? Telling the gripping story of the mercy ships of the Second World War Behind the scenes during the Second World War, agreements were negotiated for the safe exchange and repatriation of wounded or gravely ill prisoners, "Protected Personnel", diplomats, civilians and alien internees, a little-known dimension of the war. Conducted under the oversight of the International Red Cross and through neutral intermediaries, exchanges were arranged individually between Allied nations and the Axis belligerents. A group of some 50 ships, many in special livery, were uniquely engaged in this highly dangerous work, sailing through hostile waters alone and undefended, and conspicuously illuminated at night. Constantly at risk of attack by submarine and aircraft, their safety depended on the transmission, receipt and observance of "safe passage" commands to the armed units in their paths. This book describes these special ships and details the exchange missions they took part in. AUTHOR: David L. Williams is a professional photography and author, previously responsible for the entire aircraft and hovercraft in-service support operation of Westland Aerospace. Always fascinated by shipping, he spent time working aboard lighthouse tenders and cable layers. He has written some 30 books on shipping and related subjects including 'Cabin Class Rivals', 'In the Shadow of Titanic: Ships Lost with Greater Fatalities' and 'J. Samuel White, Shipbuilders' for The History Press. He lives on the Isle of Wight. SELLING POINTS: ? The first book to identify and describe in detail all the ships engaged in the repatriation of wartime diplomats, civilians and prisoners ? The prospect of attack and severe loss of life were a constant cause for anxiety for those involved in these operations ? Timed for 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War ? With many previously unpublished illustrations 150 b/w and 10 colour illustrations
