds him in Malta and an excellent relation of events on this island during 1941. The tension can be felt during various sorties and conveys the stresses of being aboard a WW2 submarine. The horrors of war and how people, civilian and military, coped brought very much to life...we should never forget.
Continuing the Harry Gilmour series finds him in Malta and an excellent relation of events on this island during 1941. The tension can be felt during various sorties and conveys the stresses of being aboard a WW2 submarine. The horrors of war and how people, civilian and military, coped brought very much to life...we should never forget.
June 17, 2017
Still keeping up the momentum
The third in this series and still a page turner. Mr. Black puts you in the submarine and every scene. I find myself hoping the war lasts longer so more chapters can be written.
The third in this series and still a page turner. Mr. Black puts you in the submarine and every scene. I find myself hoping the war lasts longer so more chapters can be written.
August 20, 2017
Excellent
Another fine piece of work by David Black on the role of the submarine service in WW2. All three books make for fine reading. Highly recommended. I look forward to the next one with relish.
Another fine piece of work by David Black on the role of the submarine service in WW2. All three books make for fine reading. Highly recommended. I look forward to the next one with relish.
August 23, 2017
All the dits
Not a bad book on the whole but scattered with all the sits and sea stories I have ever heard and some in context and others not so, a good yarn not taken too literally I hope
Not a bad book on the whole but scattered with all the sits and sea stories I have ever heard and some in context and others not so, a good yarn not taken too literally I hope
January 2, 2018
Good read
Not my usual reading material but enjoyed reading this story. My dad did his National Service in the Royal Marines and has been fascinated by naval history since. Think he would enjoy this too, as did some training on Malta
Not my usual reading material but enjoyed reading this story. My dad did his National Service in the Royal Marines and has been fascinated by naval history since. Think he would enjoy this too, as did some training on Malta
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews