MASTERMIND OF DUNKIRK AND D-DAY

MASTERMIND OF DUNKIRK AND D-DAY 
By Brian Izzard. 

In a remarkable career, Sir Bertram Ramsey first joined the navy as a teenage cadet way back in 1898, before working his way up the navy's ranks.
Described as a perfectionist, Ramsey had a firm set of values that he expected those around him to also keep. He also wasn't afraid to share his thoughts with the higher ranks of the service regarding how the navy should improve. This unsurprisingly did not go down particularly well, as readers will learn.
Whilst Commanding a ship he was known to be strict but alongside that, his fairness still made him a popular officer amongst his crews. 
In personal letters to his then future wife, the men may have been rather surprised by a hidden softer side.

Famously remembered for his role in organising the Dunkirk evacuation, the book provides a day-by-day account through its most crucial days. Based in his headquarters under Dover Castle, he would share the stress he felt, along with those around him, in letters to his wife. 
When the evacuation was over he would receive commendations and a knighthood, but he felt 'such a fraud' as it had all been been a group effort.

Ramsey continued to organise sea and air patrols for both Britain's defence and to attack enemy shipping. 
More promotions would follow along with a move to Whitehall. Here he would be heavily involved with the planning for Operation Torch and Husky, the 1943 invasions of North Africa and Sicily, followed by Operation Overlord or D-Day the following year.
At the start of 1945 Ramsey was now based in France and had arranged a meeting with Field Marshall Montgomery at his headquarters at Brussels for the 2nd of January. The trip was to be made by air aboard a United States Army Air Force Hudson. Taking off at 11.15 am, it almost immediately stalled and crashed into the ground, killing all onboard. Bertram Ramsey was 61.
An enquiry would follow, led by his widow. It conclusion was pilot's error.

Sir Bertram Ramsey's remarkable career and wartime service clearly has left a legacy for generations to admire. Thankfully through enjoyable books like Brian Izzard's, we can all learn more about both the man and his life.

The hardback book is available now published by Casemate Publishing. I thank Script Books for this review copy. 

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