If the Gods Are Good: The Epic Sacrifice of HMS Jervis Bay

By Gerald L. Duskin, Ralph Segman, Gerald Duskin

Book Overview

The authors deliver a stirring account of one of the greatest David-and-Goliath stories in the annals of sea fights: the sacrificial defense of a British convoy by its escort Jervis Bay against... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1591148197
• ISBN13: 9781591148197
• Release Date: September 2004
• Publisher: US Naval Institute Press
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.92 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.4" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

Fascinating Story

In my reading of naval history I had encountered multiple mentions of the Jervis Bay/Sheer action without any details of the battle. This book satisfies my curiosity completely. The author details how the hard-pressed Royal Navy was forced to fall back on these armed merchant cruisers because there weren't enough proper warships available. The details of modifying the Jervis Bay and then manning of the ship are engrossing and revealing. When we read of the actual battle, we see both the valour of the British crewmen and the leadership of their officers. At the same time we learn how the strictures placed on the German commander affected his mindset in dealing with the Jervis Bay. I especially liked the little tidbit of why the Sheer was delayed for so long trying to sink a ship that was no more than a floating target early in the the battle. Some unknown minion in the Admiralty had a brilliant idea that paid off in action and probably saved many lives that day.

another winner!!

Even though my naval Sea Duty experience was limited to three summer Naval ROTC cruises, I appreciated the well composed nature of this thrilling book about courage on the high sea. It reminded me of the heroism against Japanese enemy odds of our destroyers in " The Last of the Tin Can Sailors" by Hornfisher. Also the story of Captain Carlsen of the "Flying Enterprise", which will be on the Discovery Channel soon. What motivated Captain Fegan of the Jervis Bay to sacrifice his ship so that the majority of his convoy could escape? Was it the tradition of his forebears' naval service? Was it because he was a bachelor who had no family that would be harmed by his death? Was it his religions faith? Or was it specific orders from his superior officers? We are left with no clear answer, only innuendo. Also why was his ship the only one assigned to guard 37 mercantmen? The Canadians "were not equipped." Later in the war, convoys were assigned more extensive protection. Did Britain wish to conserve its forces for the hoped for main fleet battle with the Geman Navy? Couldn't a few British men of war be spared for convoy duty? Any German invasion of Britain could be best defended against by the RAF. Did the Navy fail to see the change of Sea Power from ships to Air and aircraft carriers? The authors refer to the British boiler crew as the "black squad." In the American Navy we call them the "Black Gang." Which is more descriptive to you? I agree with one of the other reviewers who said it would make a great Movie. Great, but expensive!!

Amazing Story Finally Given Life!

While I was aware of some of the Jervis Bay story, the authors bring several new parts of it to life. These include the comments by the King and Prime Minister Churchill, the epilogue part about the German spy aboard one of the convoy vessels, and the most important part, the crew's details of the battle against the Admiral Scheer. The authors have written the story in such an exciting and commanding style that I had to finish the book in one sitting. Can't wait for the movie, as the men of the Jervis Bay deserve more recognition. Congratulations to the authors!

The best book of it's type I've ever read !!

What makes this book so exciting is that it tells a World War II story I was not aware of. And it is so beautifully written that I had trouble putting it down. No reader who loves a true tale of wartime courage will be disappointed

Epic Story, Great Book

The story of the HMS Jervis Bay is the modern day tale of a David verus Goliath-like battle between this convoy escort and the mighty German pocket battleship, Admiral Scheer. Because of the bravery and determination of the Jervis Bay's Captain, E.S. Fogarty Fegen, and of her crew, the majority of the convoy that this ship was escorting was able to make it to its final destination, thereby delivering much needed supplies to a war torn Great Britain. All were heroes whose story deserved to be told. Both authors have done a magnificant job recreating the action that took place on that fateful day. They have really done justice to the men of the HMS Jervis Bay. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in WWII or in naval history. I gurantee that the reader will not be disappointed.