ADMIRAL VAT SMITH

ADMIRAL VAT SMITH
by Graeme Lunn 


(As a fan of the Swordfish, I may be slightly bias)
If you haven't already been drawn to this book by the fabulous front cover, then the 'extraordinary life' it mentions will hopefully tempt you to add it to your wishlist.
This is my second & rather edited down review. Reason being, in trying to include just some of Victor Alfred Trumper Smith's achievements, my first review was turning into a book, in itself!

In 1927, aged just thirteen, Victor joined the Royal Australian Navy as a cadet mid-shipman. He would retire in 1975 as Sir Victor, with the rank of Admiral. The only man to do so.
Along with his many promotions,  a host of medals & commendations had also  previously been awarded.

In the second world war he was shot down & rescued from the sea on several occasions. 
VAT would be forced to abandon ship following enemy attacks, on several occasions. 
Through a barrage of flak, he led an attack on the German battlecruiser Scharnhorst, that cost the Squadron two of its six Fairey Swordfish. There was no thought of turning back.
All this & yet with no pun intended, we have hardly touched the surface.

VAT turned down every offer of a biography, only in later life was he persuaded to talk about some aspects of his career. Others too horrific to share, stayed private.
Such a remarkable life that deserves to be better known, yet VAT was of that generation that didn't like to talk about it. 
This book has arrived over twenty years since VAT sadly passed away.
Graeme Lunn & the Australian publisher have done a tremendous job & I wish this new release every success. It is a truly wonderful read.

The book is published by Avonmore Books & available to buy via Casemate Publishing. 
I thank Casemate UK for this review copy. 

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