Struck by Lightning

by John Dann, Eric Gilroy

This is a first-hand account of the life and death of HMS Lightning a typical World War Two British L class destroyer and her ship's company. It was developed from a small original account that Eric Gilroy wrote on his father's behalf for the 50th anniversary of the sinking of his favourite ship. It contains many photos and documents featuring the ship's technical details together with the history of previous Lightning's over 250 years. It covers the critical years from 1941 to 1943, with convoy actions and rescues, Madagascar and North African landings. The story tells of the feelings and experiences of the young company, drawn from villages and towns throughout the United Kingdom, as well as New Zealand and Argentina. John Dann's added research includes an updated list of the ship's company, details of the German Kriegsmarine officers, and their S-boat records. He also explains many naval terms for the new reader; with helpful links for further reading. The revised edition is dedicated to the Sea Cadet Corps in Doncaster, whose town adopted the ship after a successful Warship Savings Week in 1942, and whose predecessors formed Training Ship T/S Lightning which is still active today.

165 pages, Paperback

Published December 18, 2012

About the author

Born in Gwaunfarren House Merthyr Tydfil. A Welsh childhood fed his love of rugby, and a life-long fascination with poetry, history and the sea. After school, a season as a barman at Butlins, hitch-hiking through Europe, he joined the illustrious travel firm of Thomas Cook in London. Whilst moonlighting at Norman Balon's Coach & Horses pub in Bohemian Soho. Served briefly in the Royal Naval Reserve. Widely travelled, and an incurable romantic. Now lives in Cornwall.