The compelling stories of the yachtsmen volunteers of World War II 

In Uncommon Courage, Julia Jones tells the stories of the yachtsmen volunteers of World War II, from famous names such as Sir Peter Scott and Nicholas Monsarrat to ordinary sailors – from the typesetters, lawyers, publishers, university students to the businessmen and designers, who loved sailing and risked their lives to aid the war effort.

Venue: Harwich Library, Upper Kingsway, Dovercourt, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3JT

Date and time: Tuesday 7th June, 7.00pm

Tickets: £8 / £7 concessions (Students, Under 27s and Jobseekers)

Box Office: Book online or via Mercury Theatre 01206 573948 (10am – 8pm Tuesday to Saturday)

Uncommon Courage: The Yachtsmen Volunteers of World War II by Julia Jones

Julia Jones was searching through items stored at her house and discovered old written material – accounts by her father of his experiences in the RNVSR (Royal Naval Volunteer Supplementary Reserve). Julia had met some of the people mentioned, and although she was too young to truly know them, these memories encouraged her to delve into their history. 

In Uncommon Courage, Julia tells the stories of the yachtsmen volunteers of World War II, from famous names such as Sir Peter Scott and Nicholas Monsarrat to ordinary sailors – from the typesetters, lawyers, publishers, university students to the businessmen and designers, who loved sailing and risked their lives to aid the war effort. 

Many of the volunteers found themselves in remarkable situations, from commanding destroyers and submarines, to undertaking covert missions of sabotage. Some undertook the dangerous daily drudgery of minesweeping; others tackled unexploded bombs, engaged the enemy in high-speed attacks or played key roles in Ian Fleming’s famous intelligence commandos. 

This varied crew of courageous men were given tasks requiring endurance, extraordinary bravery, resourcefulness and quick thinking. Some died in the process, but for those who survived, their experiences inevitably changed them forever. Including moving extracts from letters and diaries written by the volunteers, this book is a fascinating exploration of those who were part of the RNVSR at such a significant time in history. 

Buy a copy of Uncommon Courage on bookshop.org

About the Author

Julia Jones is an English writer, editor and classic yacht owner whose own father served in the RNVSR. She is Literary Contributor for Yachting Monthly Magazine. Julia is the proud owner of Arthur Ransome’s yacht called Peter Duck.

Find out more about Julia Jones – golden-duck.co.uk

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