A Leaf upon the Sea

The Mediterranean Sea in World War II was the scene of prolonged andviolent naval warfare between the British and the Axis powers, Italyand Germany. The stories of the major squadrons and their admirals havebeen told, as their actions led directly to the outcomes. Here is thetale of the smallest surface ships, their officers and men who, at thevery tip of British sea power in that disputed sea, played vital rolesin making possible the successes of the more famous forces. It is toldby one of them -- a Canadian on loan to the Royal Navy who took aleading part from the lowest ebb in British fortunes through thestruggle against almost overwhelming odds to the climax of the firstlandings on the continent of Europe.

The select 3rd Flotilla of Motor Launches was the first to go abroadfrom the British Isles and the only one sent into the eye of the stormas the larger ships were driven out. Stead recalls passages in disguisethrough hostile waters, stand-up fights with aircraft, the siege andblitz of Malta, major convoy battles, minesweeping in the forefront ofthe action, and the landings that drove Mussolini's Italy out ofthe war. He not only records specific contributions to the Allied causeunique for vessels of this type but also gives a front-row view of thebattle for the central Mediterranean.

Stead also tells of the "sea change" wrought in him underfire. Fresh from civilian life, and after sketchy basic training, hewas thrust into command to learn the essentials of his new professionon the job under the urgent pressure of events. Ultimately SeniorOfficer of "the famed Malta flotilla," he notes his feelingsas each successive increase in the menaces of war produced an inneradaptation that enabled him and his colleagues to rise calmly to thechallenge of the next adventure.