On 14 October 1939, HMS Royal Oak, one of the British navy’s top battleships, was destroyed at the Royal Navy’s main anchorage at Scapa Flow, Orkney. The audacious attack, by a German U-boat, was the first major blow against Britain of the Second World War. Over 800 lives were lost, including sailors as young as 14.

This book is a revealing account of the tragedy. Told through declassified photographs and naval records, as well as statements from survivors, it is a dramatic and moving reassessment of one of the most shattering events in British naval history.

David Turner has worked in TV, radio and newspapers. He was also a pilot for British European Airways and a marketing director at British Steel.  His close personal connection with the sinking of the Royal Oak – his uncle was one of those lost when it was torpedoed – resulted in a lifelong interest in the terrible tragedy.