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Operation Zenith

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Captain Hans Brant has some large boots to fill…

His father, Peter Brant, had been something of a hero during the Great War between 1914 and 1918.

Now that, once again, war had broken out across Europe and indeed, the world, Hans had his chance to fight bravely for his homeland.

Hans had lost his parents at the young age of eight when they were swept away by an avalanche on a skiing holiday in Austria.

This traumatic event had affected him greatly, however he was taken in by his loving Aunt and Uncle; Miguel and Gudrun Olmedo who lived in Argentina.

Having grown up in Argentina, when the war began Hans faced the possibility of fighting within the comparatively pitiful Argentinian army.

However, thanks to the weight his father’s name he managed to pull some strings and fight for his homeland.

Although not an ardent Nazi, Hans appreciated what Germany’s new and very excitable leader, Adolf Hitler, was doing for his country.

He felt that in Germany’s time of strife, a strong leader was needed, whether he be something of a dictator or not.

Hans’ second in command, however, was a firm believer in the Nazi ideology.

First Lieutenant Franz Reger was a graduate from the Hitler Youth Movement for whom the Fuehrer was a god who could do no wrong.

For Brant during the years since his return to Germany the Nazi regime and all it stood for had presented less and less attraction.

Now, in the middle of the war, he and his team of highly trained elites were to be recruited for a high-profile propaganda mission.

They were to infiltrate the Ocean Zenith, a troop and supply ship, and bring it to Germany.

His job is made all the harder by the difficult, Lieutenant Reger as well as the British gunners who will to anything to thwart the success of Hans’ mission.

How will he ever live up to his father’s name?




‘Moves swiftly through coincidence and suspense, action and violence to a wholly unexpected denouement.’ – British Book News

‘A crisp storyline and credible characters make it a cracker of a tale’ - Bolton Evening News

‘A Grim and exciting tale’ – Sheffield Star

‘There is the tang of the sea and plenty of excitement’ – Birmingham Mail


James Pattinson (1915-2009) was a full-time author who, despite having travelled throughout the world, lived in the remote village where he grew up. He wrote magazine articles, short stories and radio features as well as numerous novels including Crane and The Silent Voyage .

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2002

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About the author

James Pattinson

144 books13 followers
James Pattinson was a prolific British author of over a 100 mystery thrillers.

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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,401 reviews140 followers
March 13, 2022
Operation zenith by James Pattinson.
Captain Hans Brant has some large boots to fill…
His father, Peter Brant, had been something of a hero during the Great War between 1914 and 1918. Now that, once again, war had broken out across Europe and indeed, the world, Hans had his chance to fight bravely for his homeland. Hans had lost his parents at the young age of eight when they were swept away by an avalanche on a skiing holiday in Austria.
This traumatic event had affected him greatly, however he was taken in by his loving Aunt and Uncle; Miguel and Gudrun Olmedo who lived in Argentina. Having grown up in Argentina, when the war began Hans faced the possibility of fighting within the comparatively pitiful Argentinian army. However, thanks to the weight his father’s name he managed to pull some strings and fight for his homeland. Although not an ardent Nazi, Hans appreciated what Germany’s new and very excitable leader, Adolf Hitler, was doing for his country. He felt that in Germany’s time of strife, a strong leader was needed, whether he be something of a dictator or not. Hans’ second in command, however, was a firm believer in the Nazi ideology. First Lieutenant Franz Reger was a graduate from the Hitler Youth Movement for whom the Fuehrer was a god who could do no wrong. For Brant during the years since his return to Germany the Nazi regime and all it stood for had presented less and less attraction.
Now, in the middle of the war, he and his team of highly trained elites were to be recruited for a high-profile propaganda mission. They were to infiltrate the Ocean Zenith, a troop and supply ship, and bring it to Germany. His job is made all the harder by the difficult, Lieutenant Reger as well as the British gunners who will to anything to thwart the success of Hans’ mission.
How will he ever live up to his father’s name?
A very good read with good characters. I did enjoy this book. Great story. 4*.
346 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2021
Just NO

This story had the makings of a good book. Unfortunately the author didn't deliver on the promise.

Although the plot is semi-credible, it moves rather slowly. Be prepared for characters of little depth but more often just stereotypes. I had no affinity for any. The ending is highly unsatisfactory and I remain puzzled by the loose threads.
Profile Image for Chaplain Stanley Chapin.
1,978 reviews22 followers
March 4, 2023
I debated a three-star or four, it probably was a three and a half. Easy read, but rather shallow, it does not have a lot of substance. it occurs during World War Two. I have read this author before, all were much better than this one.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews

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