For the critical years of WWII the key role of the Royal Navy in the Mediterranean was to interrupt the flow of Axis supplies to Rommel’s armies in North Africa. The possession of Malta, right on the supply lines, allowed this role to be carried out. The author, in command of the 10th Submarine Flotilla, played a central and unique role in this battle. In incredible conditions, and under a furiously mounting air bombardment, which at times exceeded the full force of the German bombardment of England during the battle of Britain, Commander Simpson operated the fragile submarines and to press the attack against enemy shipping despite appalling submarine losses both at sea and in harbor.

This is a remarkable memoir by a man who rarely had a commonplace reaction to a full and dangerous life of brilliant submarine service.